Best Campgrounds near Forbes, ND

The Forbes region offers camping options from historic sites to lakeside recreation areas throughout the late spring to early fall seasons. Most campgrounds in this northeastern North Dakota area provide basic amenities with electric hookups, while more developed facilities can be found at state recreation areas within an hour's drive. Winter temperatures make camping impractical from November through April, with most facilities closing completely during these months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Hoskins RV Park & Campground provides access to fishing docks and boat ramps for anglers. As one visitor noted, "The park is small it has a couple of boat ramps some fishing docks... the dam is within walking distance."

Explore historic sites: The Whitestone Hill Historic Site offers primitive camping near an important historical landmark. A camper mentioned, "There are no services here there's a bathroom a couple of picnic tables but it's a big wide open space... The attraction of course is the Whitestone battlefield across the small lake from here which is walkable distance and has a memorial to what happened on that site."

Family recreation: Wylie Park Campground & Storybook Land in Aberdeen provides numerous activities beyond camping. One visitor described it as a "Great place right next to Storybook Land. Very clean, well laid out, everyone was very nice." Another mentioned the "go-carts, bumper boats, mini-golf, etc. This place is a kids' paradise."

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Mina Lake Recreation Area receives praise for its lakeside camping spots. One camper described "Well-spaced sites, nice grassy lawns, and most sites back up right to the water."

Clean facilities: Richmond Lake Recreation Area maintains well-kept grounds that impress visitors. A camper who extended their stay noted, "Beautiful area. We stayed a few days longer than we originally planned because we loved the area."

Small town convenience: Kulm City Campground offers practical amenities near town services. A reviewer stated it has "about 20 back in sites with water septic, and 30 and 50 amp hookups. No cable or WiFi. Sites are level and some have shade. Free swimming at the town pool next door when they are open."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Many campgrounds near Forbes provide only basic amenities. At Whitestone Hill Historic Site, visitors should expect minimal services. One camper observed it offers "Wide open spaces near cool historic site. No services but a restroom and picnic tables."

Reservation considerations: City park campgrounds typically operate on a first-come basis, while recreation areas may require advance planning. Wylie Park fills quickly during peak season, with one camper noting, "This place is positively overrun with kids" on weekends, while "Midweek, though, the place was terrific, maybe 50% occupied."

Weather variability: The region experiences extreme seasonal variations, with strong winds common at exposed sites. During summer, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, and many campgrounds lack natural shade.

Tips for camping with families

Free swimming access: Kulm City Campground provides complimentary swimming at the adjacent town pool during operating hours, offering a budget-friendly cooling option during hot summer days.

Multiple playgrounds: Leola City Park includes recreational facilities for children. A visitor noted, "Playground has swings and a slide. There is also frisbee golf. The little lake has a boat dock and seating around it."

Entertainment options: Families seeking extensive activities should consider Wylie Park Campground. One camper recommended it as a "Great, clean park for families with young kids. Numerous playgrounds scattered all over with a small theme park."

Tips from RVers

Site length considerations: Some city park campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Leola City Park, one RVer observed, "the sites are very short. From the front of my tow vehicle to the back of my camper is around 22 feet, and both barely make it into the site."

Hookup availability: Edgeley Campground provides full hookups but minimal shade. A camper described, "Looks like they have about 15 sites. You're essentially parked in the Sun. With hookups and a patch of grass but otherwise no shade."

Long-term options: Some camping spots near Forbes, North Dakota accommodate extended stays. A visitor to Lake Hoskins noted, "looks like several people probably camp here long-term probably for a special rate."