Offering rolling hills and lakes that are well-stocked with fish, Duck Mountain Provincial Park offers an experience in a boreal forest with numerous recreation opportunities. Located in Saskatchewan, the park is located 14 km (8.7 miles) east of Kamsack and its boundaries reach 12 km (7.45 miles) east toward Saskatchewan’s boundary with Manitoba. Duck Mountain Provincial Park includes 150 square kilometers (93.2 square miles).
The area where Duck Mountain Provincial Park is located constitutes the southern limit of the boreal forest in its transition zone to aspen parkland. While in the park you will encounter a variety of trees, to include White Spruce, Black Spruce, Tamarack Larch, Trembling Aspen, Balsam Poplar and Paper Birch. Aa a result of the flatter land areas that surround the park having nearly all been transformed into cereal grain farmland, the park has become an environment refuge of sorts for numerous large animals, like elk, moose, black bears, bobcats, lynx and timber wolves.
The park has plenty of things available for you to do. For example, you can fish for pike, walleye or perch in Madge Lake, which is spring-fed, or fish in any of the park’s other lakes. Those who enjoy biking can spend some time cycling a portion of the Trans Canada Trail (also known as The Great Trail) or cruise on an interpretive trail. There are plenty of options for hiking and activities in water.
Combine the beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities and exciting activities to engage in and you have the ideal location for your next RV adventure!
When looking to get to Duck Mountain Provincial Park from Kamsack, head east on Sk-5 E toward 4th Avenue for 7.4 km (4.6 miles). Continue on Saskatchewan 57 (West); proceed for 17.5 km (10.9 miles) and look for signs for Madge Lake/Saskatchewan 57. You will then turn left and enter the park after proceeding for 2.3 km (1.4 miles).
Parking is available throughout the park.
There is no public transportation available to Duck Mountain Provincial Park. It is possible to take a bus to Kamsack, where you can rent a car and drive the rest of the way to the park.
Moose, Elk and Deer are Group Campgrounds within Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Moose Group Campground offers a covered shelter and central camp kitchen, along with 12 individual sites surround by trees. A firepit, barbecue and picnic table are all located at the group campground. The Elk Group Campground includes electric hook-ups and a covered shelter, with 12 individual campsites surrounding a camp kitchen. Deer Group Campground is an open area where groups can set up individual tents or park small camping vehicles. A camp kitchen, shelter, barbecue and fire pit are a part of the group site. All three group sites offer access to restrooms.
Fern and Sellwood are smaller campgrounds; Fern includes 18 sites and Sellwood offers 11 sites. The sites at Fern Campground are close to Madge Lake, and some offer electric hook-ups while other sites are unserviced. Toilets are available within Fern Campground and it is a short walk to access other amenities, like laundry facilities and the playground. Water is available within the campground. The sites at Sellwood Campground do not offer electrical hookups and are ideal for tent camping or for small RV’s and trailers. A restroom with toilets is available within the small campground.
With 59 campsites, Poplar Campground is located south of the Spruce Campground. Electric hook-ups are available and some of the sites offer views of Madge Lake. The campground is able to accommodate RV’s and trailers that are up to 32 feet in length and sites are shaded or semi-shaded, with a barbecue and a picnic table. A restroom with showers is located within the campground and the playground, laundry facilities, store and visitor center are all to the campground’s northwest. Poplar campground offers easy access to the lake as well as to boating opportunities, making it an ideal place to settle for the evening after a fun-filled day of adventure!
Not only can you spend some time cross country skiing at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, you can engage in some downhill skiing at the Duck Mountain Ski Area. Located on the southern edge of Duck Mountain Provincial Park, ski area offers 21 runs; 25% are ideal for beginners, 50% for intermediate skiers and 25% of the runs are advanced. Three lifts service the area, along with a beginner Carpet lift. There is even a Junior Tube run for those who want to experience speeding down the hill without having to put on skis. Rentals are available on site.
