25 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Turtle Mountains region near Dunseith, North Dakota features diverse camping opportunities within a unique landscape along the Canadian border. Lake Metigoshe State Park, approximately 15 miles northwest of Dunseith, serves as the area's premier camping destination with year-round availability for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. The International Peace Garden, located directly in Dunseith, offers established campsites with full amenities during its June through September operating season. Smaller recreation areas like Pelican Sandy Recreation Area and Strawberry Lake Campgrounds provide more rustic experiences with basic facilities. The region's geography includes wooded hills, small lakes, and meadows that contrast with North Dakota's typically flat terrain.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Dunseith area. Summer brings warm temperatures ideal for water activities, while fall showcases spectacular foliage, particularly in the birch-dominated forests. As one camper noted, "I recommend camping in the fall with tree colors! WOW!" Winter access remains available at Lake Metigoshe State Park, which maintains snowmobile trails and winter recreation facilities. Mosquitoes present a common challenge during summer months, with one visitor advising: "Our only complaint is the mosquitos, which are pretty unavoidable. Bring a great bug spray and your kayak and you'll be set for an amazing camping trip!" Cell reception varies throughout the region, with limited connectivity in more remote areas like Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Dunseith area. Lake Metigoshe State Park features multiple lakeside camping loops with fishing docks, boat launches, and swimming areas. According to visitor reviews, "Swimming next to campsites, boat launch site even closer. The playground is located next to picnic and BBQ areas, all near the water and restrooms close by." While many campgrounds receive high ratings for their natural beauty and amenities, several reviewers mention that sites at Lake Metigoshe can feel crowded despite vegetative screening between sites. Quieter alternatives include Strawberry Lake Campgrounds, described as a "great little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshe" with "a small but clean beach area" where visitors can "kayak, canoe paddle or fish without worrying about motor boats/noise."
"This State Park is in North Dakota near the Canadian border. With a very large body of water that has many amenities from fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding."
"This campground tucked away in the turtle mountains next to Lake Metigoshie is definitely worth the visit! The campground is located in a state park so rules do apply."
from $15 - $150 / night
Check Availability"Many campsites, surrounded by trees. Stayed for two nights and didn’t even see everything at the park. Brought kayaks Into the pond/ lakes in the gardens. Wish we had brought bikes."
"We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit! "
"Directly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables."
"On the lake and pretty."
"We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive."
"It’s just a simple spot to camp on the small Lake Upsilon."
"Great little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshie. Spots are fairly small but a few can fit a larger tent or camper."
"I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning"
ScoutReal nice hiking trail. The camping though is just pull off the dirt two track road onto the prairie grass and camp. I have a truck with 4 wheel drive and used it pulling my 12’ camper on the sandy spots did help.
LegendRock lake is a very small city, with a very small city park. I did find 1:30 AM service. And there are some spiggots around that have water but that's it. I see a couple of picnic tables, but no trash service, no bathrooms. Would I stop here if I were exhausted? Yes, would I recommend it be a no one destination along the route? No, there are nicer places to be.
LegendNot attached to a local park, so literally just a campground. Having said that, it's very nice. The bathrooms are new, clean, well maintained. And the park has amenities that you need for camping.
LegendIf you like older things, this is the place. The camp spots are fairly close together but have full hook ups for mechanics who come and stay to work on the tractors. There are also houses, libraries, clocks, school house, church and loads of tractors and old equipment to see.
TravelerAbout 6 sites available plus one group site. Clean vault toilet. No water. Fishing pier. On the lake and pretty.
TravelerStopped here on a whim as I was traveling through on my way to Glacier NP. As I pulled in, a farmers market was being set up in a pavilion at the park. Bought some yummy sourdough bread and jam! Sites are pretty informal with 4 electric hook ups. They look to be both 30 and 50 amp. Grass and mostly level, I was able to back in and hook up easy. They ask for a donation in a box posted in the camping area, otherwise free of charge. Very nicely kept park with sand volleyball court, tennis court and playground area. Lots of space for tents. One other camper here on a Friday night.Bonus was the dump station on the road side into the park! Definitely on my favorite list!
