Best Campgrounds near Bismarck, ND

Camping near Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Exploring History: Check out the trails at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks."
• Fishing and Boating: At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, you can enjoy clean water access for swimming and fishing. A reviewer noted, "Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing."
• Relaxing by the Lake: Sweet Briar Lake is perfect for a quiet day by the water. One camper mentioned, "The lake and the wildlife it was just relaxing."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Sweet Briar Lake. One review highlighted, "Loved how spaced the sites are."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. A visitor at General Sibley Park noted, "The park staff was super friendly."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Harmon Lake Rec Area, have fewer amenities. A review mentioned, "It was basically a parking lot, but did have some green space."
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Graner Park said, "Oh boy does this site fill up fast."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Hillcrest Acres Campground has a small playground that keeps kids entertained.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A family at Cross Ranch State Park Campground enjoyed renting canoes and kayaking.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family along. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "This is one of the nicer KOAs we’ve stayed in, with a very nice tent area."

Tips from RVers:

• Check for Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric and water hookups. A reviewer at A Prairie Breeze RV Park noted, "The FHU site worked for me."
• Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "Reservations were taken care of with one call."
• Space for Big Rigs: If you're traveling with a large RV, check the layout of the campground. A camper at A Prairie Breeze RV Park said, "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."

Camping around Bismarck, ND, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!