Narrow Hills Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Sparkling lake waters, rolling hills, and dense hardwood forests for as far as the eye can see, Narrow Hills Provincial Park is a natural gem within Saskatchewan, one of Canada's northern most provinces. With endless activities to offer, this park is loved by all adventure-seeking enthusiasts as it lies in one of Canada's most remote and wild regions.
The camping experience offered here is simply majestic with lakeside campsites, crackling fires, and plenty of amenities to ensure a comfortable and safe stay. One can enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, and fishing, or visit the museum to learn more about the history of this breathtaking landscape. Simply get lost in the northern forests, and divulge yourself in what is truly raw nature at its finest.
One of the most attractive features of this park is the many lakes that are collectively known as Gem Lakes. These multiple lakes were naturally formed in this area at the end of the ice age. The 10,000-year-old glaciers left a path in their wake which is now filled with sparkling blue water all across this vast valley.
The park also welcomes winter campers with snowmobiling and winter camping options and is open all year round for those that want to be amidst nature as often as possible.
RV Rentals in Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
Narrow Hills Provincial Park lies in northeastern Saskatchewan along Highway 106, also known as the historic Hanson Lake Road. From Prince Albert, travel approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) north via Highway 2 to Highway 55, then take Highway 106 north to reach the park—plan for about 90 minutes driving time. The main routes through the park, including Highways 106, 120, 913, and 920, are well-maintained gravel roads suitable for RVs, though speeds should be reduced compared to paved highways.
RVers will find the roads accommodate larger rigs without difficulty, though some secondary access roads to specific lakes may be narrower. The park's campgrounds feature mostly back-in sites with some pull-through options, and roads within camping areas are designed for trailers and motorhomes. The scenic Narrow Hills Drive offers breathtaking elevated views across the boreal forest, though it's a rough single-lane road better suited for higher-clearance vehicles or exploring by ATV rather than towing.
The park stays accessible year-round via Highway 106, though winter conditions require preparation with snow tires and cold-weather gear. While summer brings comfortable temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, winter can plunge well below freezing—but that's when snowmobilers, ice fishers, and winter camping enthusiasts find Narrow Hills at its most peaceful.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Prince Albert RV Rentals: Prince Albert RV rentals position you perfectly for exploring Narrow Hills Provincial Park, sitting just 90 minutes south of the park entrance. Saskatchewan's third-largest city offers full services, major grocery stores, outdoor supply shops, and easy highway access north. This location also provides excellent access to nearby Prince Albert National Park, allowing you to combine two premier Saskatchewan destinations in one trip.
Saskatoon Camper Van Rentals: Saskatoon camper van rentals offer flexibility for couples or small families planning a northern Saskatchewan adventure. Located about three hours south of Narrow Hills, Saskatoon serves as Saskatchewan's largest city with full urban amenities before you head into wilderness territory. Compact campervans navigate the park's secondary roads with ease while fitting comfortably in any campsite.
Parking
Narrow Hills Provincial Park provides ample parking at all four main RV campgrounds and at trailheads throughout the park. The largest campground, Lower Fishing Lake, features spacious sites accommodating RVs and trailers of various sizes, with the park officially accepting rigs up to 40 feet at most sites. Some sites at Lower Fishing Lake can even handle longer combinations. The campgrounds offer a mix of back-in and pull-through sites, with roads wide enough for comfortable maneuvering.
Day-use parking areas serve the beaches, boat launches, and popular trailheads like the Gem Lakes access point. The park's layout ensures you won't struggle finding space for your tow vehicle, and the relaxed northern atmosphere means you'll rarely encounter the crowding common at parks closer to major cities. Personal golf carts and ATVs are permitted on designated trails, with over 200 kilometers of routes accessible during the summer months.
Public Transportation
Public transportation doesn't extend to Narrow Hills Provincial Park due to its remote northern location. The nearest bus services operate in Prince Albert, 140 kilometers south. Once you've set up camp, exploring by foot, bicycle, personal watercraft, or ATV works wonderfully—the park's trail network connects campgrounds to lakes, beaches, and wilderness camping spots. Winter visitors can access the extensive snowmobile trail system maintained by the local Esker Bears Snowmobile Club, with groomed routes connecting the park to surrounding areas.
