Best Campgrounds near Bismarck, ND

Several parks around Bismarck, North Dakota have good camping options within a short drive of the city. Cross Ranch State Park Campground has trails along the Missouri River where you can hike during the day and return to camp at night. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground puts you close to historical sites including General Custer's house and old military barracks that you can walk to from your campsite. Summer brings warm weather that's good for swimming and boating, while winter camping requires serious cold-weather gear as temperatures drop well below freezing. The roads to most camping areas stay in good shape except after heavy rain or snow. Bears aren't common, but raccoons and other small animals will get into your coolers if you leave them out. Families often pick the Bismarck KOA for its swimming pool and dog park when they want more amenities. Sweet Briar Lake has bigger campsites with more space between neighbors. Both tent and RV campers can find spots that work for them at most local campgrounds. Picking up all trash and minimizing your impact helps keep these camping areas in good shape for everyone.

Best Camping Sites Near Bismarck, North Dakota (44)

    1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-6340

    $15 - $85 / night

    "Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks."

    "Close to Mandan and Bismarck (State Capitol)"

    2. Bismarck KOA

    15 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 222-2662

    "However, this could easily be a destination park if you want to stay in the area and check out Bismarck. The campground (CG) is about a mile off I-94 and easy to find."

    "Near by restaurants ( not in close walking distance but on the same main road that the campground is on."

    3. General Sibley Park

    14 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    5 miles
    Website

    "Close to Bismarck and all it has to offer."

    "This campground is super close to Bismarck but far enough south of town to feel like you are in the middle of the woods. The sites are all spacious and all have small to large areas of grass."

    4. Hillcrest Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 255-4334

    "It’s fully shaded and near a field for the dog to play in. He walked all the way to the site just to show us how to back our teardrop in to the tent spot - it fit perfectly!"

    "We are traveling cross country, and needed a place to stop in Bismarck, there was only on review on this app so far, but it was a good one, so we went ahead and called."

    5. A Prairie Breeze RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    11 miles
    +1 (701) 224-8215

    "It's about 15 minutes to Bismarck, so a good place for restocking. Nothing at the exit -- you have to go 10 minutes or so down the highway for gas and groceries."

    "I'll pull throughs I love that we're here for two days and I'd recommend it it's I believe 240 a month I mean a week and over 700 for a month but they're closing on November 1st so this is definitely nearing"

    6. Graner Park

    4 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $10 - $20 / night

    "They have a water fill station and the playground is located in the middle of the loop so it's easily accessible to every site on the north loop."

    "Has electric and primitive both priced decent has nice tree coverage and is next to the river and has some spot where you can go in the river at"

    7. Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    Mandan, ND
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $10 - $20 / night

    8. Kimball Bottom

    2 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 255-0015

    9. Eagles Park Campground

    1 Review
    Mandan, ND
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 222-6455

    $12 / night

    "This is an interesting tiny campground run by the city of Bismarck. In a a Friday in July, we are one of four campers here. There a few 50 amp sites and several posts with 20 amp."

    10. Sweet Briar Lake

    15 Reviews
    Center, ND
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $25 - $100 / night

    "We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."

    "Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."

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Recent Reviews near Bismarck, ND

142 Reviews of 44 Bismarck Campgrounds


  • Kody Bear A.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    A Prairie Breeze RV Park

    Resting

    It's a nice little Park was $40 a night full hookups nice Wi-Fi laundry showers I haven't seen what the showers look like yet but it's pretty spaced out I'll pull throughs I love that we're here for two days and I'd recommend it it's I believe 240 a month I mean a week and over 700 for a month but they're closing on November 1st so this is definitely nearing the end of their season and it was a self-check in cash or check only and the lady was very friendly everything works just fine it's clean

  • h
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Bismarck KOA

    What you expect from a KOA

    We needed a site for a night in the middle of a trip. This was it. Typical KOA. Clean, close to major roads. Easy to find. Easy to book online. Most of the sites are pull throughs in trees. It appeared that big rig spots were mostly back in. The bathrooms, which we utilize frequently since we are in a 15 foot Aliner, were well lit, clean, and the showers were hot!

