Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Bottineau? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Search nearby pet-friendly campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Located about 26 miles northwest of Dunseith, and sharing a border with Canada, Lake Metigoshe is North Dakota’s largest state park. Encompassing an area of more than 1,500 acres in the Turtle Mountains, the park was established in 1938 as a year-round retreat. Prior to settlers arriving in the area, this forest and lake country was home to indigenous Blackfoot, Hidatsa and Assiniboine peoples. The name Metigoshe is derived from a native phrase translated “clearwater lake of scrub-oaks.” While the park contains numerous lakes, which can be explored by foot or paddle, most of the facilities and activities can be enjoyed on or near the shores of Lake Metigoshe. Summer activities include fishing, boating, paddling, swimming and hiking; winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers numerous tent and RV camping areas, including the Washegum and Maid O’ Moonshine campgrounds, as well as several primitive camping areas. The wooded campgrounds feature more than 80 pull-through and back-in sites with electricity and water hookups. Some of these sites are ADA accessible. These campgrounds provide water, flush toilets, and showers; a dump station is located between the two sites. The primitive tent areas are dispersed near the shore of Lake Metigoshe, and feature 40 drive-in and walk-in sites. These areas provide vault toilets only. The park also offers three group campsites, two group dorms, and several cabins. Other amenities in the park include an Outdoor Learning Center, kids’ playgrounds, amphitheater, dog park, and picnic shelters. Campsites are $17–25/night; group sites are $25/night; cabins and dorms range from $60–$125/night.
There are plenty of things to see and do during a camping vacation at Lake Metigoshe. Summer months offer plenty of water activities: catch some rays or take a dip at the park’s swim beach, fish for bass, crappie, walleye and perch, or rent a kayak or canoe and go for a paddle. Try the park’s 2-mile water trail that links four lakes togethers (some portages required). For exploring the woods and wetlands by foot, there are 15 miles of multi-use trails available for hikers and mountain bikers. Pick up an interpretive brochure to learn about the park’s flora and fauna on the 3-mile Old Oak Trail, or head out on any of the other paths to look for moose, deer, pine martens and grouse. Many of these trails are open in winter months for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is also a 3.7-mile snowmobile trail. Trail maps are available at the park’s visitor center.
Camping
Nestled in the Turtle Mountains on the border of US and Canada, the International Peace Garden campsites are surrounded by woodlands, prairie, lakes, formal gardens, and newly expanded Conservatory.
Campsites are tailored to your preference, offering Pull-Thru, ELEC/WATER, and ELEC ONLY options. With a total of 30 sites, including 13 with full hook-ups and 16 with electricity only, you’ll find the perfect spot to reconnect with the great outdoors.
Amenities abound to enhance your camping experience, including a convenient dump station, fire pits, and available firewood for those cozy evenings under the stars. Bring your furry friends along as pets are welcome, and enjoy modern comforts with showers and toilets. Whether you prefer tenting or RV camping, we have dedicated areas for both, including a group camping space.
Our on-site services elevate your stay with a picturesque picnic area, dining options, and a store for any essentials you may need. Explore the peaceful waters with watercraft rentals available, adding a touch of adventure to your retreat.
Engage in recreational activities surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from biking and hiking trails to fishing in nearby waters. Families will appreciate the Children’s Nature Play Area, creating lasting memories for all.
Book your spot now and discover the harmonious balance between relaxation and adventure.
The Pelican Sandy recreation area offers primitive camping, day use, public boat ramp, toilets, and picnic shelters.There is no reserving of campsites and all are on a first come basis.
Primitive camping at the fairground. Call for information and details.
$15 / night
You are welcome to camp anywhere on the Denbigh Experimental Forest, except at designated trailheads. There are no designated campgrounds.
When camping with horses, please remember the PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT rule which refers to cleaning up after your horse(s) as well. Also remember that feed and straw must be certified as being free of noxious weed seed and stock cannot be tied to trees.
Buffalo Lodge Lake is a county park with picnic shelters, picnic tables, camping area and fishing pier. Also located at the park is a historical marker depicting the travels of early trader Francois-Antoine Larocque who passed through this area in 1805.
Scout
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 dishes
ScoutBest part is it’s free, there isn’t much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not.
Traveler
After advice from friends, we decided to test this place out since it is near Minot. We stayed Sunday through Tuesday, which was very peaceful for a small campground. I couldn't imagine this place on an actual weekend since there are no "reserved" camper spots, you can pull up and park anywhere.
I was forewarned about the toilets, there are 2 and only get dumped twice a year (beginning & end), good thing we have a camper. LOL!
I wanted to go swim but there was so much algae in the water after you wade out that I'd be afraid to get caught in them. Plus, the baby crawdads clinging to my legs made me think twice about going any deeper than my knees.
Guide
We were a bit earlier this year. No electric or bathrooms available yet.
Legend
Wow, am I glad I didn't plan to stay. This park camping is packed crazy tight. The park is well maintained but you are sharing a sit with everyone basically. Great looking trails and maybe a good fall sort of place to go.
LegendVery well maintained site. Rustic and quiet. I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic. Definitely a vibe I like. We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive.
Legend
Definitely expensive. 25 to get in and then 25 to camp but full hook ups and nice spots. Quiet with few other campers and remember to bring ID to get back into the US.
GuideGrassy area. Electric available. Water spigot available. Bathrooms were open and clean, includes a shower. Quite. No harsh lighting.
