Best Campgrounds near Moorhead, MN
Moorhead, Minnesota and the surrounding area provide diverse camping options ranging from established campgrounds to dispersed sites. Buffalo River State Park Campground, located about 10 miles east of Moorhead in Glyndon, offers a mix of tent, RV, and glamping opportunities with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and potable water. Just across the Red River in Fargo, North Dakota, Lindenwood Campground provides riverside sites with boat access. The Red River Valley region also features several county parks and fairgrounds with RV hookups, while Sheyenne National Grassland offers more primitive dispersed camping experiences about 50 miles southwest of Moorhead.
Camping season in the Moorhead area typically runs from April through October, with some facilities like the Red River Valley Fairgrounds operating year-round. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. According to one visitor at Lindenwood Campground, "We wanted to explore the cool town of Fargo, but it was too hot to stay at one of the free parking options in town, so this campground just outside of town would have been perfect." Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly those near Interstate 94. Weather considerations include potential for spring flooding along the Red River and occasional severe summer storms. Many campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though site leveling can be challenging at some locations.
The camping experience near Moorhead varies considerably by location. Riverside campsites along the Red River provide scenic views but may experience visitor traffic from fishermen and day-use park visitors. A review mentioned that at Lindenwood, "There were a couple of teens selling chips and walking through campsites. We felt uneasy about non-campers wandering around." Urban proximity makes these campgrounds convenient for exploring local attractions but means highway noise is common at many sites. Buffalo River State Park provides a more natural setting with fewer urban disturbances. Campers particularly appreciate locations with amenities like clean bathrooms, showers, and paved walking trails. Mixed-use campgrounds that serve both overnight campers and event attendees, such as the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, can become busy during special events but offer convenient access to shopping centers and city amenities.
