Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida), near Elgin, North Dakota, is a solid spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cozy cabins, there's something for everyone, whether you're roughing it or seeking a bit of comfort.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including showers and toilets, which visitors appreciate after a day of fishing or hiking. Many campers have highlighted the friendly atmosphere, with one noting, “The campsites were clean and the campground host was friendly.” You’ll find plenty of recreational activities around the lake, from fishing for walleye and catfish to enjoying the beach and playgrounds for the kids.

If you’re into fishing, you’re in luck—locals frequent the area for some decent catches. The scenery is nice, with shaded spots and a peaceful vibe, especially if you visit during the week. Just keep in mind that some areas can get busy on weekends, but that’s part of the charm. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a quiet getaway, Heart Butte Reservoir has the essentials to make your stay enjoyable.

Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida)

Center, ND is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Center, ND. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Center

The Best Camping Near Center, North Dakota

I was there from July 22nd 2017 till July 30th 2017 There care many different camping sites that are off the reservoir. We were at the Hidden Shelter this site is about 6 miles off the main road. There are 4 sites there but we were the only ones there all week. There is a vault toilet and picnic area at this picticular site. Very quiet during the week. Busier on the weekends. Water was nice but did have blue algae during our stay since it was so very dry out there. Sites are large, had a 20ft RV, two room tent, two person tent and a screened in tent in our spot. There is not alot of shelter does gets pretty hot from about noon till 4pm. Off the main road there is the office with a dumping and filling station, showers that were very clean, flushable toilets and sites with electricity. I perterva site that is off the beaten path and the stars every night were just amazing.

Very nice area

There are many nice, private and shaded campsites. The beach is beautiful. Fishing is good. The kids love the playgrounds. The only downfall is there are no atv, utv, or golf carts allowed.

Perfect ND Campground

Although our site was not the best this place is very nice. The playground is great for the kids and the lake fishing is nice. There is also a water fill station to fill up you tanks.

Nice place

We stayed at the less traveled downstream campground. The downstream is a great thing place away from the noise. Stay during week and there is chance you have the place to yourself.  Most spots are shaded but a few are out in the open. There is playground and it’s a great place to bike for kids. Fishing is very popular at the stream with locals visiting all day. Noise is minimal even though next to the highway due the dam.  Nice cabins are available to rent besides campsites.


Staff is friendly. We had lightbulbs out at the bathrooms and they changed them right away. Spigot is currently locked due to the water quality not testing at potable. Potable water is found at the main site but I would advise not to drink it as it well water



The main lake has a beach, playground and FREE showers.  There is a bait shop down the road on Tschida too.

North Dakota gem

Five primitive campgrounds with wells and vault toilets. The two stars are for how this place is taken care of. Not well kept.

  
Decent fishing for North Dakota. Try your hand at catching crappie, walleye, catfish, perch, white bass, pike, bluegill, large and smallmouth bass. Bait store nearby!

Busy boat launch but friendly and respectful campers

Lake Tschida was a great place to spend the long weekend. The campsites were clean and the campground host was friendly. There are a lot of water and other recreational activities, and a good concession stand/ store. 

Photos of Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida)

Real photos from real campers