  • Mitchell F.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sakakawea Park

    Nice park close to knife river NHS

    There are 10 level RV sites with electric and water hook ups for $20 a night. There were concrete pads plenty long enough for our 5ver. $10 a night for primitive spots. Nice large grassy area with kid toys as well as a basketball court.

    This is within 2 miles of the Knife River National Historic Site and is a great jump off point

  • Jeffrey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Mckenzie Slough State Game Management Area

    Very Quiet Spot

    We stopped here to spend the night and worked well for us. Very quiet spot and saw a beautiful sunset. The gravel road is dusty and a little bumpy, but the spot is nice.

  • Tiffany L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mckenzie Slough State Game Management Area

    Nice quiet stop

    It’s a pretty flat square parking lot that does the trick for a quick stop to rest. It’s about 2 miles off the highway and about a mile down gravel road. It was quiet and no one was there but I imagine it may get busier during hunting season as hunting is allowed there. Bigger rigs may have a harder time parking there

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan& Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open. It’s right on the Heart river where it then meets the Missouri River. Good hiking trails from the campground, which is always a bonus. We would return.

  • L
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sakakawea Park

    Beautiful campground near Knife River Historic Site

    We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting. The sites are huge and the bathrooms are clean and nice. The dump station is actually in town near the bank. Very quiet and can’t be beat for $20 water and electric.

  • Tabitha S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Nineteen26 Campground and Lodge

    Great overnight stop on our way out West!

    This was a great find and a perfect late-night stop on our way out West! This property has been renovated to restore a 1920’s “tourist camp” into a charming “Magnolia vibe” little campground and motel. The motel has been completely renovated (what we could see from the outside) and the site has a camp store, playground, firewood, bathroom (only one though) and probably close to 12 RV sites with water and electric. Sites were a bit close to one another but that didn’t bother us. Only downside is there are trains coming through a block away several times during the night and the whistle did wake us up twice. Overall, we loved our stay and would stay here again!


Guide to Bismarck

Primitive camping options provide alternatives to established campgrounds near Bismarck, North Dakota. The Missouri River corridor runs through this region, with the river dropping about 800 feet as it flows across North Dakota. Summer temperatures typically range between 70-85°F during camping season, while spring and fall can bring unpredictable weather patterns requiring layered clothing.

What to do

Explore local history: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park features numerous historical sites including the reconstructed On-A-Slant Mandan village. "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks. Such a neat parks with lots to do!" mentions Kristi D. about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground.

Mountain biking: The trail system at Harmon Lake offers technical rides for bikers of all skill levels. "Kayak rental available, swimming area, fishing and mountain biking trail," notes Eric S. about the recreation opportunities at Harmon Lake Rec Area.

Fishing access: Multiple boat launches and fishing docks provide access to various fish species. "You can catch northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout if you're lucky!" explains GoWhereYouAreDraw N. about the fishing at Harmon Lake Rec Area.

River camping: Primitive sites along the Missouri River offer unobstructed water views. "The sounds of the river were great, but ruined by the sounds of the vehicles going further south to the fishing and boat docks," reports Dylan T. about his experience at Kimball Bottom.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation, particularly important during peak season. "Very nice campground right on the Missouri River... Plenty of space between campers," writes Kyle O. about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground.

Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer free or low-cost camping near Bismarck. "Very surprised that a place as nice as this one is free. The freeway is somewhat close just across the lake and can be heard, but it didn't bother us at all," shares Stephanie S. about Sweet Briar Lake.

Waterfront locations: Many sites offer direct lake or river access. "There are multiple places to pull off and set up around a scenic lake. A few minutes off the highway on well maintained roads- you can't ask for a better spot than this on a road trip!" says Carmen about Sweet Briar Lake.

Modern facilities: Some campgrounds offer updated bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen. I uploaded pictures. I had an awesome shower. Trail access from the campsites and of course the history!!" reports Kristi D. about the amenities at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round. "Looking at the map, the little lakefront loops have sites. We arrived after dark and had no problem finding a great waterfront spot," explains BigRed Overlander O. about Sweet Briar Lake's layout and accessibility.

