1 campground with availability next weekend
Horse camping near Dunseith, North Dakota centers on Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, which features multiple camping loops with sites that can accommodate horse trailers, though specific equestrian facilities are limited. The park maintains trails suitable for horseback riding through the wooded Turtle Mountains terrain. Campers have access to full hookup sites for RVs, primitive tent sites, and cabin rentals. The well-maintained facilities include clean restrooms, showers, and drinking water. The campground is situated on Lake Metigoshe with fishing docks and water access points throughout the property.
Trails within the park connect to a network of paths that wind through birch forests and around small lakes. The park's trail system accommodates multiple recreational activities including horseback riding during appropriate seasons. Riders should check with park staff regarding current trail conditions and any seasonal restrictions. The nearby International Peace Garden, approximately 30 minutes away, provides additional riding opportunities. Campsite reservations are recommended, especially during summer months when the park experiences higher visitation. The park remains open year-round, though winter access for horse activities may be limited due to snow conditions. Visitors note that while campsites can be close together, vegetation between sites provides adequate privacy for most campers.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $15 - $150 / night
"Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads. I took a delightful bike ride with my dogs and we really enjoyed this location."
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.
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.
GuideI loved this area. It really has the imagination going and seeing all the different kinds of trees planted in close range was very compelling. Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads. I took a delightful bike ride with my dogs and we really enjoyed this location. However, to say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you (in this amount of tips would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot. I am not sure when tick season ends but if you are going to go go in the ticks are dead. It was hard for me to dock this place a star, but because of the ticks that is why I did so.
ScoutBest part is it’s free, there isn’t much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not.
LegendWow, am I glad I didn't plan to stay. This park camping is packed crazy tight. The park is well maintained but you are sharing a sit with everyone basically. Great looking trails and maybe a good fall sort of place to go.
TravelerCamped here for Memorial Day weekend. It's a beautiful park and lots of families seem to enjoy it. This was a very busy weekend to camp here, and the campsites are all pretty close together without much in the way of barriers between campsites, particularly in the South and North Hill areas. We didn't realize this, and we ended up being in the middle of a bunch of people who like to play music and hang out with friends and family. If that's the vibe you're going for, this is the place for you. If you are looking for something more peaceful, I'd suggest finding somewhere else to camp.
TravelerThe backup campsites are tight. But once setup it feels very private. The bathroom are decent. Great swimming lake.
TravelerWe LOVE camping here! The North Hill campground is small, quiet, and perfect proximity to the water. Site 103 has good trees for 1 hammock. Toilet facilities are nice and clean. There is a great playground, and a great dog area! 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!
GuideStayed at Washegum campground overnight and although the camping spots were very close together there's a lot of vegetation and trees separating the lots. Beautiful playground right behind us, and an amphitheater as well. There's multiple hiking trails, a dog park, swimming area, and picnic areas as well! Very kid and dog friendly, we will definitely be visiting again.
Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground provides equestrian accommodations within the Turtle Mountains region near Dunseith, North Dakota. Located at nearly 2,000 feet elevation, the area creates a microclimate that supports birch and aspen forests uncommon elsewhere in the state. The park contains several small natural lakes formed by glacial activity, with Lake Metigoshe itself covering approximately 1,500 acres.
Water activities on Lake Metigoshe: The park offers multiple fishing docks and water access points. "A great place for getting in or on the water. Swimming next to campsites, boat launch site even closer. Fishing docks are plentiful," notes Nikki M. about Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground.
Interpretive trails exploration: Several self-guided nature trails feature educational markers about local ecology. "I walked the full Old Oak interpretive trail and the pamphlet that you pick up on the way in to camp was nice to have," shares Jennie S., who adds a safety note: "There is poison ivy here. There was some on my campsite and some on the interpretive trail."
Geocaching adventures: The park maintains several geocaching locations throughout its trail system. "We went fishing, swimming, explored the hiking and bike trails and did some geocaching," reports J S. from Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground.
Private wooded sites: Despite campsite proximity, natural vegetation creates secluded camping spots. "Camp sites are close but had trees and natural grasses so it feels like you are in your own private woods," explains Patti E. at Lake Metigoshe.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Really enjoyed this state park. Lots of wildlife," mentions J S., who was impressed by the natural setting.
Exceptional shower facilities: The park maintains high-quality shower buildings. "Clean sites and facilities—nicest public showers we have ever seen!" says J S. about Lake Metigoshe, highlighting an amenity particularly valuable for equestrian campers after trail riding.
Site terrain variations: Some campsites feature unique elevation changes. "Campsites were nice & taken care of! Some sites were elevated or lowered with a few stairs; kinda cool!" reports Ason S. from Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground.
Seasonal tick concerns: When planning equestrian camping trips, consider tick activity levels. "To say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you, I do not recommend coming to this spot," warns Emily S. about Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed camping area, particularly relevant for horse owners.
Recreational water traffic: During peak season, boat traffic can impact shoreline activities. "We went to go fishing and the water was very busy with recreational boats. There is also some crazy weeds in the water," notes Jackie R., providing context for those planning water activities.
Beach access planning: The swimming area requires some walking from campsites. "Swim beach was a bit of a walk, but totally worth it!! Great sandy beach & nice water!!" explains Ason S., who appreciated the quality despite the distance.
Weekend programming: The park schedules regular family-oriented events. "Activities set up for families/kids each weekend. Nice playground between loops too," shares Ason S., highlighting organized entertainment options.
Ice cream opportunities: Brandi M. at Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground notes a special treat: "There was even an Ice cream truck that rolled thru everyday for the kiddos!"
Full hookup availability: The campground offers complete utility connections for extended stays. "Full hookups, clean sites and facilities," confirms J S., noting the comprehensive amenities.
Generator noise considerations: Some camping areas permit generator use, which impacts the noise environment. "We were in a tent campground and a camper came and parked and ran a generator for hours," reports Jackie R., highlighting a potential issue for equestrian campers seeking quiet for themselves and their horses.
Rental options near park: Equipment rentals provide additional recreation opportunities. "There are bike & canoe/kayak rentals right outside the park," mentions Brandi M., offering alternatives for non-equestrian activities on non-riding days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dunseith, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dunseith, ND is Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.
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