Best Tent Camping near Cayuga, ND

Tent camping opportunities near Cayuga, North Dakota include several minimalist options with limited amenities. Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park and Mooreton City Park offer tent camping within a 30-mile radius of Cayuga, though both locations have limited facilities. Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite across the state line in Minnesota provides a boat-accessible option for campers seeking more remote experiences.

Tent campers should prepare for self-sufficient camping experiences as most sites lack basic amenities. According to user reviews, Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park may not be actively maintained as a formal campground, with one visitor noting, "I don't think either are actually open." Most sites have no designated RV entrances but provide flat ground suitable for tent setup. Visitors should bring their own water, as drinking water is not available at any of the listed campgrounds. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires permitted at Brushvale Bridge but potentially restricted at other sites.

The tent camping experience near Cayuga offers simplicity rather than convenience. Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite caters specifically to paddlers on the Red River, with a visitor describing it as "just a moderately flat spot" with "no spots, no services." Tent campers may need to contend with proximity to roadways at some sites. The seasonal availability varies, with Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park operating from April to October. Pets are allowed at Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite but prohibited at other locations. Free camping is available at the canoe campsite, making it an economical option for tent campers seeking basic accommodations without amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Cayuga, North Dakota (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Cayuga, ND

56 Reviews of 3 Cayuga Campgrounds


  • N
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Quiet and scenic

    National forest campground. First come first served only with no attendant. There’s on manual pump well and two vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and most had nice level places to park. 3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Nice experience by the Sheyenne River and Grasslands

    This 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.

  • Katie L.
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Hankinson Hills Campground

    Beautiful stay in the grasslands

    Well 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.

  • Dan C.
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Hiking trails and river for canoeing/kayaking/fishing

    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.....   Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their "primitive" campsites.  those sites are all in the trees and secluded.  Also has walk-in tent sites.  Plenty of local hiking trails right from the campsite.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2024

    Hankinson Hills Campground

    Great place to overnight

    There are gorgeous sites well spaced and lots of shade. Trails to bike ride around. No motorized vehicles allowed so it's quiet. Road in was good gravel. Picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. $10 / night. Great find.

  • Always C.
    May. 27, 2021

    Hankinson City Park

    Small town park

    4 grass spots with 30 amp electric picnic table and trash cans. Dump station at the pay box but no water. Found a business that let us fill our tanks. Bathroom across from the sites. Quiet park very nicely kept. Laundry mat across the street. Would stay here again.

  • L
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Grasslands camping

    Decent primitive campground in the Sheyenne grasslands. Decent vault toilets and water pump. NCT access there. Lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk. Sheyenne river nearby.

  • R
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Clean, quiet, inexpensive

    Camped one night in late August 2020. Paid$10. Clean, quiet campground with picnic table& iron fire ring/grill at each site. Partial shade. Friendly campers. Hand pump well water. Easy trail, but didn’t see much wildlife. Lots of flies. I would stay here again. See my video review on YouTube. Riding with Stymie

  • Rachel O.
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Campground Perfect for an NCT Section Hike

    Lots 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.


Guide to Cayuga

Tent campsites near Cayuga, North Dakota cluster primarily along the Red River drainage basin, where the terrain features gradual slopes and scattered wooded areas. The continental climate brings cold winters and warm summers, with camping generally available from late spring through early fall. Most camping options require visitors to be entirely self-sufficient as facilities remain minimal throughout the region.

What to do

River paddling access: Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite offers direct access to the Red River water trail for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. Located near the Minnesota-North Dakota border, this site serves as a strategic stopping point for multi-day paddling trips. One visitor notes the site is "really for the folks on the Red River" with "virtually nothing here except some flat ground."

Wildlife observation: Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park has open areas suitable for spotting local birds and small mammals common to the prairie landscape. The park's location near agricultural fields attracts various bird species, though facilities remain basic.

Local exploration: The small towns surrounding Cayuga provide opportunities to experience rural North Dakota culture and history. Many camping areas serve as convenient bases for day trips to nearby communities like Wyndmere, Mooreton, and Lidgerwood, each within 30 miles of Cayuga.

What campers like

Minimal cost: Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite offers free camping without reservation requirements, making it an economical option for budget-conscious travelers. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis, appealing to spontaneous campers.

Road accessibility: Most tent sites near Cayuga can be reached by standard vehicles without specialized equipment. Mooreton City Park provides flat areas suitable for tent setup with relatively easy vehicle access, though formal camping infrastructure remains limited.

Solitude: The limited development and minimal traffic at sites near Cayuga create opportunities for quiet camping experiences away from crowds. Even during peak summer months, these locations rarely reach capacity, allowing campers to enjoy relative privacy.

What you should know

Limited site maintenance: Several camping areas show signs of minimal upkeep. At Mooreton City Park, campers should expect to find basic open spaces rather than developed campsites with defined boundaries or amenities.

Water availability: No drinking water exists at any listed campgrounds near Cayuga. Campers must bring all necessary water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes, with the nearest reliable water sources located in neighboring towns.

Noise considerations: Some camping areas sit near roadways with periodic traffic. A reviewer of Brushvale Bridge notes the site is "in between two fairly busy roads," which may impact the wilderness experience for light sleepers.

Weather preparation: The Red River Valley experiences significant seasonal weather variations. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, while spring camping may encounter flooding in low-lying areas near water sources.

Tips for camping with families

Bring entertainment: The basic nature of tent sites near Cayuga means families should pack games, books, and activities for children. The lack of developed recreation facilities requires self-directed entertainment options.

Safety planning: Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park and other locations have limited cell service coverage. Families should establish emergency plans before arrival, including location of nearest medical facilities in Wahpeton or Breckenridge, approximately 30 miles south.

Educational opportunities: The agricultural landscape surrounding Cayuga provides teaching moments about farming practices and rural economies. Consider creating scavenger hunts focused on identifying crop types, farm equipment, or wildlife specific to the region.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Cayuga lack designated RV entrances or parking areas. One reviewer specifically noted about Wyndemere, "there's no entrance or anything for an RV," indicating these sites primarily accommodate tent camping rather than recreational vehicles.

Alternative options: RV campers seeking hookups should consider sites in larger communities like Wahpeton, approximately 30 miles south, which offer more developed facilities with electrical and water connections suitable for recreational vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cayuga, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cayuga, ND is Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cayuga, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Cayuga, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.