TravelerWell it’s some RV sites in town by the football/baseball field. Mostly occupied by construction crews in the summer. Not a destination campground and best for construction crews and visiting family/friends in town with an RV. No shower or bathroom - a port a potty only
TravelerFirst come first serve and the major weekends it will be full. It’s just a simple spot to camp on the small Lake Upsilon. Not a lot of activities as the lake is mostly congested with cottage owners and it’s a small lake that is busy on weekends with boat activity. Small beach area and think only really used by a few locals or family of the cottage owners visiting. Would not be a destination camping location.
GuideExtremely affordable sites, with water and electric. Dump available. Only 6 sites total. Sites are concrete pads, but far from level. Site 1’s water is not working, so we had to piggyback off or site 2 with our own splitter.
The park is relatively quite, but is used some early mornings for Unit PT and during the day for other unit and small group activities.
TravelerCamped here for Memorial Day weekend. It's a beautiful park and lots of families seem to enjoy it. This was a very busy weekend to camp here, and the campsites are all pretty close together without much in the way of barriers between campsites, particularly in the South and North Hill areas. We didn't realize this, and we ended up being in the middle of a bunch of people who like to play music and hang out with friends and family. If that's the vibe you're going for, this is the place for you. If you are looking for something more peaceful, I'd suggest finding somewhere else to camp.
TravelerCampground is nice with pads, electric and water hookups. The campground is close to the park. No showers, but I recommend going to the base gym. Close to the BX and Commissary. Very quite area.
TravelerThe backup campsites are tight. But once setup it feels very private. The bathroom are decent. Great swimming lake.
TravelerWe LOVE camping here! The North Hill campground is small, quiet, and perfect proximity to the water. Site 103 has good trees for 1 hammock. Toilet facilities are nice and clean. There is a great playground, and a great dog area! Our only complaint is the mosquitos, which are pretty unavoidable. Bring a great bug spray and your kayak and you’ll be set for an amazing camping trip!
GuideGreat little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshie. Spots are fairly small but a few can fit a larger tent or camper. Small but clean beach area, pump water, fairly clean toilet, tables, firewood, and garbage can. Nice lake to kayak, canoe paddle or fish without worrying about motor boats/noise. Over 16 miles of trails with maps provided on site.
GuideThis is a very nice place with clean bathrooms. The spaces are a good size, some with water and power.
GuideLoved this campground so much! Each site has a concrete pad (some tent sites have wooden platforms) so leveling is super easy! Mature aspen and oak trees make up the majority of the grounds and this makes each site feel super isolated and private. Bathrooms are a little old, but the water was warm and had good pressure, so they were ok in my books. Signage isn’t super clear when coming into the park to find the campgrounds: it’s verrrrry far away and will make you question if you took the right road or not. The Gardens themselves are so beautiful to explore and there are lots of picnic areas that are super pretty! The gift shop is wonderful and has a great mix of Canadian and local North Dakotan products and goodies. Can’t wait to go back and rent a kayak and really explore more!
GuideStayed at Washegum campground overnight and although the camping spots were very close together there's a lot of vegetation and trees separating the lots. Beautiful playground right behind us, and an amphitheater as well. There's multiple hiking trails, a dog park, swimming area, and picnic areas as well! Very kid and dog friendly, we will definitely be visiting again.
ScoutLake metigoshe is a great campground I've been here five or six times never had any problems park rangers are very friendly only downside not a good lake to fish
ScoutMy husband and I have stayed at this campground twice now and both visits were amazing! We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit! The sites are huge, the bathrooms are clean, there is a ton of firewood available, and it is not crowded. If you are in the area, this is a must visit!!!
ScoutThe area is very pretty. Not bad lake views. A lot of the campsites are very close together, so we ended up getting another site at this park.
TravelerSpent a day and a half walking every trail available in the park. All of them were well marked and well maintained. The terrain in easygoing with great views of all the little lakes and occasionally some wildlife. It was a great trip and am glad I went in September when all the leaves are changing colors!
GuideWe got there at dark, staff was super helpful with the park pass and buying wood. We camped in the North Star primitive sites, water spigot available, vault toilet not to far. We really enjoyed riding bikes on all the trails, only one we didnt get to ride was the Deer loop. Looking forward to returning to do some canoeing/kayaking , looks like there's a good loop set up with portages.
GuideI’m a tent camper. I stopped here for one night while taking the high line on a road trip. The drive in is hilly and has spectacular views. It is well worth the few extra miles. The camp is clean. It is very family oriented. There were many tent campers. I was in the Washgum Loop on campsite #66 and the interpretive trail and and a nice area to view the lake was right next to my campsite. If you had your own kayak you could definitely drop in from here. The park service personnel were exceptionally, happy, informative and kind. I walked the full Old Oak interpretive trail and the pamphlet that you pick up on the way in to camp was nice to have. There is poison ivy here. There was some on my campsite and some on the interpretive trail.
RangerGreat place to stay!! Campsites were nice & taken care of! Some sites were elevated or lowered with a few stairs; kinda cool! Swim beach was a bit of a walk, but totally worth it!! Great sandy beach & nice water!! Activities set up for families/kids each weekend. Nice playground between loops too.
ScoutVery nice campground on the lake. A few shade trees and covered pavilions. Water and electric available but not for RV hookups. Boat ramp and fishing pier.
Bottineau, North Dakota, offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature with their furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bottineau, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bottineau, ND is Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bottineau, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dog-friendly camping locations near Bottineau, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
