Camping opportunities near Fargo span across eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota on predominantly flat terrain with elevations averaging 900 feet above sea level. Most camping areas sit on former glacial lakebeds, with the Sheyenne National Grassland offering one of the region's few notable topographic variations. Weather conditions can change rapidly during camping season, with summer thunderstorms developing quickly across the open landscape.
What to do
Hiking at Sheyenne National Grassland: The North Country Trail runs through Sheyenne National Grassland, providing hiking opportunities across unique prairie ecosystems. One visitor shared, "We dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail. It is a quiet and safe, we parked at the trail head and intended to hike to mirror lake but didn't make it in that far and found a nice place to stop along the way."
Swimming at Buffalo River: The swimming area at Buffalo River State Park Campground provides a natural alternative to public pools. A visitor noted, "The swimming area is wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool and picnic table access with lots of area to picnic."
Mountain biking at Maplewood State Park: The trail system at Maplewood State Park includes mountain biking routes through varied terrain. According to a camper, "This western park offers miles of hiking with the North Country Trail weaving throughout. The fall colors were just starting but popped in the prairie."
Kayaking from Lindenwood Campground: The Red River provides paddling opportunities directly from Lindenwood. One camper mentioned, "There was rental bikes and canoes which was fun for the kids, as well as fishing - only caught one catfish but was fun anyway."
What campers like
Privacy options: Some of the best places to camp near Fargo offer secluded sites. At Jorgen's Hollow Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites are very different. Choose one in the shade or sun. Some have more space than others. There is a central hand pump for water."
Stargazing opportunities: The open prairie landscape provides excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Jorgen's Hollow shared, "A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff."
Fall colors at Maplewood: For seasonal campers, Maplewood State Park delivers impressive autumn displays. One camper stated, "Lots of maple tree's red, orange colors in fall," while another confirmed simply, "Visit in the fall."
Clean facilities: Wagner Park maintains well-kept washrooms. According to a visitor, "Bathrooms are good with coin operated showers. The town of Barnesville is very close with options for food, gas, ice or anything you might have forgot."
What you should know
Interstate noise impacts certain campgrounds: Traffic noise affects sleep quality at some locations. At Lindenwood Campground, a visitor reported, "Let me start off by saying, this is a picturesque park and campground located in the heart of Fargo with plenty of trails and paths to go around! We were in the A lot... the downside was the proximity to the interstate. This made for a pretty noticeable drone of vehicles."
Weekday versus weekend crowds: Campgrounds near Fargo experience different usage patterns throughout the week. At Red River Valley Fairgrounds, a camper observed, "Big event, we're lucky to find his space open. Campground completely full, thousands of pickups and cars. Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night."
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see and hear various prairie animals. At Jorgen's Hollow, campers reported, "Heard some coyotes late at night," while another visitor noted the "prairie chickens" visible in the grasslands.
Seasonal variations in campground access: Many campgrounds have specific operating seasons. Buffalo River State Park operates from "April to November," while Lindenwood Campground runs from "May to October 15."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lindenwood Campground offers multiple play areas for children. As one visitor shared, "2 great playgrounds nearby for the kiddos. We were on site B9 and it was spacious."
Biking trails for all ages: Several campgrounds connect to family-friendly biking paths. At Lindenwood, a camper noted, "Lindenwood Park is a very nice campground with an abundance of shelters, children's play areas, and walking/hiking trails."
Swimming options for cooling off: Buffalo River State Park provides natural swimming areas perfect for families. A visitor described it as "a nice state park close to Fargo" with various recreation options.
Campsite selection for families: Different loops offer varying levels of privacy and amenities. At Buffalo River State Park, a camper explained, "Two small loops of campsites, one with electrical service and the other without. We stayed in the larger loop with electrical service: half the loop backing up against the prairie (lower numbers) and the other half backing up against the woods (higher numbers)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs at each campground. At Lindenwood, a camper advised, "Would recommend staying in the B lot, spots are spaced apart more, facing the river, and are further away from the Interstate."
Electric hookup details: Wagner Park has a unique electrical setup that requires planning. One RVer noted, "Electric sites share a pedestal between two sites, so think about which side you want to be on when you reserve."
Road conditions for access: Reaching some campsites requires navigating unpaved roads. When accessing Jorgen's Hollow in the Sheyenne National Grassland, a visitor noted, "Make sure your vehicle has decent clearance but nothing too extreme. 2007 Toyota Sequoia with a 1.75 inch lift."
Seasonal campground variations: Fall camping offers distinct experiences. At Maplewood State Park, a camper mentioned, "The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping."
