Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park offers exceptional RV camping across 12+ campgrounds with over 500 sites, featuring Canada's first Dark Sky Preserve, unique lodgepole pine forests rising 1,392 meters above sea level, and year-round outdoor adventures. Warlodge Campground provides 79 electric hookup sites in Saskatchewan's Centre Block, while Medicine Hat RV rentals and Swift Current camper options offer prime access to this unique interprovincial wonderland—the highest point in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains—welcoming visitors to pristine prairie wilderness and world-class stargazing.
What Makes Cypress Hills the Ultimate RV Destination?
Rising dramatically 600 meters above the surrounding plains, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park captures the unexpected majesty of Canada's prairie wilderness. Famous for being Canada's first and only interprovincial park (established 1989), this unique ecosystem spans the Saskatchewan-Alberta border and escaped the last ice age, creating a remarkable island of boreal forest in the middle of the Great Plains. Cypress Hills is home to the only naturally occurring lodgepole pine forest found on the prairies in Canada, along with North America's first designated Dark Sky Preserve, where visitors witness spectacular celestial displays impossible to see anywhere else on the continent.
You will be in store for a world of limitless adventure during your RV trip to Cypress Hills, from hiking over 50 kilometers of scenic trails to world-class trout fishing in crystal-clear streams. The park offers something truly special: access to Fort Walsh National Historic Site, where you can step back to 1875 and experience life at a Northwest Mounted Police outpost. There's no shortage of great spots for wildlife viewing and photography, from the conglomerate cliffs of the West Block to panoramic vistas at Bald Butte and Lookout Point. You can even experience thrilling zipline adventures through the forest canopy with TreeOsix Adventure Parks or enjoy disc golf, horseback riding, and paddling on pristine lakes.
The summer is the peak season for RVers and visitors since temperatures typically reach a pleasant 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68-77°F). The late spring and early fall are wonderful times to visit, with mild temperatures, vibrant wildflower displays, and less crowded campgrounds. In the colder months, Cypress Hills transforms into a winter recreation paradise. With groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing paths, ice fishing on three lakes, tobogganing at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, and phenomenal winter stargazing with aurora displays, there are countless ways to explore this breathtaking setting year-round. No matter when you take your RV road trip to Cypress Hills, you will be in for an unforgettable adventure combining prairie spirit with mountain majesty.
The park's elevation at 1,392 meters above sea level makes it the highest point in Canada between Labrador and the Rocky Mountains, creating unique microclimates and ecosystems found nowhere else on the prairies. This elevation also contributes to the park's status as one of the darkest, largest, and most easily accessible dark-sky preserves in North America.
RV Rentals in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Transportation
Driving
You can access Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park through multiple entrances across both provinces. The park consists of three distinct blocks: the Centre Block and West Block in Saskatchewan, plus the Alberta side. From Medicine Hat, AB, take Highway 41 south approximately 65 kilometers to reach the Alberta entrance near Elkwater. From Swift Current, SK, take Highway 21 south through Maple Creek, then Highway 221 west to reach the Saskatchewan Centre Block. The West Block Wilderness Area is accessed via Highway 271. All main park roads are well-maintained and suitable for RVs year-round, though winter conditions require caution. Most campground roads are gravel or paved and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length at select campgrounds.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Alberta Gateway Access: Medicine Hat positions you perfectly for the Cypress Hills' Alberta entrance, located just over one hour south of the city. This route provides direct access to Elkwater Lake, the resort village amenities, and all Alberta-side campgrounds, including Beaver Creek, Elkwater, and Firerock. Medicine Hat offers comprehensive RV services, propane refills, and major grocery stores.
Saskatchewan Eastern Access: Swift Current offers access to both Saskatchewan blocks of the park, approximately 130 kilometers southwest. This location serves as an excellent base for exploring the Centre Block's Dark Sky Observatory, Warlodge Campground, and the remote West Block Wilderness Area, while providing access to Saskatchewan's largest city amenities between Cypress Hills and Regina.