Campgrounds and parking in Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Campsites in Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Baldy Lake Campground
Baldy Lake Campground hugs mature jack pine and hardwood forests, offering a more intimate camping experience with five non-electric sites perfect for those seeking traditional wilderness camping. This smaller campground appeals to RVers who prefer peace and privacy over full hookups, with amenities including a fish-cleaning station, picnic tables, fire pits, and boat launch access to Baldy Lake.
The dense forest canopy provides excellent shade during hot summer days, and the secluded nature of the sites means you'll hear loons calling across the water rather than generators from neighboring campers. Baldy Lake delivers solid fishing opportunities, and the surrounding trails offer wildlife viewing chances for moose, deer, and woodland birds. This campground works well for shorter RV travel trailers and those comfortable without electrical service.
Ispuchaw Lake Campground
Ispuchaw Lake Campground provides another excellent option for RV camping at Narrow Hills, balancing wilderness character with reasonable accessibility. Sites here accommodate various RV sizes with a mix of serviced and non-serviced options. The campground's forest setting creates a peaceful atmosphere, while Ispuchaw Lake's waters attract anglers seeking walleye, pike, and stocked trout species.
Standard amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, access to drinking water, and restroom facilities. The campground's location within the park's trail network makes it convenient for hikers and mountain bikers exploring the extensive path system. During winter, this area becomes popular with snowmobilers accessing the groomed trail network.
Zeden Lake Campground
Zeden Lake Campground rounds out Narrow Hills' RV-friendly camping options with sites nestled among the boreal forest along Zeden Lake's shores. The campground accommodates RVs and trailers with mixed service levels, providing electrical hookups at select sites while maintaining a wilderness camping atmosphere. The deep green waters of Zeden Lake create a stunning backdrop, and the lake's fish population makes it a favorite among anglers.
Facilities include the standard complement of picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water access, and bathroom facilities. The campground's slightly more remote feel attracts visitors seeking quieter camping experiences away from the busier Lower Fishing Lake area. Zeden Lake's boat launch provides easy access for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking adventures.
Lower Fishing Lake Campground
Lower Fishing Lake Campground reigns as Narrow Hills' most popular and best-equipped facility for RV and motorhome camping. With over 80 improved campsites offering 30-amp electrical hookups, this campground delivers the perfect balance of modern convenience and lakeside wilderness. Large, open sites spread across a short distance from the lake's shoreline and sandy beach area, giving you easy access to swimming, boating, and fishing without sacrificing space or privacy.
Amenities at Lower Fishing Lake include clean restrooms with hot showers, free laundry facilities (a huge win for extended stays), sewage disposal station, drinking water taps, children's playground, picnic shelters, boat launch, fish-cleaning station, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. The campground's layout provides excellent access to nature trails winding through the boreal forest, where you might spot moose, deer, or black bears in the early morning or evening hours.
Sites accommodate various camping styles, from tent-only areas to full-service RV spots with electrical hookups. The campground's proximity to Lower Fishing Lake's beach makes it especially popular with families—kids splash in the shallows while parents relax in camp chairs, enjoying that northern Saskatchewan peace. The lake itself offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch, with the boat launch providing easy access for anglers chasing trophy catches.
Alternate camping
Wilderness Campgrounds
Gem Lakes Backcountry Sites
For adventurous campers willing to hike into the wilderness, Narrow Hills offers eight backcountry campsites along the Gem Lakes trail system. Sites at Jade Lake sit less than 100 meters from the parking lot—practically car camping with a wilderness feel. Diamond and Opal Lake sites require hiking 1 and 1.5 kilometers, respectively, along the scenic loop trail. McDougal Creek and the lakes of Lost Echo, Stickley, Jade, Diamond, and Opal also feature wilderness camping opportunities.
These sites provide the ultimate in solitude and natural beauty, though they lack services beyond fire rings and bear-proof food storage. One pit toilet serves the Gem Lakes trailhead parking lot. Wilderness campers should pack all necessary supplies, including drinking water or purification methods, and practice Leave No Trace principles. The effort rewards you with starry nights unmarred by light pollution, wildlife encounters, and the pristine beauty of Saskatchewan's northern boreal forest.