A popular winter activity at Duck Mountain Provincial Park is snowmobiling. The park includes nearly 70 km (43.49) of marked trails that are maintained through the winter. Trails in the park link into networks of surrounding clubs, meaning that you can explore the park, as well as travel to the town of Kamsack, which is located to the west. There are also warm-up cabins available for when you are ready for a break. Regardless of your skill level, when looking to explore Duck Mountain Provincial Park by snowmobile, there is a perfect trail for you!
Duck Mountain Provincial Park’s trail system offers trails for more than hiking; during the winter months, you can explore the trails while on cross country skis. Check out the Boreal Forest Nature Trail (1 km, .62 miles), Pelly Point Trail (4.4 km, 2.73 miles) and best for advanced skiers) and the Woodland Nature Trail (2 km, 1.24 miles) among many others. Many of the trails are groomed in the winter by the Kamsack Ski Club, both for classical and skate skiing, ensuring that you will be able to find one that works for your ability level. Enjoy the park’s beautiful scenery and revel in its solitude during the off-season.
Located west of the Birch Campgrounds, the Spruce Campground includes 83 individual campsites, right on Madge Lake. Electric hook-ups are available at Spruce Campground and sites can accommodate RV’s and trailers that are up to 32 feet long. Some of the sites are lakefront and all include a picnic table and barbecue. Choose a shaded or semi-shaded site, depending on your preference. The campground is right next to a boat launch, making it easy to engage in boating activities from your home base when staying at the Spruce Campground. A restroom with showers is available within the campground and to its east is a playground, the visitor center, and laundry facilities.
The campgrounds at Duck Mountain Provincial Park are located relatively close together. Birch Campground has three separate sections; A, B, and C. Each section accommodates trailers and RV’s of varying lengths, up to over 36 feet. The campsites include a barbecue and a picnic table and electric hook-ups are available. A restroom with showers is located between Birch A and Birch B, and just west of the Birch Campgrounds are multiple amenities; toilets, a store, water, a playground, the visitor center and laundry facilities. The campgrounds are next to Madge Lake, with Birch A being the closest to the lake. Campsites are easy to reserve online.
Looking to spend some time fishing among gorgeous scenery? Duck Mountain Provincial Park is home to plenty of opportunities to break out your fishing pole, with three main areas to fish. Head to Madge Lake in order to fish for pike, walleye or perch, for example. Looking for a quiet fishing experience? Choose Jackfish Lake, which is known for yellow perch and where there are no motorized or power boats allowed. Batka Lake, which also has a day use area, is a great choice to fish for pike, perch and walleye. Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic while there.
When the weather is warm it is the perfect time to enjoy the water activities available at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Pickerel Point Beach, for example, at the Pickerel Point Campground, has a special swimming area along with a sandy beach on which to relax. The Ministik Beach offers access to perfectly clear water, and is an excellent option for a swim. The beach includes a volleyball area and a playground, so that you can keep busy between dips in the lake. Looking to spend some time on the water? Boat and canoe rentals are available and the park offers four boat launches. Tour the park by watercraft and take a swim as needed to cool off!
Going for a hike is a great way to explore Duck Mountain Provincial Park. The park offers a 130 km (80.77 miles) trail network; the numerous trails at different levels of difficulty, ensure that there is a hike for everyone. Trails are also available for cycling, making the park a great place to bring your bike.
If you are looking for an easy stroll, check out the Woodland Nature Trail. A well-groomed, 4 km (2.48 miles) trail, it follows Madge Lake from the campground to the Jubilee cabin subdivision. As you follow the trail, you will view a changing forest, from patches of fir and spruce to thick areas of birch and aspen trees. The trail includes some hills, providing the opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping whether on foot or on your bike! The trail is considered great for seeing wildlife; look out for deer and even a black bear! Another option is to hike or bike a portion of the Trans Canada Trail (also called The Great Trail).
Choose a hike that sounds appealing to you and enjoy the scenery that the park has to offer!