Parking
You can park your RV or vehicle at campgrounds, day-use areas, and parking lots near major attractions throughout both provinces' park sections. Parking is available at the Visitor Centre in Elkwater, trailheads including Spring Creek and Spruce Coulee, Fort Walsh National Historic Site, and the Dark Sky Observatory in Saskatchewan's Centre Block. Parking may be more limited during peak summer weekends, especially near Elkwater Lake beaches and TreeOsix Adventure Parks. In winter, parking remains accessible at select locations near groomed ski trails and the ice fishing access points.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is not available to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Campsites in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Reservations camping
Alberta Side - Serviced Campgrounds
Beaver Creek Campground offers 20 premium sites with full hookups (water, power, and sewer) available for reservation. This is one of only two campgrounds in the entire park offering full three-way hookups, making it highly desirable for larger RVs and extended stays.
Elkwater Campground is the largest on the Alberta side with 80 sites featuring water and electric hookups. Open from May to October, this popular campground provides excellent access to Elkwater Lake beaches, boat launch, resort village restaurants and shops, and TreeOsix Adventure Parks. Modern washrooms with showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, and a playground make this ideal for families. Sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. Reservations are essential during the summer months.
Firerock Campground (Alberta Side) features 71 sites with electric hookups in a stunning setting near the park's distinctive rock formations. This campground offers a balance of modern amenities and natural beauty, with reservations available through Alberta Parks.
Lakeview Campground provides 13 sites with water and electric hookups in a premium lakeside location. As the name suggests, these sites offer spectacular views of Elkwater Lake and are highly sought after. Early booking is essential.
Old Baldy Campground offers 19 sites with water and power hookups available for reservation. This campground provides quieter surroundings while maintaining convenient access to park amenities.
Saskatchewan Centre Block - Serviced Campgrounds
Warlodge Campground is Saskatchewan's primary serviced campground with 79 sites, all featuring electrical hookups. Open from May to October, this family-friendly campground offers modern washrooms with showers, running water, playgrounds, and proximity to the Dark Sky Observatory and Visitor Centre. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Located in the Centre Block's scenic lodgepole pine forest, Warlodge provides convenient access to hiking trails, disc golf, a swimming pool complex with a hot tub and sauna, and the resort village amenities. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire pit. Reservations are strongly recommended through Saskatchewan Parks' booking system.
Terrace Campground offers a mix of serviced and unserviced sites in the Centre Block. This well-maintained campground provides electrical hookups at select sites and features washrooms, access to water, playground facilities, and beautiful forest surroundings. The campground's terraced layout provides privacy between sites and scenic views across the hills.
Rainbow, Terrace and Meadows Campgrounds in Saskatchewan Portion of the Park
Terrace Campground offers a mix of serviced and unserviced sites in the Centre Block. This well-maintained campground provides electrical hookups at select sites and features washrooms, access to water, playground facilities, and beautiful forest surroundings. The campground's terraced layout provides privacy between sites and scenic views across the hills.
Rainbow Campground provides additional serviced options in the Centre Block with electrical hookups and modern amenities. This campground is popular with families seeking convenient access to Elkwater resort facilities and park activities while maintaining a quieter, more secluded atmosphere than larger campgrounds.
Meadows Campground offers both serviced and unserviced sites surrounded by meadow and forest landscapes. This campground is ideal for stargazing due to its open meadow setting within the Dark Sky Preserve, providing unobstructed views of the night sky while maintaining modern camping conveniences.
Saskatchewan - Unserviced Campgrounds
Battle Creek Campground features nine unserviced sites plus four walk-in tent sites in the remote West Block Wilderness Area. Open seasonally, this rustic campground offers exceptional access to Battle Creek's renowned trout fishing for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The campground provides a true backcountry experience with vault toilets and basic amenities. Reservations accepted. Sites accommodate smaller RVs and are perfect for anglers and wilderness seekers.
Ferguson Hill Campground offers 50 unserviced sites in a beautiful forested setting. Available for reservation, this campground provides a quieter alternative to busier Centre Block campgrounds while maintaining good road access. Ideal for RVers seeking a more natural camping experience without sacrificing convenience.
Lodgepole Campground features 49 unserviced sites nestled among characteristic lodgepole pines. Reservations accepted. This campground offers excellent trail access and wildlife viewing opportunities in an authentic prairie-forest transitional habitat.
Reesor Lake Campground provides excellent access to trout fishing and paddling opportunities. Reservations accepted. The campground sits in a scenic location with 33 unserviced sites plus seven walk-in tent sites, perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking quieter waters than busy Elkwater Lake.
Reesor Dock Campground
This smaller 10-site campground operates first-come, first-served and offers lakeside camping at Reesor Lake with easy boat launch access for anglers and paddlers.
