Campgrounds near Cavalier, North Dakota range from riverside sites with fishing access to lake-focused recreation areas. Visitors can camp within the flat Red River Valley where elevations remain relatively consistent around 800-900 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from May through September, with most campgrounds closing for winter due to the region's harsh conditions when temperatures frequently drop below 0°F.
What to do
Kayaking the Pembina River: Launch directly from Walhalla Riverside City Park where river access points make for easy water entry. "A very short drive will take you to gorgeous scenic overlook areas nearby, with picnicking high above the river, and a few minutes further away you get to various canoe and kayak launch sites for the Pembina River whitewater paddle trail," notes a camper who found multiple paddling options.
Island camping adventure: Reserve the canoe-in site at Lake Bronson State Park Campground for a unique overnight experience. "How would you like to camp on your own private island? Reserve the single canoe-in site and make your dreams come true! We had such an excellent time hanging out on our little island and using it as a home base for combined canoeing and hiking day trips," reports one visitor who enjoyed the solitude despite being "only a 15-minute paddle from shore."
Frisbee golf and hiking: Fort Daer Park offers more than just camping with additional recreational opportunities. "Also has a frisbee golf course and is right on the street when you walk across the bridge. Really nice beach really nice access and fishing down below there's a two and a half mile pave trail in to Park River that you could walk or bike which I thought looked quite nice," shares a camper who appreciated the diverse activities.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently praise Icelandic State Park Campground for its cleanliness. "The restrooms and showers were genuinely clean— no bugs, no bad smells, and consistently hot water... unless someone next to you opens a faucet. Pro tip: the family shower room has reliably hot water at all times," advises one camper who appreciated the park's maintenance standards.
Waterfront access: Lakeside camping offers prime water recreation opportunities. "Beach was nice - sand, sectioned off swim area, & concessions were open. Rental kayaks and paddle boards for great prices and a concession stand as well," reports a visitor who enjoyed the swimming and boating options at Icelandic State Park.
Historical attractions: Several campgrounds feature educational components about the region's past. "There is an amazing museum across the road and many historical buildings on the property. There are hiking trails and a swimming beach," explains a camper who valued both recreation and learning opportunities during their stay.
What you should know
Tick concerns: Be prepared for insects, especially during early summer. "A lot of the sites aren't level, so be prepared with some leveling blocks. I did notice poison ivy in the wooded area surrounding our spot, so be aware for yourselves and any children," warns a visitor who encountered potential hazards at the otherwise pleasant campsite.
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking at Schumacher Park. "Pleasantly surprised the park is cute. It has lots of trees it has water and electric hookups in a lot of the spots. There is only one camper here when I pulled in and they look like they're permanent camper. There's a sugar plant just down the road which I wonder if you'll have those smells depending on which way the wind is blowing."
Privacy considerations: Many campgrounds in the area offer minimal separation between sites. "I didn't love our campsite, it was small and not very private. I liked the look of the primitive campsites so I think that's what I would book in the future if I didn't need any power," suggests a camper who recommends the more secluded tent sites for those seeking space from neighbors.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Families will find kid-friendly amenities at several campgrounds near Cavalier. "Playgrounds is great for the kids, bike/hiking trails are very nice. Beach is great for those hot summer days, they also have an ice cream shop down by the beach. They have different kids activities worth the Park Rangers and some theme weekends," shares a parent who found plenty to keep children occupied.
Swimming options: Homme Dam Recreational Area provides excellent water recreation. "Really nice beach really nice access and fishing down below there's a two and a half mile pave trail in to Park River that you could walk or bike which I thought looked quite nice," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-designed swimming area.
Hammock-friendly sites: Some campgrounds offer perfect tree spacing for hammocks. "Lots of trees perfectly spaced for hammocks and to hang clotheslines!" remarks a camper about the practical site layout at Icelandic State Park, making it ideal for families who bring hammocks for relaxation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Consider site layout when booking at Leistikow City Park. "Hook-ups are awful—they are behind your RV spot, shared with the RV behind you; shared power pedestals so only one gets 50amp, whoever gets there first. Some sites have utilities on the COMPLETE OPPOSITE side of standard RV connections requiring two additional sewer hoses and extra power cord," warns an RVer who encountered challenging utility setups.
Worker-focused options: Seasonal workers have dedicated camping facilities. "It's a sizable campground for people who work on the sugar beet in the fall but available the rest of the year. They're all full hookups you need to call the phone number to get a spot but it's well shaded and very few permanent campers here right now," explains a visitor to Drayton Campground who found it practical for longer stays.
Year-round availability: For those camping outside peak season, some campgrounds remain open. "For the cold weather campers the shower floors are heated! Can't believe I got all this for $500 month plus $35 vehicle fee," shares a winter camper who found Homme Dam Recreational Area to be a comfortable off-season option with reasonable monthly rates.
