Camping near Dunn Center, North Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for outdoor adventures, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park is just a short drive away and offers breathtaking views and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "We had our pick of quite a few spots. It got busier by the end of the day, but still spots open for campers" at Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
- Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail: This trail is accessible from several campgrounds, including CCC Campground (ND) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. A visitor noted, "The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot bison and other wildlife. One camper at Juniper Campground shared, "The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Many campers appreciate the beautiful landscapes. A review for CCC Campground highlighted, "This place is very well kept. The views are just awesome. 360 deg."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One visitor at Magpie Campground said, "Every time I’ve been here, the camp is never over 1/2 full."
- Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at North Park Campground mentioned, "The campground staff visited to ensure all was well and to give me useful pointers about the local area."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Juniper Campground, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper noted, "No electric but it does have a place for water and to dump."
- First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. One visitor at CCC Campground mentioned, "If you can't get into the national park this is the next best thing."
- Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, campers should be cautious. A camper at Juniper Campground advised, "I backed off and knew to respect it" when encountering bison.
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. One camper at North Park Campground mentioned, "It has a nice playground for the kids."
- Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor gear for family fun. A visitor at Little Missouri State Park Campground noted, "The views were great. Kids loved the horses that people brought to ride."
- Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One camper at Patterson Lake Rec Area shared, "The guy that lives on site was very nice when I bothered him with questions at home while making dinner."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A camper at Juniper Campground warned, "If you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site."
- Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many sites, like The Crossings Campground, lack full amenities. A visitor noted, "There are no showers, bathrooms, or office, so you should be self-contained."
- Plan for Connectivity: Some areas may have poor cell service. A camper at Little Missouri State Park Campground mentioned, "At night the sky was lit from ND oil drilling gas release," indicating that while the views are great, connectivity might be spotty.
Camping near Dunn Center, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!
