4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Jorgen's Hollow Campground and Hankinson Hills Campground offer horse-friendly camping in the Sheyenne Grasslands region near Cayuga, North Dakota. Both campgrounds feature designated horse camping loops separate from regular camping areas, with sites that accommodate trailers and provide space for horses. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets and hand pump water available. The campgrounds maintain a quiet atmosphere with no motorized vehicles allowed on trails. Biting flies and mosquitoes can be abundant during summer months, while stickers in some areas may cause problems for animals.
The North Country Trail passes directly through Jorgen's Hollow, providing immediate access to miles of hiking and riding trails through diverse prairie landscapes. Fort Ransom State Park, located approximately 45 miles northwest, offers additional equestrian camping with corrals and more extensive facilities including electric hookups and showers. Trail systems throughout the grasslands showcase abundant wildlife including woodpeckers, prairie chickens, and coyotes that can be heard calling at dusk. Most horse campers report having the campgrounds largely to themselves during weekdays, with more activity on weekends. The trails are well-maintained with recent mowing reported, and the $10 per night fee makes these locations affordable options for overnight or extended stays.
"There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade."
"The campground is well maintained and the trail had just been mowed. Unfortunately there are stickers and poor tuck found a number of them. We still had fun."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"This allowed for a pretty distanced visit and relatively quiet experience in the middle of the country. If it was full, it could have been loud."
"The North Country hiking trail goes through it. Equestrian trails and sites available."
from $10 / night
"Beautiful equestrian campground during many seasons. The sites are nice but basic. There is water access at the park. Hiking trails. Well maintained. Horse trails available."
"This is a horse campground with very basic services. Trash, pit toilets, corals but there are well maintained trails that go throughout and streams and small waterfalls."
"This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands."
"We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely. We didn’t explore much of the park unfortunately."
from $15 - $150 / night
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LegendBeautiful equestrian campground during many seasons. The sites are nice but basic. There is water access at the park. Hiking trails. Well maintained. Horse trails available.
GuideLots of campsites here and not many of them being used this Memorial Day weekend (thank you, COVID-19). This allowed for a pretty distanced visit and relatively quiet experience in the middle of the country. If it was full, it could have been loud. Horses are also welcome here, so there are some horse noises that may be startling if not expected (clanking metal, etc). Great stargazing. Clean water and vault toilets. Great access to the NCT. Great signage. Well kept. I enjoyed my stay here.
LegendThis is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail. In winter there is great cross country skiing and snowshoeing and summer of course has camping, canoeing, hiking, and nature watching. This seems to be a big park for horse campers and they are well set up for that with corrals and designated horse campgrounds. There is a standard campground for car camping, campers and RVs with the usual amenities, then there is the so-called "primitive" campground which is for tents only, either in drive in tent campsites, or at walk-in tent sites that are very spacious and right on the river! Very nice. The "primitive" tent area has quiet rules including no use of generators, so we like that. The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water. Also, while there were no problems about flooding on our trip, the sites are in a lowland area adjacent to the river floodplain so could be a concern at times of heavy rain. Other options, should you want to go for historic lodging or "glamping", there is the option to reserve a covered wagon or pioneer cabin to stay in, or a fully equipped really amazingly cool yurt with a loft that could host a large family or group. If you like hiking or canoeing or horseback riding or nature exploring, there are alot of good options here for the summer camper. Things are quieter right now as there as fewer campers due to covid, they are also a little short staffed and the grounds look a tad bit rough around the edges and in need of a bit of maintanence. Also, the park was established on the grounds on an old fort which seems to have had some historic controversy, and the main park entrance sign was burned in a recent protest event so be aware of that when you are trying to find the park. And, while staying at the park, visit the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about the history of the area and the old fort so you can put all this into respectful context.
LegendThis campground takes a few miles on gravel roads to get to. The North Country hiking trail goes through it. Equestrian trails and sites available. Gave this campground a high rating because although it is primitive with vault toilets and no other amenities, the grasslands are serene and beautiful. Peaceful area. Sites are large and many are pull thru.
Legend.Built 3 years ago, Jorgen’s Hollow is a new campground that is in the Sheyenne Grasslands. Half the sites are for people with horses and half are for those without. During my 2 night stay, most sites were empty. If it fills up, there is a campground just down the roads a piece.
Sites are very different. Choose one in the shade or sun. Some have more space than others. There is a central hand pump for water. Vault restrooms are at each end. The North Country Trail goes right through camp. Hike (or ride your horse) it into the grasslands or the other way to join more trails.
There is no fee to camp here until the fall of 2018. We couldn’t pass up 2 free nights in a quiet and remote setting. Getting up early and out onto the trail in the cool morning let us relax as the day warmed up. A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff.
