Red River State Recreation Area provides unique camping options just across the Minnesota border from Grand Forks, North Dakota. The campground sits on former residential land that was converted after flooding, with paved roads through mostly open pull-through sites. Several campgrounds within 30 minutes of Grand Forks offer a range of environments from riverside locations to wooded retreats, with elevations ranging from 830 to 900 feet above sea level.
What to do
Riverside fishing: Cast a line at Turtle River State Park Campground, located 22 miles west of Grand Forks on Highway 2. "TRSP is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks on Highway 2. Easy to find! Reasonable and affordable nightly rates for both primitive RV and tent sites... We utilized the river to cool off in the water & sightseeing," writes Leasa W.
Biking trails: Explore paved trails connecting downtown areas at Red River State Recreation Area. "It's also set along the Greater Grand Forks greenway with miles of paved bike/walking/jogging paths on both sides of the river," notes David P. The HC Trail "takes you through town and through a cool tunnel," adds Allysa K.
Swimming beach: Visit Larimore Dam Recreation Area Campground for water activities during summer months. "The beach was great - nice sand, grass area, & nice water!" says Ason S., who drove over from Turtle River specifically for swimming.
What campers like
Urban convenience: Campers appreciate how Red River State Recreation Area combines outdoor camping with city access. "If you did not want to cook, there are 4 restaurants within 3 blocks of your campsite. And a Cabelas within 4 blocks, so if you forget anything, it's close by," writes Scott G.
Wooded seclusion: Find more privacy at primitive sites. "Our campsite was #88 which was a great spot. Nice and secluded along the river," says Jami M. about Turtle River State Park Campground. "There are also walk-in sites, cabins and open tenting sites," adds Samantha B.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept shower houses and restrooms. "Clean campground. bathrooms nice and clean. good water pressure and hot," reports Tamara B. about Grand Forks Campground. Max J. notes about Turtle River: "We were very impressed with how clean the bathrooms were."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds have varying open seasons. While Turtle River State Park remains open year-round, others like Grand Forks FamCamp operate only from May through October. "Quiet, easy access, 50 amp, water and sewer," notes J H. about staying at FamCamp in August.
Environmental factors: Be prepared for potential industrial odors and noise in some locations. "If the wind is out of the south or southwest, the smell from the Crystal Sugar plant was miserable. And the trains with their horns blaring at 4am was annoying," cautions Scott G. about Red River State Recreation Area.
Limited amenities: Smaller campgrounds may lack full services. At Belmont Park, "there were group that seemed to be there for awaile in campers right next to the only out house for this huge spot was very sad not to see any picnic table's for the tent people," notes connie P.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Red River State Recreation Area features "a large playground and pool over the hill from campground as well as many smaller playgrounds throughout the park," according to Allysa K.
Educational programs: Look for campgrounds with nature programs. "Friendly staff and super programs for the family by the naturalist. Our family loves the place!" says Brad K. about Turtle River State Park.
Activity options: Choose campgrounds with diverse recreation for different ages. "We had fun there was something for everyone in the family tip do. Hiking, fishing and sight seeing," writes Tim W. about Turtle River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many campsites near Grand Forks offer complete RV services. "It was nice to have full water, electric, and sewer hookups. The sites are well prepared, mostly level and pull-through," notes Curt P. about Red River State Recreation Area.
Spacing considerations: Site dimensions and privacy vary between campgrounds. "The camp sites are large, level and secluded," writes Samantha B. about Turtle River State Park, while Ian Y. describes Red River as "a grassy plain with straight rows of pull-throughs."
Seasonal rental options: Some campgrounds allow longer stays. At Larimore Dam Recreation Area, "Most folks camping here seem to be monthly or seasonal RV folks who actually park their campers there for the summer season," observes Janet R.
