The Cypress Hills, which were never glaciated, have a rich and exciting history.  They are known as an erosional plateau, having been formed by millions of years of sedimentary deposition followed by millions of years of erosion.  An archaeology project started in the 1970’s at the Stampede Site near the Elkwater townsite, has revealed human inhabitation of the hills for more than 8,500 years.

The Cypress Hills horse camp of Saskatchewan has been in existence for close to 60 years.  It started with a small fenced pasture and an outhouse.  Over the years they have added a well, tie stalls, and a few pens but for all intents and purposes, the campsite has remained primitive and pretty much pristine.  A central campfire has been set up in the open space in the middle of the horseshoe camp and the fire wood is free.  Trailers park around the perimeter of the camp (24 sites) with the Battle Creek winding it’s way around the camp allowing the horses to be watered without using the well which is very limited in its reserves.

There are tie stalls, small 10×10 pens and larger pens of various sizes.  People can turn their horses loose in the pasture or they can put up electric fence inside the pasture.  The pasture is fenced on three sides and the fouth perimeter is the creek.  There is no hay allowed in the park and it is required that horses be fed alfalfa cubes which can be brought in or supplied by the park for $15/bag

If the camp is full, newcomers can park in the overflow until a spot becomes available which may take a day or two.  No one has been turned away to date.  Campsites are $20/night.  Some of the sites come with a cook fire and some also might have a picnic table, but best to have your own just in case.

There is a ladies and a gents outhouse but no running water.  They are cleaned daily and kept well stocked. They even have solar lights for your night time needs.

Overall, the setting is epic and there is usually room for all and when its full, everyone makes an effort to accommodate.  You can ride all day and not see another rider or ride in groups, whichever you prefer.

Rating of Services:     2 star

this campsite is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled sites even after years of use.  It does not have the services that other sites might offer but don’t let that fool you, it is a great ride.