65 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Center, North Dakota offers a diverse range of camping options along the Missouri River corridor. Cross Ranch State Park, located approximately 10 miles from Center, provides the most developed camping experience with RV sites, tent camping, and unique lodging options including tipis, yurts, and cabins. Nelson Lake offers free primitive camping with basic fire rings but no facilities. Several RV-specific campgrounds exist within city limits, including Center RV Park and Ball Park RV Park, which primarily serve travelers and workers needing electrical hookups.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, while spring and fall can bring unpredictable weather patterns. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for potentially harsh conditions. Cross Ranch State Park maintains plowed roads to its main campground during winter months. Primitive sites at Nelson Lake and Sweet Briar Lake offer little protection from winds that sweep across the open prairie landscape. As one camper noted, "Nelson Lake has several grassy areas with a garbage can and sometimes a fire ring, but no services."
Missouri River access represents a primary draw for campers in the region. Cross Ranch State Park provides river views and water recreation opportunities, with several visitors highlighting the paddling experiences. "We rented a canoe and kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated our way to Sanger boat launch. It took us about 3 hours and was beautiful," noted one review. The park's trail system offers hiking through cottonwood forests along the river corridor. Many campgrounds near Center feature spacious sites with shade trees, providing relief from summer heat. While some campgrounds like Center RV Park lack privacy with sites positioned "back to back right beside one another in the sun," others such as Cross Ranch offer more secluded options, particularly in the walk-in primitive camping areas where tall cottonwoods provide natural screening between sites.
"We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."
"Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."
"The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor. There were trees and foliage between the rows so it was comfortable."
"Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing. Good sized sights, well sheltered by trees."
"It is close to the road so I'm assuming you get road noise and I'm also assuming that during the summer of the park can be heavily used."
"It is also close to The Knife River sites. I made the mistake of thinking I could get to one of the trails from here and you can't you'd have to actually go all the way back out and back in again."
"We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting."
"Very beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom."
"Safe for the dog to run around, nice paths to go for my own run in the morning. This is a gem if you're looking for a sweet place to stop on a road trip in this area."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"We were right next to comfort station which was well maintained. Kid Park was new and close to our site. There was lots of bike and walking trails."
"The rangers regularly patrol the CG and there’s firewood plus ice for sale near the camp host site. There are plenty of trails to explore either by walking or biking."
from $15 - $85 / night
Check Availability"There are a lot more trails then show on the map so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
from $30 - $150 / night
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GuideThe campground is very well maintained with beautiful roomy sites. The facilities were very clean and well taken care of. It is very dog friendly and has a great walking path beside the river. We enjoyed seeing the Fort and Custer’s home there. We’d highly recommend it.
GuideWe stayed right by the lake in an open field. There are several spots all around the lake that you can disperse camp in. No dump site but there is potable water at the boat ramp. Dumpsters all over to dispose of trash. We loved our stay here.
TravelerWhat a great little spot. Nobody else here on a Sunday night. There’s a water pump and a porta potty (didn’t check it out). Right on the water
TravelerReminds me of all the other sites federal campgrounds on the Missouri River - mowed lawn, clean vault toilets, but this one is more remote than most and the views of the Lake Sakakawea are great. Good for a night or two and great for family gatherings. There was one other camper - mid-week.
GuideVery nice campground, spaced out areas with picnic tables, benches, drinking water ground spigots, and fire rings. Toilet was clean and handicap accessible w/ cement path (if you park in that space). $10/night. Good trees for shade but still open sky for solar and starlink. Cows will moo and there’s a far off train sometimes but otherwise very quiet. Flies can be annoying, not biting yet. Very good place to stay.
GuideThis is a nice little campground with 3 or 4 camp sites and a large parking lot where bigger rigs can set up. There are other fairly level spots also available but there are no fire rings or picnic tables like the regular sites have. The regular sites are fairly small but some are pull thru so there is room for decent sized rigs. Those camp sites are shaded by trees. There are trash barrels near the camp sites and there is one vault toilet. There is a nice boat ramp with a large level parking lot for boat trailers or campers. The lake has decent walleye, northern pike, perch and bullhead fishing but it is shallow and gets pretty weedy near shore during the summer. There are some short easy hiking trails around the lake but check for ticks when you get back to your camp site. Morton County Park Board maintains the campground and keeps things mowed pretty nice however the toilet was in need of cleaning which is why I only gave it 4 stars. The county campgrounds are no fee except for 2 very popular spots nearer to Mandan and camp sites are first come first served with no time limit that I'm aware of. The 2 times I have camped there it was very quiet but it does often fill up on summer weekends because it is so small. The campground is on a good gravel road about 4 miles north of interstate 94 exit 120 and about 10 miles from the town of New Salem which has 2 truck stops that have food and some of the cheapest fuel prices between Mandan and Dickinson.
