Barnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area provides electric hookup camping with drive-in and walk-in access via 2.5-3 miles of gravel road from I-94. This state fish and wildlife managed facility charges $20-25 per night and operates year-round with reservations available. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30-35 feet, with site 10 noted as perfectly level for larger rigs. A small creek runs through the camping area, and the facility includes drinking water, showers, toilets, and a dump station.
The campground sits far enough from the interstate to minimize road noise, though mosquitoes may be present near the lake area. Amenities include maintained trails, a sandy beach area by the small lake, playground equipment, and fishing docks where the North Country Trail passes through. WiFi is available for $5 daily or $15 weekly. Campers can also explore places to camp around Fort Ransom for additional overnight options in the region.
Description
Clausen Springs Recreation Area, open year round is a 545 acre Wildlife Management Area multi-use recreation area with a campground located 4.5 miles west and 1.5 miles south of Kathryn. The main feature of the park is Clausen Springs Lake.
The park is managed by the Barnes County Park Board and provides 53 campsites 21 electrical and 32 more secluded primitive (non-electrical) campsites. There is also a dump station located above the main camping area. The campground is open May 1 through October 31.
The lake and adjacent wildlife management area is managed by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in cooperation with the Barnes County Park Board. A swimming area (no lifeguard present) is available close to the main camping area with a shower house nearby. There is also an accessible fishing dock and boat ramp located at far east end of the park. A newly paved drive offers beautiful, scenic views around the lake and access to boat landing and campsites.
The North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,800 mile premier hiking trail that stretches across 8 states from the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, follows the northern boundary of the park following an abandoned rail bed from the park into Kathryn. There is also a very picturesque 2-mile loop around the lake.
Clausen Springs Recreation Area is easily accessible from ND Highway 1.
Camping Fees:
1 Unit per campsite (1 unit = a RV or Camper plus a tent or two tents)
Maximum of 8 people per site
$25 per night for campsites with electrical
$20 per night for primitive campsites
$35 per day for shelter reservations. shelters are reserved online now
All campsites are reservable from April 15th through October 31st. Call 701-762-4450 with questions.
No charge for day use
No metal detecting, snowmobiling, or ATVs allowed per ND Game and Fish.
Amenities Include: Shower house, rural water, playground equipment, 4 modern concrete privies, dock with kayak launch and horseshoe pit.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBarnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area is located in North Dakota near Fort Ransom
Directions
Located 17 miles south of I-94, 1 mile east, 1 mile south.
Address
11433-11499 50th St SE
Kathryn, ND 58049
Coordinates
46.68230003 N
98.0360004 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/18/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 6/18/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Fargo, ND
- 2 hrs 2 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 3 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 3 hrs 27 min from Minot, ND
