When to book your summer camping trip in Saskatchewan

Although temperatures across the province are still far below zero, it's time to mark your calendars and start planning your 2018 camping trip.

RobinCampese, executive director for visitor experience with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, said the seasonal camping program is very popular in the province.

Seasonal camping is a wonderful way to enjoy a provincial park for the entire season. Your camping equipment can basically stay at the site as you come back and forth.-RobinCampese

"Seasonal camping is a wonderful way to enjoy a provincial park for the entire season. Your camping equipment can basically stay at the site as you come back and forth," she said.

Seasonal campsites are allocated via a lottery system.The deadline to submit completed applications is Feb. 1 and the draw to award campsites will take place on Feb. 5.

Those who apply for a seasonal spot tend to stick to provincial parks in their area, usually within a two-hour radius of their home,Campesesaid.

The most popular are Echo Valley Provincial Park, Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park and Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, all of which are close to urban centres and have a larger number of spots available.

Successful applicants will be contacted by telephone or email.

Short-term camping

As of April 9, campers will be able to book overnight campsites at Saskatchewan provincial parks.

Campsite reservations will be staggered, as in past years, with the registration launch taking place over 12 days.

The registration order is:

• April 9: Blackstrap, Pike Lake
• April 10: Buffalo Pound, Douglas, Danielson
• April 11: Echo Valley, Rowan's Ravine
• April 12: Duck Mountain, Good Spirit Lake, Greenwater Lake
• April 13: Crooked Lake, Moose Mountain
• April 16: Cypress Hills
• April 17: Saskatchewan Landing, The Battlefords
• April 18: Meadow Lake
• April19: Bronson Forest, Lac La Ronge, Makwa Lake
• April 20: Candle Lake, Great Blue Heron, Narrow Hills

Campese, who is herself an avid, life-long camper, said she has been to many of the provincial parks andfavoursDuck Mountain, Blackstrap, Good Spirit, Douglas, Meadow Lake and Narrow Hills.

"There is just so much to explore and enjoy at Saskatchewan parks," she said.