Jorgen's Hollow Campground sits within the Sheyenne National Grasslands, comprising over 70,000 acres of tallgrass prairie in southeastern North Dakota. The campground maintains seasonal wildflower displays, with mid-summer presenting peak prairie blooms that attract numerous butterfly species. During weekdays, especially in early spring or late fall, campers often experience complete solitude with minimal occupancy.
What to do
North Country Trail exploration: The trail directly accessible from Jorgen's Hollow Campground offers varied terrain for day hikes through native prairie. "3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition," reports Nick, who appreciated the easy access to hiking paths.
Stargazing opportunities: The open grasslands provide exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff," notes Art S., highlighting the benefits of the remote setting. The campground's distance from urban areas creates optimal conditions for astronomical observation.
Canoeing and kayaking: Fort Ransom State Park offers watercraft rentals for exploring the Sheyenne River. "We really wished we had rented a canoe or kayak (from the park) but it was a holiday weekend so they were all gone," explains Lynn G., suggesting early reservation for equipment during busy periods.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The campground layout provides good separation between camping areas. Don C. reports, "It's pretty well dispersed camping with bushes for the most part separating the sites," noting the natural barriers that create individual spaces within the camping area.
Midweek solitude: The campground experiences notably lower usage Monday through Thursday. Kurt L. shares, "Place all to myself on a Sunday night," a common experience for weekday visitors to Jorgen's Hollow Campground. This pattern allows for quieter camping experiences outside weekend periods.
Wildlife observation: The prairie setting hosts diverse animal species observable throughout the day. "Lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk," notes Layne W., identifying common wildlife encounters in the area. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Water quality considerations: The hand pump water contains natural sediment. "You might consider bringing your own water - the water from the pump has particulates in it," advises Art S., though the water remains technically potable despite its appearance.
Weather exposure: The open prairie location experiences typical plains weather patterns. "Only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time," reports Dan C. from Fort Ransom State Park, noting conditions similar to those at Jorgen's Hollow.
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: No trash collection services exist on site. "This is also a 'pack it in, pack it out place' for now. Bring your trash out with you," explains a visitor, highlighting the self-reliant nature of the campground management system.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Summer months bring typical prairie insects. "Abundant flowers and butterflies," notes Dillon M., though less desirable insects also inhabit the area. Families should bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing, particularly during warmer months.
Educational opportunities: The nearby historic sites provide learning experiences for children. "Time travel to the pioneer days," describes Lynn G. about Fort Ransom State Park, noting "the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!"
Seasonal events: Special activities occur throughout camping season. "Sodbuster Days, Halloween in June and Christmas in July is a must," recommends Rudy W., highlighting family-friendly programming that enhances camping experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Horse trailer parking requires careful site selection. "Most sites had nice level places to park," notes Nick, information particularly valuable for equestrian camping near Casselton, North Dakota. Sites vary in size and levelness, with some better suited for larger rigs.
Limited hookups: The campground offers basic accommodations without electrical connections. Rachel O. explains the "campground perfect for an NCT section hike" with "clean water and vault toilets," emphasizing the primitive nature of facilities that may require RVers to be self-sufficient with power sources.
