Best Campgrounds near Crosby, ND

Crosby is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Crosby is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Crosby, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Crosby, North Dakota (15)

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Recent Reviews near Crosby, ND

16 Reviews of 15 Crosby Campgrounds


  • Cynthia O.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Northgate Dam Rec Center

    Beautiful and Quiet

    My husband and I stayed one night on our relocation trip from Alaska.  The location was beautiful and peaceful.  The campground was very clean.  I wish we had been able to stay longer.  The $10 fee is certainly reasonable!

  • E
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Brush Lake State Park Campground

    No reservations after mid September

    In September this small state park is over run with hunters. I truck camp and left with my site reserved only to come back with another camper in my spot. Online reservation system would resolve any issues. Other camper claimed there was no site tag at site. It was there when I left in the flimsy clip provided.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2025

    Blacktail Dam

    Cute

    I think for families this would be a nice place to spend a weekend. Everything was closed I'm here in April so I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet so we'll probably head over to a state park instead. But if you had small boats or wanted to fish it's very cute you can see the water from every campsite and pretty much can access the water from every campsite. Probably well used by the locals.

  • Buck G.
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Northgate Dam Rec Center

    Quite and relaxing

    Easy access plenty of space. Good Quiet and relaxing

  • Kerry K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Kota Ray Dam

    Not as expected

    Picked a site online from the website. Looked like a nice long back in by the lake. Turns out it had a big hump in the middle of it and the power was on the wrong side a to far away to reach. Went up the hill and found a place to park in site three while the guy I called checked to see if it was reserved . Luckily it wasn’t so I was able to set up and get the air going Other thing to mention is I’m in a 28 foot travel trailer. The road in if you can call it that was pretty worn out. First part was bumpy and patched tar. The rest was gravel so had to go slow It’s a bare bones park that doesn’t see much attention. But if you wanna be alone, this will work. Only three of us here. Bugs are a bit of a problem here as everywhere this time of year. Little no see ‘ems are the worst. Just a few Skeeters. I’m told there’s a dump station, but haven’t looked at it yet. Was looking for a quiet place to wait out the heat for a few days that had power. So it works for that. And I’m beholding to Jeremy at the office in town for helping with the reservation switch. I would suggest you come here first before picking a site. The ones on the loop on the hill are more level.

  • Leah N.
    Jun. 5, 2023

    Kota Ray Dam

    Good For Families

    We love Kota Ray. Its small, the swimming beach is pretty decent, the campsites aren't too terrible (I wish some of them were just a bit more level), the bathrooms are usually cleaned well and they have lots of picnic shelters. The fishing is good and it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards. Only electric at sites, no water hookups.

  • Leah N.
    Jul. 5, 2022

    Blacktail Dam

    Nice Place

    All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor. They have a water station, dump station, showers that could use some attention, they have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans. We stayed over the 4th so it was very busy but still enjoyable (coming from a family that prefers our solitude). There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas. There is a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds. It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though. All in all, the campground was nice and I would stay again!

  • M. F.
    Jul. 24, 2021

    Brush Lake State Park Campground

    Warm lake, not crowded

    Went here deliberately because it is not extremely busy and has a warm lake for swimming, boating, tubing. Canoing that is very near the campground. Fantastic restaurant in Genora, ND about 5 miles away. Went in late July and flies were somewhat bothersome. But lake was so refreshing and this would make a perfect 1-2 day stop between many locations in MT and ND. 27 miles to Canadian Border. Went swimming every day I was there except one day when it was cool. 150 miles to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which was also great.

  • J
    May. 22, 2021

    Northgate Dam Rec Center

    Great spot!

    Such a nice camping spot. Clean and tidy, on a beautiful pond with lots of rec opportunities. Playground with basketball court; clean vault toilets; electric available at each site. Best part... $5 per night, $10 if you want electric.
    Half hour from Portal border crossing.


Guide to Crosby

Camping near Crosby, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. At Blacktail Dam, one reviewer mentioned, "decent fishing for pike, walleye, and sunfish." This makes it a great spot for anglers looking to catch some local fish.
  • Swimming: If you're looking to cool off, there’s a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from Blacktail Dam. A visitor noted, "It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos," making it a fun spot for families.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Lewis & Clark State Park. One camper shared, "The beach is super sandy with some, but not many rocks," which is perfect for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained facilities. A review for Lewis & Clark State Park highlighted, "They keep it very well kept. They mow weekly, and facilities are very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious camping spots. One visitor at Juniper Campground mentioned, "There were plenty of first come first serve sites," allowing for a more private camping experience.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blacktail Dam have playgrounds and picnic shelters. A reviewer noted, "They have a nice playground for the kids," making it a great choice for families.

What you should know

  • Busy Times: Expect crowds during holidays. A camper at Blacktail Dam mentioned, "Around the 4th of July can get super busy," so plan accordingly if you prefer quieter times.
  • Limited Water Access: Some areas have restricted access to water for swimming and fishing. One reviewer pointed out, "There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas" at Blacktail Dam.
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Not all campgrounds have markets nearby. A visitor at Lewis & Clark State Park mentioned, "Bring your own toilet paper tho, they run out quick," so be prepared.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. At Blacktail Dam, families can enjoy the "nice playground for the kids," which keeps little ones entertained.
  • Sandy Beaches: Choose campgrounds with sandy beaches for fun in the sun. A camper at Lewis & Clark State Park said, "The beach is super sandy...great for kids!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One family mentioned they enjoyed fishing and swimming at Blacktail Dam, which kept everyone happy.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should check site sizes before arriving. A reviewer at Juniper Campground noted, "If you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site."
  • Bring Water: Since some campgrounds lack water hookups, it's wise to bring your own. A camper at CCC Campground mentioned, "Potable water is available only by hand-pumping."
  • Quiet Nights: Many campgrounds are peaceful at night. A visitor at Little Missouri State Park shared, "The campground was mostly empty," making it a great spot for a restful night.

Camping near Crosby, North Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Crosby Campground?

Campgrounds in the Crosby area offer varied amenities to suit different camping needs. Blacktail Dam provides electrical hookups shared between neighboring sites, a water station, dump station, showers, and a playground. Each site is positioned along the waterfront, though vegetation may limit direct water access. Kota Ray Dam offers lakeside camping with good fishing opportunities. For budget-conscious campers, some local recreation areas offer affordable rates with basic amenities like vault toilets, electric hookups, and picnic areas, with fees as low as $5-10 per night depending on whether you need electricity.

Where is Crosby Campground located and how do I get there?

Crosby area offers several camping options in northwestern North Dakota. Pioneer Village is located in Crosby itself, making it an excellent base for exploring the region. For those traveling from Canada, Northgate Dam Rec Center is conveniently located about half an hour from the Portal border crossing, offering easy access for international visitors. The area has good road access, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Be sure to check specific directions for your chosen campground as some of the more remote options may require navigation on rural roads.

When is the best time to visit Crosby Campground?

The optimal time to visit the Crosby area for camping is late spring through early fall. Brush Lake State Park Campground is particularly enjoyable in summer when the warm lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and canoeing, though flies can be bothersome in late July. Early summer offers pleasant weather and good fishing at many local water bodies. Be aware that facilities at some campgrounds like Baukol typically remain closed until May, with water services and bathrooms unavailable in early spring. Holiday weekends, especially around the 4th of July, can be extremely busy at smaller lakes, so consider making reservations or arriving early during peak times.