Thrre are horses and riders who camp here so be aware they added some noises to keep my dog interested. You might consider bringing your own water - the water from the pump has particulates in it. This is also a “pack it in, pack it out place” for now. Bring your trash out with you.
This place is a beautiful find!
GuideWell maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade. Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two. Can hear trains running by every so often. Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes.
RangerVery green park with alot of history, including a preserved farm about early white settlers. We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely. We didn’t explore much of the park unfortunately. We really wished we had rented a canoe or kayak (from the park) but it was a holiday weekend so they were all gone by the time we sauntered out of the tent near noon.
Yay: basic cafe, easy canoeing, nature center, educational, easy hikes.
Nay: campsites are not private or shady, only a few are next to the water.
Surprise: the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!
TravelerGreat spot for hiking, biking, canoeing and riding your horse. Friendly staff and clean sites. No water or sewer hookups.
LegendThis is a horse campground with very basic services. Trash, pit toilets, corals but there are well maintained trails that go throughout and streams and small waterfalls. Some of the most interesting hiking on this end of the state. Only 11 or so spots and very little shade and it has been surprisingly busy. I will do as much as I can on the trail system.
The Sheyenne National Grasslands near Cayuga, North Dakota contain over 70,000 acres of tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Elevations range from 1,060 to 1,250 feet across the grasslands, creating varied terrain for trail riding and hiking. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during daytime hours with cooler evenings in the 50s, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for camping.
Hiking the North Country Trail: The trail offers direct access from campsites at Jorgen's Hollow Campground. "There's a nice four Mile easy trail that comes out of the campsite area," notes Don C. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with one camper reporting, "Abundant flowers and butterflies. Even a couple prairie chickens."
Stargazing in dark skies: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing away from light pollution. "A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff," writes one visitor to Jorgen's Hollow. Another camper mentions, "Great stargazing. Clean water and vault toilets. Great access to the NCT."
Canoe and kayak rentals: Fort Ransom State Park Campground offers watercraft rentals for use on 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 by the time we sauntered out of the tent near noon," reports Lynn G.
Prairie ecosystem: The unique ecosystem creates a distinctive camping experience in the equestrian campgrounds near Cayuga. "What is unique about this place is that is an original remnant of the oak/grass prairies that used to cover extensive areas where the forest met the plains," shares Doug W. about Hankinson Hills Campground.
Solitude on weekdays: Most campgrounds report significantly fewer visitors during weekdays. "Not sure what it's like on weekends, but arrived on a Tuesday in August; I was the second camper to arrive," reports Dillon M. about Jorgen's Hollow. Similarly, at Hankinson Hills, one camper notes, "Arrived after dark picked a site and in the morning was happily surprised to find it had some trees surrounding it."
Wildlife sounds: Natural sounds enhance the camping experience, with coyotes frequently heard at sunset. "Lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk," reports one camper. Another visitor to Hankinson Hills mentions, "There is grazing in the grassland but it is very quiet and no light pollution."
Insect preparation: Biting insects can be problematic throughout summer. "Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes," reports Katie L. Another camper mentions, "Unfortunately there are stickers and poor tuck found a number of them," referring to their dog's experience at Fort Ransom State Park.
Cell service quality: Coverage varies by location and carrier. "Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two," reports one camper about Hankinson Hills. At Jorgen's Hollow, another visitor notes, "Cell service was actually pretty good," and "I was able to work on Friday via my hot spot."
Water quality considerations: The well water may contain sediment at some locations. "You might consider bringing your own water - the water from the pump has particulates in it," advises one camper. However, most report the water as drinkable despite this minor issue.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe prairie species in their natural habitat. "Abundant flowers and butterflies. Even a couple prairie chickens. What a wonderful night," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "Surprise: the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!"
Halloween event timing: Fort Ransom State Park hosts a special Halloween celebration in June. "When we were there in June the campground was having a Halloween celebration and my daughter loved it," shares Glenn I. Another camper confirms, "Sodbuster Days, Halloween in June and Christmas in July is a must."
River cooling option: The Sheyenne River provides a natural cooling option during hot summer days. "We were able to get down to the river from our primitive site and cool off. While the bank itself was quite steep and muddy the water felt amazing," reports Brittany about their family experience.
Road conditions: Access roads to most campgrounds are unpaved but generally well-maintained. "3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition," reports Nick about Jorgen's Hollow. Another RVer notes, "It is well off the main road but the dirt road is passable with any rig."
Site selection strategy: For greater comfort, select sites with natural windbreaks. "Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time," cautions Dan C. RVers recommend sites with surrounding trees for shade and wind protection when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cayuga, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cayuga, ND is Hankinson Hills Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cayuga, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Cayuga, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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