22 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bottineau, North Dakota provides access to several established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within the Turtle Mountains region. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground serves as the primary developed camping destination, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options. The park features multiple camping loops with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. Nearby alternatives include Strawberry Lake Campgrounds and the International Peace Garden, both providing more secluded camping experiences. The Denbigh Experimental Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience away from developed facilities.
Road conditions and accessibility vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with most sites accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Lake Metigoshe State Park remains open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold North Dakota temperatures. Many campgrounds in the area, including Strawberry Lake, operate seasonally from late spring through early fall. Reservations are recommended for Lake Metigoshe State Park, especially during summer weekends, while other areas like Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service can be limited at more remote sites. A camper noted, "Spots are $10 plus $5 per horse. Individual corrals for horses plus hay and water provided. Little to no cell reception (We had 1 bar)."
The camping experience around Bottineau features abundant water recreation opportunities, with multiple lakes accessible for fishing, swimming, and boating. Lake Metigoshe State Park receives consistently high ratings for its waterfront sites and family-friendly amenities. According to one review, "The North Hill campground is small, quiet, and perfect proximity to the water." Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas, with over 16 miles of maintained paths in the Turtle Mountain State Forest. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though campers should be prepared for mosquitoes during summer months. For those seeking solitude, Strawberry Lake Campgrounds provides a quieter alternative to the more popular Lake Metigoshe. As one visitor described it, "Great little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshie. Small but clean beach area, pump water, fairly clean toilet, tables, firewood, and garbage can."
"This State Park is in North Dakota near the Canadian border. With a very large body of water that has many amenities from fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding."
"This campground tucked away in the turtle mountains next to Lake Metigoshie is definitely worth the visit! The campground is located in a state park so rules do apply."
from $15 - $135 / night
Check Availability"Great little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshie. Spots are fairly small but a few can fit a larger tent or camper."
"I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning"
"On the lake and pretty."
"We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive."
"Many campsites, surrounded by trees. Stayed for two nights and didn’t even see everything at the park. Brought kayaks Into the pond/ lakes in the gardens. Wish we had brought bikes."
"We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit! "
"Directly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables."
"It’s just a simple spot to camp on the small Lake Upsilon."
"One other camper here on a Friday night.Bonus was the dump station on the road side into the park! Definitely on my favorite list!"
ScoutReal nice hiking trail. The camping though is just pull off the dirt two track road onto the prairie grass and camp. I have a truck with 4 wheel drive and used it pulling my 12’ camper on the sandy spots did help.
LegendIf you like older things, this is the place. The camp spots are fairly close together but have full hook ups for mechanics who come and stay to work on the tractors. There are also houses, libraries, clocks, school house, church and loads of tractors and old equipment to see.
TravelerAbout 6 sites available plus one group site. Clean vault toilet. No water. Fishing pier. On the lake and pretty.
TravelerStopped here on a whim as I was traveling through on my way to Glacier NP. As I pulled in, a farmers market was being set up in a pavilion at the park. Bought some yummy sourdough bread and jam! Sites are pretty informal with 4 electric hook ups. They look to be both 30 and 50 amp. Grass and mostly level, I was able to back in and hook up easy. They ask for a donation in a box posted in the camping area, otherwise free of charge. Very nicely kept park with sand volleyball court, tennis court and playground area. Lots of space for tents. One other camper here on a Friday night.Bonus was the dump station on the road side into the park! Definitely on my favorite list!
ScoutOvergrown with dense two foot tall grass, could not find a place to park or even turn my little car around. I use a walker and need to car camp so maybe folks on foot will have a great experience. I had to reroute my trip.
GuideSmall quiet campground. Just what we were looking for. One other camper. Free firewood for registered campers!!! Family of Broad-winged Hawks in campground! Spectacular storm in the night!
GuideDirectly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables. It's just a quiet little place to park on your way to the International Peace Garden. It's $20 per night cash payable at the Visitors' Center. Nothing fancy. No showers. There's a toilet in the visitors' center but it has limited hours.
GuideI loved this area. It really has the imagination going and seeing all the different kinds of trees planted in close range was very compelling. Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads. I took a delightful bike ride with my dogs and we really enjoyed this location. However, to say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you (in this amount of tips would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot. I am not sure when tick season ends but if you are going to go go in the ticks are dead. It was hard for me to dock this place a star, but because of the ticks that is why I did so.
ScoutI love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes
Bottineau camping areas connect to the Turtle Mountains region, a forested highland rising 800 feet above the surrounding prairie. The area contains numerous small glacial lakes and dense hardwood forests uncommon in North Dakota. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer camping season typically runs May through September with daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground offers productive fishing from multiple docks. "The park features multiple fishing docks are plentiful," notes Nikki M., who appreciated the convenient water access. Fishing for bluegill is popular, with one camper reporting "We caught 4 good sized bluegill to eat."