GuideNice little park right by the highway. Passport America good for one night. We stopped on our way to the international peace garden
ScoutOvergrown with dense two foot tall grass, could not find a place to park or even turn my little car around. I use a walker and need to car camp so maybe folks on foot will have a great experience. I had to reroute my trip.
ScoutFriendly hosts, convenient access to the highway.
The Turtle Mountains region near Dunseith, North Dakota sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, creating a distinct ecological zone compared to surrounding prairie lands. This highland area contains over 300 small natural lakes and ponds scattered throughout forested terrain. Camping options range from established state park facilities to more rustic forest service campgrounds, with varying levels of amenities and accessibility depending on location.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Metigoshe State Park offers excellent paddling opportunities on calm waters. "Canoe or kayaking in the area is a must and keep your eye out for the wildlife around you in the water," notes Rudy W. The International Peace Garden also provides water access, where visitors can "bring kayaks into the pond/lakes in the gardens," according to Mishawn M.
Hiking trail exploration: The region features extensive trail networks through forested terrain. At Strawberry Lake Campgrounds, campers can access "over 16 miles of trails with maps provided on site," as noted by Erica S. The interpretive trails provide educational opportunities about local ecology.
Wildlife observation: The varied habitats support diverse wildlife viewing. "Family of Broad-winged Hawks in campground!" reports Janet K. about Strawberry Lake Campgrounds. Evening hours often bring increased animal activity, with Tanner G. noting "lots of coyotes and animals at night" in the same area.
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded camping spots. The International Peace Garden features "mature aspen and oak trees make up the majority of the grounds and this makes each site feel super isolated and private," according to carrie H. Sites at Strawberry Lake are described as "quiet" but "fairly small."
Quiet alternatives to busier areas: Smaller campgrounds provide peaceful options away from more popular destinations. Pelican Sandy Recreation Area was described by Teresa T. as "private and small but nice" and "rustic and quiet," noting "I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes offer fishing access. At Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, "fishing docks are plentiful," according to Nikki M. Jackie R. reports catching "4 good sized bluegill to eat" despite heavy recreational boat traffic on the lake.
Cash payment requirements: Several campgrounds require cash payment on-site. At Strawberry Lake Campgrounds, visitors should "BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee," advises Tanner G. Similarly, Teresa T. notes that International Peace Garden camping is "definitely expensive. 25 to get in and then 25 to camp."
Limited amenities at smaller sites: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Pelican Sandy Recreation Area has "clean vault toilet, no water" according to Tim H. Strawberry Lake offers non-potable water that is "good for cleaning dishes" but not drinking, per Tanner G.
Variable cell phone reception: Connectivity is inconsistent across the region. Erica S. notes "little to no cell reception (We had 1 bar)" at Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground. Planning accordingly for limited communications is advisable for remote sites.
Playgrounds and beach access: Family-friendly amenities are available at several locations. Ason S. notes Lake Metigoshe has a "nice playground between loops" and "great sandy beach & nice water!" Pelican Sandy Recreation Area includes a "fishing pier" and is "on the lake and pretty," according to Tim H.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children. Rudy W. recommends "the interpretive learning center is really neat" at Lake Metigoshe State Park. The International Peace Garden provides cultural exploration opportunities across the US-Canada border.
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. Lake Metigoshe State Park has "activities set up for families/kids each weekend," according to Ason S. Brandi M. adds that "there was even an ice cream truck that rolled thru everyday for the kiddos!"
Concrete pad availability: Level sites make setup easier at some locations. The International Peace Garden features "a concrete pad (some tent sites have wooden platforms) so leveling is super easy!" according to carrie H. This amenity is particularly valuable for larger RVs.
Full hookup options: Services vary between campgrounds. Brandi M. notes Lake Metigoshe State Park offers "a couple different campgrounds to choose from inside the park" with varying amenity levels. J S. adds that the park provides "full hookups, clean sites and facilities."
Dump station access: For extended stays, waste disposal facilities are important. Lake Metigoshe State Park features sanitary dump services on-site, while smaller campgrounds like Strawberry Lake do not. Plan accordingly for waste management during longer visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dunseith, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dunseith, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 25 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunseith, ND and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dunseith, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunseith, ND is Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunseith, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Dunseith, ND.
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