Saskatoon Fall Camping Tips and Experiences in and Around the City

Fall is officially here, but that doesn’t mean your camping adventures must wait until next summer. Take advantage of the crisp air, less crowded campgrounds, fewer bugs, and early sunsets coupled with darker nights for stargazing and aurora borealis sightings. Whether you are looking to tent or RV (or even glamp!), I share some of my favorite Saskatoon fall camping tips and itineraries in and around the city.

Saskatoon Fall Camping in and Near the City

Photo Credit: Gordon Howe Campground manager, Amanda Klassen

Luckily we don’t have to go far to find a spot to camp! Within the city limits, you’ll find Gordon Howe Campground located at 1640 Avenue P South. This campground has 135 serviced sites each with its own barbecue and picnic table and set amongst a canopy of mature trees. Laundry facilities, showers, a confectionary, and firewood are all available on-site and the campground is fully open through October 9th, 2023. Bonus: Holiday Park Golf Course is right next door!

Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Provincial Parks

Take a short drive out of the city to Blackstrap Provincial Park or Pike Lake Provincial Park for a variety of camping experiences. At Blackstrap, the campground is set against a 45-meter man made mountain and adjacent lake which is a popular spot for swimming, water-skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing. Fully serviced sites include picnic tables and firepits and for those looking for a unique experience, two Camp-Easy yurts are available within the campground.

Pike Lake offers camping along the South Saskatchewan River in a shady grove of aspen, ash, and birch trees. A 1.5 km nature trail, tennis and volleyball courts, and water activities are easily accessible from the campground and it is a great location to take in the fall colours. Both campgrounds have full services available until September 30, 2023 followed by reduced services in October.

Saskatoon Fall Camping Gear and Clothing Tips

Photo Credit: Life Outside Gear Exchange

Fall brings cooler temperatures, especially at night. So the number one Saskatoon fall camping tip is to bring a lot of layers. Layers are essential to keeping warm in any cooler weather recreation or camping setting and you’ll be extra grateful for them as the sun goes down. Don’t forget your extremities too, making sure to bring warm hats, gloves, and socks.

Looking to stock up on some outdoor gear? Head over to Life Outside Gear Exchange at 514 Clarence Avenue South to browse their selection of affordable consigned gear and clothing. They suggest a cozy down sleeping bag to keep warm and don’t forget to pack a nice sleeping pad to insulate you from the cool ground. Another insider tip of theirs: keep wool socks, a toque, and soft long underwear in your sleeping bag to cozy up in for when it’s time to rest. They also suggest bringing a water bottle with heated water into your sleeping bag to act as a heating pad.

If your camping location allows for fires, plan on cooking or relaxing fireside during the evenings - don’t forget the appropriate cookware, some newspaper or other material for kindling, and matches or a lighter. Another essential for fall camping is a nice compact headlamp as days are becoming shorter compared to camping in the spring and summer seasons.

Other Saskatoon Fall Outdoor Experiences to Explore

Photo Credit: Camp Wolf Willow

If you’re looking for a day excursion, head about an hour south of Saskatoon to Camp Wolf Willow who are open for daytrippers to check out the corn maze and the pumpkin and sunflower patches - check ahead for opening hours. In high season, they offer tenting sites and a selection of glamping tents and cabins so you can scout the sites and plan ahead for next year.

Photo Credit: Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures

Check out the events page for Camp Wolf Willow who host special events throughout the season like their upcoming two-night Clay-Hike-Breathe-Sauna Fall Retreat with Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures. Known for their guided outdoor wellness adventures with a focus on finding connection within oneself and with the outdoors, Back2Nature’s fall calendar also includes October dates for a wood-burning barrel community sauna experience at Blackstrap Provincial Park - a not to miss for fall!

For more ways to explore Saskatoon this season, check out our Saskatooning this October or 5 Free Fall Outdoor Activities in Saskatoon articles.