Firerock Campground (Saskatchewan Side)
Firerock offers 68 unserviced sites available for reservation in a scenic rocky landscape that showcases the park's unique conglomerate cliff geology.
Spruce Coulee Campground
Spruce Coulee features nine walk-in tent sites that can be reserved, perfect for those seeking a backcountry experience with lakeside access to Spruce Coulee Reservoir.
Alberta Side - Unserviced & Specialty Campgrounds
Ferguson Hill Campground (Alberta)
Ferguson Hill on the Alberta side provides 50 unserviced sites in a forested setting, offering a more rustic camping experience with good road access.
Lodgepole Campground (Alberta)
Lodgepole offers 49 unserviced sites among the characteristic pine forests that give the Cypress Hills its unique character.
Reesor Dock and Reesor Lake Campgrounds
These smaller campgrounds provide unserviced lakeside camping perfect for fishing enthusiasts targeting rainbow trout.
First-come first-served
Spring Creek Equestrian Campground
Spring Creek Equestrian Campground offers nine first-come, first-served sites specifically designed for horse camping. Located in a meadow and open pine forest setting, this campground includes corrals and accommodates RVs. Perfect for those wishing to explore the park's extensive equestrian trails on horseback. The campground provides access to trailheads and is popular during the summer months with riders exploring the Cypress Hills' diverse landscapes.
Seasonal activities in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
In-Season
Go Fishing
When it comes to trout fishing in Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills has some of the province’s best opportunities. Battle Creek, which is located in the west block wilderness area is a great place to find rainbow, brown and brook trout. Fly fishermen and ultra light spin fishermen will particularly enjoy the fishing in the area. Loch Leven, which is located in center block, is a great place to catch brook and rainbow trout, with fly fishing being the most effective option. Boiler Creek in center block is also a popular fishing spot. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the park while you cast a line and fish.
Hiking
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is an excellent place to go hiking. The center block of Cypress Hills offers 27 km (16.77 miles) of hiking trails while the west block offers 16 km (9.94 miles) of hiking trails. Hikes of all levels can be taken in the park; from self-guided interpretive trails to significantly challenging hikes, the park has a hike for everyone. The park’s most challenging trail is the Trans Canada Trail, which travels through both the center block and west block, offers excellent views and is recommended for seasoned hikers only. No matter what trail or trails you choose to explore, keep your eyes open for wildlife!
Swimming and Boating
There are many opportunities for water recreation at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Kayaking and canoeing are popular and the park is a great place to engage in both as only boats that are under 5 horsepower are allowed on Loch Leven. This makes for excellent conditions for paddle boating and paddleboarding as well. There is also a swimming area and a beach where you can play and then take a dip to cool off. On the third Saturday in June the Cypress Hills Leisure pool opens; the pool includes a hot tub, sauna and grassy area on which to relax and sunbathe. When it comes to water, there is something for everyone at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park!
Off-Season
Go Snowmobiling
If you are hoping to engage in the exhilarating experience of snowmobiling, you can find the opportunity to do so at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. While snowmobiling is not allowed in the west block, there is a designated snowmobile area in the center block that opens once the depth of the snow reaches at least 12 inches. Call ahead before your visit to learn whether the area is open and if it is, prepare to enjoy the park by snowmobile! You will have the opportunity to take in gorgeous views of the park from your snowmobile while breathing in cool, fresh air.
Hit the Trails
When the snow starts to fall, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park’s trails, both groomed and natural, become perfect for a variety of winter activities. Cross country skiing, for example, is an excellent way to explore the park and get some exercise during the winter months. You can also choose to snowshoe on the trails or even give fat biking a try. Rentals are available, so don’t worry if you lack gear for these activities or don’t have room in your RV. There are even classes that will help you learn to cross country ski. Don’t let the snow keep you off the trails; in fact, snow provides a whole new set of activities on the trail!
Spend Time in Elkwater
The Elkwater area of the park offers all sorts of winter activities for you to engage in. There is a snow luge, which is a very large banked slide that is made from snow, tobogganing hill, an ice skating trail, a hockey rink and trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, among other activities. There are also backcountry huts available for rental. A few minutes away from Elkwater is Hidden Valley, where you can engage in downhill skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of options for a warm meal after your outdoor activities in Elkwater; fuel up so that you can embark on some more adventure!
