Jorgen's Hollow Campground in the Sheyenne Grasslands offers equestrian camping near Moorhead, Minnesota with direct access to the North Country Trail. Located in a prairie ecosystem, the campground sits approximately 50 miles southwest of Fargo-Moorhead. During weekdays in spring and fall, campers can expect minimal crowds with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F, creating ideal conditions for both horseback riding and hiking through the native grasslands.
What to do
Stargazing in prairie darkness: The remote location of Jorgen's Hollow Campground creates exceptional night sky viewing. "A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff," notes one visitor who appreciated the dark skies found at this distance from urban areas.
Wildlife observation at dawn and dusk: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. "Like I said in the title, all quiet, and wonderful looking over the tall grass prairie. Abundant flowers and butterflies. Even a couple prairie chickens," reports one camper who visited midweek in August.
Seasonal hiking along maintained trails: Fall brings dramatic color changes to the surrounding landscape at Maplewood State Park. "Lots of maple tree's red, orange colors in fall," notes one visitor who specifically recommends autumn visits to experience the foliage transformation.
What campers like
Midweek solitude: Weekday visits often result in having large sections of campground to yourself. "Only 50 miles from Fargo. Place all to myself on a Sunday night. Clean nice toilets and nice camping spots," reports one camper who appreciated the quick access from the metropolitan area.
Diverse site options: Sites vary considerably in their characteristics, allowing selection based on preference. "Arrived after dark picked a site and in the morning was happily surprised to find it had some trees surrounding it. In the evening the best part was listening to the trees in the breeze. It's pretty well dispersed camping with bushes for the most part separating the sites," describes one visitor.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite the remote location, campers appreciate the upkeep of basic amenities. "Nice clean campground and hiking trails are taken care of. The sunsets are beautiful," notes a visitor who gave the facility a five-star rating.
What you should know
Water quality considerations: The central hand pump provides drinking water, but filtration may be desired. "You might consider bringing your own water - the water from the pump has particulates in it," advises one experienced camper.
Limited cellular connectivity: Most sites in the area have spotty or no cell service due to the remote location. Visitors should download maps and information before arrival.
Weather preparation: Prairie environments experience significant temperature swings between day and night, sometimes exceeding 30°F difference. Spring and fall camping requires packing for both warm days and near-freezing nights.
Tips for camping with families
Easy backpacking introduction: Beers Hike-In Site offers an accessible introduction to backpacking with children. "The walk is an easy walk. There is a nice fire pit and good area for fishing right at the site. Also there is a picnic table and a vault toilet. Surprisingly there was toilet paper there!" reports a visitor who found it suitable for family adventures.
Wildlife education opportunities: Bring field guides to identify prairie birds, insects, and wildflowers that children can observe throughout the day. Evening coyote calls provide natural soundscape education.
Trail difficulty preparation: Evaluate trail options based on length and terrain before taking children. Some grassland sections can become muddy after rain, making hiking more challenging for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: The gravel roads leading to Jorgen's Hollow remain passable for most RVs but require reduced speed. "3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition," notes one RVer describing the approach.
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should arrive early to secure appropriate sites. "Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and most had nice level places to park," reports an RVer who found suitable parking without difficulty.
Limited hookups consideration: Most campgrounds in the area offer minimal or no hookups, requiring self-contained operation. Generator restrictions apply in many locations, so solar setups or battery capacity should be planned accordingly.