Nearby Accommodation Alternatives
Pine Ridge Resort
Located on Lower Fishing Lake, Pine Ridge Resort offers an alternative to camping with cabins, RV camping spots with hookups, beach access, a boat launch, and a convenience store. This private resort provides a bit more comfort while keeping you close to all park activities.
Caribou Creek Lodge
Situated on the southern shore of Upper Fishing Lake, Caribou Creek Lodge features a motel, cabins, a dining room, fuel, and a convenience store. This option works well for visitors who want lodging rather than camping or those needing a backup plan during inclement weather.
Camp-Easy Yurts
For those seeking a unique glamping experience without the camping gear, Narrow Hills offers two Camp-Easy sites—furnished yurts providing beds, heaters, and basic amenities. These represent the perfect middle ground for first-time campers or anyone wanting minimal effort and preparation while still experiencing the park's natural beauty.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds across North America for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Narrow Hills Provincial Park
Off-Season
Snowmobiling
The Narrow Hills Scenic Drive interpretive trail is open for snowmobiling with its many curves and magnificent views. In the winter, snowmobilers get to enjoy the view of the snow-covered trees of the boreal forests on the trails. The entire park features 200 km of well-groomed snowmobile trails with gas stations and warm-up shelters along the way.
Picnicking
No nature lover can visit Narrow Hills Provincial Park and not have a picnic by the shores of one of the famous Gem Lakes. What makes picnicking by Gem Lakes so special is not only its beauty but also its history. These lakes were formed during the last ice age and were carved out by glaciers that once covered this landscape. Each lake is a separate water body, unconnected by any river system. They are like little natural swimming pools that get refilled with rainwater and have a very distinct sparkly blue color, that determines their names such as Jade, Opal, Diamond, and Sapphire Lake. A designated picnic area, picnic tables, and fire pits along with many other amenities are offered to those who fancy a day out picnicking amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Mountain Biking/ATVs
Narrow Hills Provincial Park is one of the few parks that accommodates mountain bikers and ATV enthusiasts. The Narrow Hills Scenic Drive interpretive trail is open for mountain bikers, however, caution is advised as hikers on foot also use the same trail. More experienced mountain bikers and ATV drivers prefer the more rugged snowmobile trails as they are filled with water covered areas during fall, autumn, and spring and make for some challenging off-road driving. ATVs can only be used on designated trails.
Planning more Saskatchewan adventures? Explore our Great Blue Heron Provincial Park guide for another excellent northern destination near Emma and Anglin Lakes.
In-Season
Fishing
Located in the northeast-central portion of Saskatchewan, Narrow Hills Provincial Park is a well-renowned fishing spot among anglers. The reason behind its popularity? Some of the best pike and walleye fishing in all of North America can be found here. That’s not all: the lake waters are even more famous for its trout population. Seven species of trout live in the deep blue waters of Gem Lakes. If you are lucky and patient you might even catch an elusive kokanee salmon. Yellow perch is also a common species here.
Boating
There are more than 25 bodies of water in the Narrow Hills Provincial Park, which makes it one of the best parks in Saskatchewan for boating. You can pick any location that suits your paddling style, and set out on to your kayaking and canoeing adventures. You’re advised to bring water, snacks, proper clothing, and GPS equipment if you want to let loose and be found later in this maze of connecting lakes and river systems.
Hiking
Narrow Hills Provincial Park has no shortage of trails for hikers. There’s roughly 210 km or 150 miles of hiking, biking and ATV trails for outdoor enthusiasts to explore with varying levels of difficulty.
Narrow Hills Scenic Drive is an interpretive trail that allows hikers to explore this vast wilderness area. Caution is advised on this trail as it is also open to off-road vehicles. This trail travels through the boreal forests and provides some truly stunning views of the lake, valley and hills. The trails leads past a museum that was formerly a Park Ranger Station.
Both the Long Island Lake Hiking Trail and the Gem Lake Hiking Trail are about 6 km or 4 miles long and also thoroughly enjoyed by hikers. The former winds through a sandy terrain riddled with black spruce, and jack pine trees. Hikers can often spot moose and deer on the trail. The latter is more fitting for experienced hikers who can climb steep hills and rocky inclines.
