Sheyenne National Grassland offers primitive camping opportunities within the federally managed tallgrass prairie ecosystem 30 miles southwest of Cayuga, North Dakota. The grassland spans approximately 70,000 acres with elevation ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Weather patterns can shift rapidly across this open landscape, with summer thunderstorms developing quickly and winter winds sweeping unimpeded across the prairie.
What to do
Hiking to Mirror Lake: The North Country Trail (NCT) features a popular 10-mile round trip route to Mirror Lake from the main trailhead. "We parked at the trail head and intended to hike to mirror lake but didn't make it in that far and found a nice place to stop along the way," notes one visitor to Sheyenne National Grassland.
Overnight backpacking: The NCT offers multiple access points for extended hiking trips with camping opportunities. "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," reports a backpacker who stayed at Sheyenne National Grassland.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot prairie wildlife including birds and coyotes. "Heard some coyotes late at night," mentions a camper at NCT Colfax Campground, describing the natural soundscape of the area.
What campers like
Oak valleys: The contrast between open prairie and wooded valleys creates distinctive camping environments. A visitor to Sheyenne National Grassland remarks, "I have to say a little paradise can be found here. I am doing the dispersed camping right in the oak valley next to the 1212."
Plant diversity: The tallgrass prairie ecosystem features numerous native plant species that change with the seasons. "We hiked a trail and saw so many different plants," notes a camper who found the botanical diversity memorable enough to return for a second visit.
Solitude: The remote location and expansive landscape provide peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. "Only saw 1 other group on the trail, did 5 miles out to Mirror pond, enjoyed lunch there and did the 5 miles back," shares a hiker at Sheyenne National Grassland describing the low visitor density.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding public land boundaries requires proper maps and planning. "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," advises a camper who recommends using Forest Service resources.
Vehicle considerations: Some access roads require appropriate clearance for safe travel. "It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler. Just for your info i was also traveling east to west," cautions an RV camper regarding navigating the 1212 trail with a large vehicle.
Cattle presence: Expect to encounter grazing cattle throughout the grasslands and follow proper gate protocols. "There are cows around the prairie which leads to cattle gates along the trail, just a quick flip up of the gate and you are on your way! I recommend selecting an area where the cows are not currently in," suggests a hiker at Sheyenne National Grassland.
Tips for camping with families
Short hiking options: Multiple trail segments offer family-friendly distances for day hikes. "Very peaceful at the minimal campground. We also hiked a trail and saw so many different plants," shares a visitor who enjoyed rustic camping near Cayuga, North Dakota with their family.
Multiple visits: The changing seasons provide different experiences worth returning for. "I went camping in the Grasslands with my family last fall, we enjoyed it so much, we went back for a second time the following weekend," reports a family who appreciated the area enough to make repeat trips.
Basic facilities: Know where developed facilities are located for families needing access to toilets. "This is a very simple campsite with the picnic table. A bitch, a fire ring and a toilet. It is mostly for people hiking," explains a visitor to NCT Colfax Campground describing the minimal amenities available.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation: Large rigs require careful planning on grassland roads. "Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination," warns an RV camper about navigating with a large vehicle and towed car hauler.
Water refill points: RVers should plan water usage around available refill locations. "We hiked the 3 miles into Jorgens Hallow, the actual campground on the Grassland. There we refilled our water, used the vault toilets and continued on our way," notes a backpacker describing the amenities at this established site.
Dispersed options: Larger vehicles can access some dispersed sites with advance planning. "It's a very different kind of camping than I was used to in forests back east. It's wide open here and cattle roam the land," explains a camper contrasting the prairie camping experience with more forested settings.
