Camping Like Never Before: Terra Nova National Park Oasis

Have you ever been to Terra Nova National Park? It is one of three national parks in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and is located in central Newfoundland. Being from a small town that borders the park, I have really taken for granted its beauty and value. Terra Nova National Park has so much to offer from boat tours to boreal forest to swimming holes, and lately, it was declared a ‘dark sky reserve’– I wasn’t surprised because growing up, I had always said that Terra Nova has the most beautiful starry skies in the world. Now, it has something else extra special to attract visitors.

What looks like something from War of the Worlds or a Mars mission is actually the newest way to camp in Terra Nova National Park. Located in both the Malady Head and Newman Sound campgrounds, ‘Oasis’ units are only six meters squared and comfortably sleep two adults. They are novel and unique, with only six in all of Canada, Terra Nova National Park has 5 of them.

Inside, you’ll find a relatively large table with comfy cushions and a ladder leading up to a hammock in the pointed ceiling. The table converts into the bed, which comfortably sleeps two adults, and supposedly two children can sleep in the hammock.

One side of the Oasis has giant windows so guests can enjoy the view. We had a gorgeous view of the water and were surrounded by a thick forest. It felt cozy and private, as the windows face away from the rest of the campground. The campsites that Oasis ‘pods’ are situated on have a full-size barbeque, fire pit, picnic tables, and comfy Adirondack chairs. Regular campsites only have a firepit and picnic table, so Oasis sites are a little amped up.

The hammock is unbelievably cozy and the perfect place to lie down with a good book, enjoy the view, and soak in the magnificent starry night skies I mentioned earlier. I could have spent all day and all night up there!

Unfortunately, the weight limit is 150 lbs. I was able to be up there, but I couldn’t share that experience with anyone because I fall just under the weight limit. A 150 lb limit is not accessible to many adults who are of a healthy weight. The hammock is said to be the sleeping area for two children, which makes sense, but I think it should be able to hold more weight so more adults can enjoy this experience too– because if I’m being completely honest, the hammock was the best part of the Oasis by far.

So, the big question: is the Oasis worth it? Is it worth $130 plus the cost of taking a trip out to Terra Nova National Park?

Well, here are the pros first: the Oasis is truly a unique experience that you can’t really get anywhere else. It is cozy and the architecture is really cool. The stay makes a great story to tell your friends and family. It even makes an awesome Instagram photo op. Plus, if you’re heading to the Terra Nova area anyway, you’d probably have to pay the same price for an ordinary hotel or cabin (even though cabins and hotel rooms offer much more amenities).

On the other hand, if you’re a regular camper and already own a tent, you can stay in the same campgrounds for only $25.50. Most adults can’t use the hammock, you can’t eat inside the Oasis, and pets are not allowed. Some of the five Oasis units in Terra Nova National Park are heated by either propane or solar power, and some have electrical outlets. Ours had none of this and we had to pay the same price which seems unfair.

My opinion? It is worth the money for the experience. I had a great night and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. That being said, now that I’ve done it once, I kind of feel like ‘been there, done that’ and I wouldn’t spend the money to do it again.

All that said, I definitely encourage you to head out to Terra Nova National Park as the area is gorgeous and there are so many fun things to do there. What are your thoughts? Have you stayed in an Oasis? Will you? We want to see your photos and hear your opinion! Comment below or message us on social media, @twowildtides on Facebook or Instagram.