Barnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area

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.