Kayaking quiet waters: Strawberry Lake Campgrounds provides a peaceful paddling alternative to busier lakes. "Nice lake to kayak, canoe paddle or fish without worrying about motor boats/noise," according to Erica S. The smaller size makes it ideal for beginners or those seeking quieter water recreation.
Hiking trail network: The area contains over 16 miles of marked trails through the Turtle Mountain State Forest. At International Peace Garden, one visitor recommends: "Wish we had brought bikes. They had hiking trails but didn't get to do them." Trail maps are provided at most campground entrances.
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas ideal for cooling off. At Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, Ason S. found "Great sandy beach & nice water!! Activities set up for families/kids each weekend."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature wooded sites that create natural separation. Carrie H. describes the International Peace Garden sites: "Mature aspen and oak trees make up the majority of the grounds and this makes each site feel super isolated and private."
Peaceful alternative locations: Smaller campgrounds provide quieter options away from busier areas. At Pelican Sandy Recreation Area, Teresa T. enjoyed the "Rustic and quiet" setting, noting "I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. J S. found Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground offered "clean sites and facilities—nicest public showers we have ever seen!"
Convenient platforms: Several tent camping areas feature raised platforms. Elizabeth S. appreciates International Peace Garden's setup: "We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit!"
Limited cell service: Reception can be spotty throughout the Turtle Mountains region. At Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground, Erica S. reports "Little to no cell reception (We had 1 bar)."
Cash payment required: Several campgrounds operate with cash-only payment systems. Tanner G. advises Strawberry Lake visitors to "BRING WATER AND $15 cash for overnight fee."
Water quality varies: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. Tanner G. notes at Strawberry Lake that "water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes" but not for drinking.
Plant hazards: Watch for poison ivy at some sites. Jennie S. warns "There is poison ivy here. There was some on my campsite and some on the interpretive trail" at Lake Metigoshe State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lake Metigoshe State Park, Ason S. mentions a "Nice playground between loops" with "activities set up for families/kids each weekend."
Beach proximity: Lion Park at Lake Upsilon offers a "Small beach area" though Pam H. notes it's "mostly used by a few locals or family of the cottage owners visiting." Consider visiting on weekdays when water recreation areas are less congested.
Special treats: Some campgrounds feature unexpected amenities. Brandi M. found that Lake Metigoshe State Park even had "an Ice cream truck that rolled thru everyday for the kiddos!"
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into your trip. Rudy W. suggests "The interpretive learning center is really neat" at Lake Metigoshe State Park, providing indoor activities for rainy days.
Hookup availability: The best places to camp near Bottineau with RV hookups include Lake Metigoshe State Park with water and electric, and International Peace Garden with full hookups. Teresa T. notes International Peace Garden sites are "definitely expensive. 25 to get in and then 25 to camp but full hook ups and nice spots."
Budget alternative: For RVers seeking economical options, Towner City Park offers basic electric sites with a donation-based payment system. Tami D. reports "They ask for a donation in a box posted in the camping area, otherwise free of charge" with "4 electric hook ups" that "look to be both 30 and 50 amp."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for sanitation needs. Tami D. appreciates that at Towner City Park, the "Bonus was the dump station on the road side into the park!" This free dump station offers convenience for self-contained RVs.
Leveling considerations: Site conditions vary across campgrounds. Carrie H. notes that at International Peace Garden, "Each site has a concrete pad (some tent sites have wooden platforms) so leveling is super easy!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping options near Bottineau, North Dakota?
The Bottineau area offers several excellent camping options. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground is a standout choice with multiple campground loops, clean facilities, and waterfront sites. For a quieter alternative, Strawberry Lake Campgrounds provides a more secluded experience with smaller sites suitable for tents and some campers, plus a clean beach area and peaceful fishing without motorboats. Other options include Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground for horse enthusiasts and International Peace Garden for those wanting to explore unique botanical gardens while camping. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water.
When is the best time to visit Bottineau for camping and outdoor activities?
Late spring through early fall offers the best camping experience in Bottineau. Summer (June-August) provides warm temperatures ideal for water activities at International Peace Garden, where you can kayak in the garden ponds and explore hiking trails. September is particularly magical at Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground with spectacular fall colors transforming the landscape and fewer mosquitoes than summer months. The shoulder seasons (May and September) offer less crowded campgrounds while still providing comfortable temperatures. Be aware that mosquitoes can be intense during peak summer, especially in the evenings, so bring ample repellent if visiting June-August.
What activities can you do at Lake Metigoshe State Park near Bottineau?
Water activities dominate at Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, with fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding available. The park offers equipment rentals for paddlesports and bicycles nearby. Hikers can enjoy several well-marked and maintained trails with views of small lakes and occasional wildlife sightings. Families appreciate the playground facilities located near picnic and BBQ areas, with restrooms conveniently nearby. The park is also dog-friendly with a designated dog area. During winter months, the park transforms into a destination for cold-weather activities, making it truly a four-season recreation area. Fishing docks are plentiful for anglers looking to catch the lake's variety of fish.
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