Best Dispersed Camping near Bottineau, ND
Dispersed camping options near Bottineau, North Dakota are limited but include two notable locations. School Section Lake Wildlife Refuge allows drive-in access but has significant restrictions. No alcohol, fires, pets, or generators are permitted on the grounds. The site lacks amenities like drinking water, hookups, toilets, or trash facilities.
Denbigh Experimental Forest provides free dispersed camping about 45 miles southwest of Bottineau with more permissive rules. The forest accommodates tents, RVs, and yurts with drive-in and walk-in access. Unlike the wildlife refuge, the experimental forest allows alcohol, fires, and pets. A visitor commented, "Best part is it's free, there isn't much traffic, plenty of room." However, access conditions vary seasonally, with one visitor noting the area was "overgrown with dense two foot tall grass" making it difficult to navigate. Campers should be prepared for ticks during warmer months. According to one visitor, "We became infested with ticks... I do not recommend coming to this spot" during tick season.
