Dispersed camping areas near Casselton, North Dakota offer outdoor experiences within the rolling prairie landscape. The region features a mix of native grasslands, oak woodlands, and small lakes that provide habitat for wildlife including deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with summer highs reaching the 80s, affecting camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking the North Country Trail: Access remote camping spots along the North Country Trail that spans through the Sheyenne National Grassland. A camper noted, "Oldest son and I hiked into the east side of the Sheyenne Grasslands on the NCT. We had parked at the Ekre trailhead, deciding to hike past the Ekre campsite" and later "hiked the 3 miles into Jorgens Hallow, the actual campground on the Grassland."
Wildlife watching: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal viewing times at Moon Lake. Visitors report diverse wildlife sightings: "stopped and immediately found Killdeer, Sandpipers, a muskrat and heard cows in the distance" and noted it's "surrounded by lakes. Great sunsets and you could hear wild life from all angles."
Swimming and boating: Moon Lake offers water recreation during summer months with a small beach area and boat launch. One camper mentioned, "This tiny campground is right next to a lake with a boat ramp and a covered picnic table," making it convenient for water activities.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at primitive camping areas. At NCT Colfax Campground, visitors find "a very simple campsite with the picnic table. A bitch, a fire ring and a toilet. It is mostly for people hiking." Moon Lake campers report their "overnight was very quiet and dark, perfect for sleeping."
Accessibility from Interstate: Despite feeling remote, some camping areas remain relatively accessible. Moon Lake earned praise for being "close to the interstate. Not a lot of space but not a lot of people. Good stop on a drive day" and another camper noted it's "about 10 miles" from I-94.
Natural oak woodlands: The rare oak habitats in Sheyenne National Grassland provide natural camping spots. One visitor described camping "right in the oak valley next to the 1212" and called it "a little paradise" in North Dakota, while another mentioned "we love it so much" they returned for additional hiking trips.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding primitive camping near Casselton requires preparation. One camper advised: "So you're gonna wanna look up a map about this area. Don't just park where the marker is that is not open land that is private." Another mentioned feeling "like i was about to get lost trying to find it. Just about when you start wondering if there's actually a camp spot is about when you find it."
Weather and road conditions: Seasonal changes affect accessibility to camping areas. At Moon Lake, "the dirt road coming in was. Little rough" and spring conditions can be challenging as "it was snowy and muddy. Couldn't park in the campground itself out of fear we would get stuck."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. A camper at Moon Lake noted "No potable water or gray dump. 10 day stay limit" and mentioned "The lot is definitely NOT level." At some locations, facilities may be closed seasonally, as one visitor discovered "the bathroom was locked" during their April visit.
Tips for camping with families
Select sheltered sites: For families camping in the grasslands, finding natural protection improves comfort. At Moon Lake, "In the far left corner (if you're facing the lake) is a little nook surrounded by trees and shrubs. It's perfect for pitching a tent or parking a car or van if you want some privacy."
Bring water and supplies: No reliable water sources exist at most primitive sites. When visiting the Sheyenne Grasslands, one family mentioned they "refilled our water, used the vault toilets" at an established campground before continuing their trip.
Plan shorter hikes: Families report success with moderate hikes. One visitor shared, "We hiked 5 miles out to Mirror pond, enjoyed lunch there and did the 5 miles back. Great activity for a sunny but chilly April Sunday!"
Tips from RVers
Test ground conditions: RVers should check ground firmness before parking, especially after rain. One camper noted their "16,000lb bus parked in the grass without issue but it was bone dry when we parked there."
Size limitations: Larger rigs require careful navigation on forest roads. One RVer mentioned "Nice spot with lake, pavilion and toilet" but reaching it required making the "about 10mile" drive off I-94, including "5 miles of dirt."
Simple camping setup: RV camping in these areas remains primitive. One visitor described the experience as "very chill. Camping for under 10 days at a time is free. Pull in and park anywhere in the grass and sleep in your camper/tent. Very easy and chill."