GuideThere are nice shady spots and nice spots for group camping. However, there is no water or showers. Right on the river though!
GuideVery beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom.
GuideNicely kept, fire ring and grill, picnic table under a shade tree, trash can at campsite and in vault toilets, easy pull through. If it had water and even a central dump, I’d give it a 5
Camping opportunities near Center, North Dakota extend beyond the Missouri River corridor to include lakeside options and county parks. This region sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation with summer highs commonly reaching 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 0°F. Strong prairie winds impact camping experiences year-round, particularly at exposed locations like Sweet Briar Lake where highway noise can be noticeable.
Hiking trails: Cross Ranch State Park offers extensive hiking paths through cottonwood forests. "Very nice State park, any kind of camping you could want," notes one visitor, who appreciated the diverse trail system.
Water recreation: Harmon Lake Recreation Area provides multiple water activities. "Swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayak," states one reviewer, while another adds, "Love the fact that this little body of water has a great beach and idle speed rule. Paddleboard and kayak rentals."
Historical exploration: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park connects campers with regional history. "The park has a nice visitor center with terrific displays, many about Lewis and Clark, also a reconstructed Mandan encampment, plus the home and barracks of Custer and his cavalry," explains one visitor who appreciated the educational aspects.
Fishing: Nelson Lake offers fishing opportunities with minimal facilities. The lake attracts anglers with its accessible shoreline and relatively calm waters. "This is run by the county and there are a number of spots to stop and camp. There's no services but fire rings," explains one camper about the primitive setup.
Spacious sites: Sweet Briar Lake campsites provide ample room between neighbors. "Large, open, well spaced campgrounds with fire pits and picnic tables. Beautiful lake and scenery and absolutely free," writes one reviewer about this popular overnight spot.
Unique accommodations: Cross Ranch State Park Campground offers distinctive lodging beyond standard tent sites. "Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm," explains one visitor who stayed in the specialized accommodation.
Convenient location: Ball Park RV Park serves travelers passing through Center. "This is the campground for travelers coming through town. It is very nice and at the city park," notes one camper about this conveniently located option within city limits.
Clean facilities: Sakakawea Park maintains well-kept grounds and restrooms. "Beautiful spot right by the river with large camp spots and grass lawn by every spot. Large playground, clean bathrooms," writes one visitor about this riverside camping area.
Free camping options: Sweet Briar Lake provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Very well maintained and clean, huge campsites that are well spaced from others. There are campsites all around the lake/park, some in their own little private nook," writes one reviewer who was impressed with the quality despite no fee.
Limited services: Nelson Lake offers primitive camping without facilities. "This is run by the county and there are a number of spots to stop and camp. There's no services but fire rings. And you simply pull in and park next to your site," notes one camper about the straightforward setup.
Reservation needs: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, particularly weekends. "The campground was CROWDED. Every spot was full," reports one visitor to Cross Ranch State Park during peak season.
Weather considerations: Strong winds affect many campsites in the region. "Plenty of fishing spots even has a fishing dock. Only real down side is that it's right off the interstate so there's some traffic noise," mentions one camper at Sweet Briar Lake, noting the exposed location.
Playground access: Harmon Lake Rec Area provides recreational facilities for children. "Great playground that the kids loved! The swimming beach was awesome - sand & great water & view," shares one family camper about their experience.
Educational opportunities: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers historical learning experiences. "What a great park for families! That was my first thought. It just looks like a great place for kids to play. There's a playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village," explains one visitor.
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming zones safe for children. "The swimming beach was awesome - sand & great water & view," notes a family who appreciated the well-maintained beach area at Harmon Lake.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially in wooded areas. "Tons of flying ants and ticks everywhere, but we managed!" warns one camper at Cross Ranch State Park.
Hookup availability: Sakakawea Park Campground provides essential services for RVs. "There are 10 level RV sites with electric and water hook ups for $20 a night. There were concrete pads plenty long enough for our 5ver," notes one RVer about this affordable option.
Dump station access: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park maintains clean waste disposal facilities. "There are also a couple tipis for $35 and two cabins for $60. There is a clean shower facility plus other restrooms. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there's a dump station," explains one visitor.
Worker-focused parks: Center RV Park primarily serves long-term occupants. "This is really more of a man camp for permanent campers then a weekend camper spot. You have full hookups and no bathrooms or other services. There's probably 15 sites back to back right beside one another in the Sun," cautions one visitor looking for a temporary stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Center, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 65 campgrounds and RV parks near Center, ND and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Center, ND is Sweet Briar Lake with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Center, ND.
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