Buffalo River State Park Campground and several other glamping destinations surround Fargo, North Dakota. Located in the Red River Valley, this area features a mix of prairie and woodland landscapes with an average summer temperature of 80°F. Sites typically range from fully open prairie settings to wooded areas with partial shade. Most glamping options in the region operate seasonally, though some provide year-round accommodations.
What to do
Swimming at Buffalo River: The park features a swimming area with changing facilities and shallow areas for children. "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," notes Brianna V. about Buffalo River State Park Campground.
Hiking prairie and woodland trails: Explore the diverse ecosystem through connecting trail systems. "Several looping hiking trails start in and around the campground, so you can put together a hike from 15 minutes to two hours. Ours was about an hour, half in the prairie and half along the river," shares Patrick M.
Fall foliage viewing: Visit Maplewood State Park Campground during autumn for spectacular colors. "Lots of maple trees red, orange colors in fall," reports Denise D. The park is particularly known for its vibrant fall display, typically peaking in late September to early October.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities when glamping close to Fargo, North Dakota. "If you want the best kept state park I have seen this is the place. Beautiful, quiet, well maintained... Not a scrap of trash, the restrooms clean and well stocked. You don't have a pothole in site," writes StaceeQ Q. about Buffalo River.
Privacy between sites: Maplewood State Park Campground offers secluded camping options. "Stayed at knoll loop. I enjoyed the privacy of these sites. Road in is a little rough," mentions Levi S. The non-electric sites typically provide more seclusion than the main electric loops.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The prairie ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. "The plant, bird and insect life is really accessible. The trails are the perfect amount for that purpose and he enjoys the wildlife that hides in the natural prairie fauna," according to a visitor about the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Limited river access: Despite the name, reaching the Buffalo River requires some effort. "The river access requires a .5 mile walk and there really isn't much to do or anything unique to see," explains Delanie J. about Buffalo River State Park Campground.
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitos are prevalent, particularly in summer months. "The campsite was spacious and nicely kept. There was a water filling station and toilets and showers near by. It was great. Tons of mosquitos though make sure you have spray," warns Sophia P.
Noise factors: Some campsites experience noise from transportation routes. At Red River Valley Fairgrounds, "interstate 94 runs by it and nearby trains run all night with horns blaring," reports Duncan G. Many campers find earplugs helpful when glamping near transportation corridors.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Red River Valley Fairgrounds provides an accessible starting point for new campers. "This is a good place to do a practice run for newbies. It is only a few miles from Outlet Recreation also which can be handy if you need something from an RV dealer," advises Chris A.
Lawn games and open spaces: Buffalo River features ample open areas for family activities. "There is a swimming pond close to the campground and some open area to play lawn games. Would go back here!" shares Stephanie H.
Water activities for children: Several locations offer water recreation suitable for various ages. "The sites in the main loop have little privacy. That, coupled with the hiking trails, made this a not so high recommendation. It would go over higher with fishermen," notes Art S. about Maplewood State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup considerations: Kidder Recreation Area provides limited RV accommodations. "There's a short row of camp spots in the sun for campers. Seems like a good portion of it is full of people who are here all the time," observes Teresa T. Most sites offer 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections.
Level site availability: Many glamping options near Fargo feature prepared sites. "Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night," reports Kim B. about Red River Valley Fairgrounds during the Big Iron show.
Registration systems: Online registration has streamlined the check-in process at many locations. "While I got in late, the registration was all online (open til 10pm) and the reception was strong. There were plenty of spots to choose from with a good amount of space," shares Maddy T.