Highway noise: Several campgrounds are located near Interstate 94 and other major roads. "Really nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan & Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open," shares Kathy L. about General Sibley Park.

Limited amenities: Some primitive sites lack water hookups or other facilities. "This camping spot is a free for all. Not check in or registration. Not water fill station or sewer dump and no water or electric on site," Josh D. explains about Sweet Briar Lake's setup.

Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds don't accept reservations. "Nice area, but no reservation, they have water available but I suggest bringing water if you are close by," advises Eric S. about Harmon Lake Rec Area's policies.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. "Great park for families! That was my first thought. It just looks like a great place for kids to play. There's a playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village," says Mary S. about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground.

Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. "The park is a stop on the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, which was the draw for us. The park has a nice visitor center with terrific displays, many about Lewis and Clark, also a reconstructed Mandan encampment," explains Janet R. about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Swimming areas: Designated beaches provide safe water recreation. "The swimming beach was awesome - sand & great water & view," reports Ason S. about Harmon Lake Rec Area.

Tips from RVers

Electrical options: Check for proper amperage before booking. "The sites are laid out so the poles are shared in the middle, which makes for a bit of a tight fit for big rigs. No one on either side during our stay (with no slide outs), so had plenty of room," Mev W. notes about A Prairie Breeze RV Park.

Water access: Not all campgrounds provide water hookups or fill stations. "I would use a water splitter as sometimes there is not one on the spigot and campground does not always have extras!" advises Kyle O. about Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.

Site layout considerations: Some campgrounds have unique configurations. "There are a few 50 amp sites and several posts with 20 amp. Some 20 amp are next to a traditional back in site. Others are in a grassy field and can be shared," describes Heather W. about the setup at Eagles Park Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Bismarck, ND?

Bismarck offers several excellent camping options nearby. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground is a clean, well-maintained campground with tent areas and multiple camper pads. Located in the heart of the historic fort, it offers ranger programs and historic sites like Block houses and General Custer's home. General Sibley Park is another top choice, featuring spacious sites with grassy areas, a disc golf course, playground, and amphitheater. It's close enough to Bismarck for convenience but feels secluded. Other notable options include Eagles Park Campground (a small city-run campground), Hillcrest Acres Campground (under new ownership with improved amenities), and Cross Ranch State Park for those seeking a more natural setting.

Is free camping available near Bismarck, North Dakota?

Yes, free camping is available near Bismarck! Sweet Briar Lake is a surprisingly high-quality free campground located just outside the city. Despite being free, it offers impressive amenities and is perfect for overnight stays when traveling through the area. The lake provides a beautiful setting without any camping fees. Primitive Campground also offers free camping opportunities with basic facilities. For budget-conscious campers who don't mind paying a minimal fee, General Sibley Park offers non-electric sites for only $12, making it nearly free. When using free sites, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, as these areas often have limited maintenance. Most free camping spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early during peak season.

Can I go winter camping near Bismarck, ND?

Winter camping is possible near Bismarck, but options are limited as many campgrounds close for the season. Cross Ranch State Park Campground offers year-round camping with heated yurts that provide a comfortable winter camping experience. The park maintains some winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Harmon Lake Rec Area also permits winter camping with primitive sites available. Be prepared for extreme cold temperatures in North Dakota winters (often well below zero), bring appropriate cold-weather gear, and check ahead for road closures. Most campgrounds with water systems shut down pipes during winter months, so you'll need to bring your own water supply. Always call ahead to confirm winter availability and current conditions.

What RV camping options are available along the river near Bismarck?

Several RV-friendly campgrounds line the Missouri River near Bismarck. A Prairie Breeze RV Park offers well-maintained full hookup sites about 15 minutes from downtown. The sites share utility poles in the middle, which may create tight fits for larger RVs with slideouts. Kimball Bottom provides riverside camping with big-rig friendly sites and basic amenities including toilets. Other river options include Graner Park, which offers RV sites with river access, and Eagles Park Campground, which features some 50-amp sites plus 20-amp connections in a grassy field area. Most riverfront campgrounds provide easy water access for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities while still being convenient to Bismarck's amenities.