Campgrounds near Carpio, North Dakota offer year-round options throughout the Souris River Valley. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season from May through September, with winter lows often reaching below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region are situated on flat terrain near the Souris River (Mouse River), providing water access but limited hiking options.
What to do
Fishing access: Rice Lake County Park offers primitive tent camping with pike fishing opportunities. According to Sherry P., "The lake is small just northern pike. There are few campsites that are free."
Boat launch facilities: Renville County Mouse River Park provides river access for small watercraft. Bradley H. notes, "Mouse River Park is a large RV park nestled between the trees and alongside the Mouse River. Mouse River is a beautiful place and is surrounded by a National Wildlife Refuge!"
Disc golf course: Old Settlers Park has an on-site disc golf course for campers. Thomas B. mentions it's "a clean little campground with easy access to US-2," though notes "the only bathroom is a long walk from the camping sites."
Visit local wineries: The Burlington area features wineries within short driving distance of camping areas. Stefanie Z. recommends: "There's a decent North Dakota style winery (sweet fruit wines) a couple miles down the road with a lovely view and even some hikes. Worth a visit - Pointe of View."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Roughrider RV Resort maintains high standards for their facilities. Brynna F. emphasizes, "The showers got hot INSTANTLY. We were welcomed so warmly after freezing in the car all night. 1000/10."
Heated shower buildings: Several campgrounds maintain heated facilities for shoulder season camping. At Old Settlers Park, Stefanie Z. appreciated that "the bathrooms are replenished and cleaned daily and fully stocked with CHARMIN ULTRA toilet paper which is an absolute luxury at a simple campground. The facility is heated."
Concrete pads at military sites: Minot AFB FamCamp provides concrete pads for RVs, though Chris L. notes they are "far from level" and "Site 1's water is not working, so we had to piggyback off site 2 with our own splitter."
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal parks, several campgrounds remain open year-round. Swenson Valley View RV Park operates "All year" according to their listing, and James and Susan K. confirm they offer "FHU and septic" at all sites.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks run near several dog friendly campgrounds near Carpio. At Old Settlers Park, Connie P. mentions, "Was 15 to tent camp, nice park, you're away from the RVs in your own slice of grass... had no bugs at all," but notes train presence.
Site spacing varies significantly: Swenson Valley View RV Park has a mix of short-term and dealership inventory sites. James and Susan K. report, "As our visit was on a Sunday, Labor Day weekend arrival, there were 3 back-in sites available in the short term area - all sites in the Park are $50/night with FHU and septic."
Limited hiking trails: Walking paths are scarce at many campgrounds. Shandi C. observed at Mouse River Park, "No hiking paths. Water is filthy- no swimming (dogs or other). Nowhere to take the dogs for shaded walks or off leash play. Lots of cockleburs everywhere."
Seasonal availability: Many smaller campgrounds close during winter months. Minot AFB FamCamp operates only "May 15th to October 15th," while Old Settlers Park runs from "May 1 to mid October."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Macy S. notes that Renville County Mouse River Park has "basketball courts, boat ramp, fishing docks, and walking paths. Animals welcome on leash."
Separate tent camping areas: Several parks divide RV and tent camping sections for different experiences. At Old Settlers Park, Mary F. observed, "Tent sites are nicest as they are away from road. Tent sites are in separate area from RV sites. Expect road and rail noise at both."
Access to swimming: Some parks offer water recreation, but conditions vary by location. At Old Settlers Park, Stefanie Z. mentions, "Swimming is allowed at your own risk" and notes it has "a little pavilion, a playground, 'beach', a couple cute bridges, a big grassy field for stargazing or throwing the ball around."
Pet waste management: Carpio City Park Campground provides pet waste stations near public restrooms, allowing families to keep camping areas clean while traveling with dogs.
Tips from RVers
Long-term vs. short-term stays: Roughrider RV Resort accommodates different camping needs. George K. advises, "For long term expect to pay rent plus electricity along with a $100 deposit. Also a $100 difference between the front sites with trees and a gravel parking lot in the back."
Advanced reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Joe D. found Roughrider RV Resort to be convenient, noting it's "located just minutes from Minot but still quiet" with "full hookups" and "clean and new" restrooms.
Large rig navigation challenges: Some parks have tight turns and obstacles. MickandKarla W. warn about Roughrider: "What we were initially concerned about was threading our truck and 5th wheel through two trees that make this a pull through. Other reviewers had labeled this site a 'back out.'"
Utility sharing considerations: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Carpio require campers to share hookups. Chris L. at Minot AFB FamCamp had to use "our own splitter" to access water when the designated spigot wasn't functioning.
