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Best Campgrounds near Fort Ransom, ND

157 Reviews

Fort Ransom, North Dakota and its surrounding area contain several campground options along the Sheyenne River valley and grasslands. Fort Ransom State Park Campground serves as a central hub for outdoor recreation, offering tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping opportunities with both electric and primitive sites. The nearby Little Yellowstone County Park and Clausen Springs Park provide additional camping areas with varying amenities. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails, with some offering river or lake access for water activities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Winter camping is limited to Fort Ransom State Park, which remains open year-round. "Really cool place. Quiet. Beautiful view. A few misquitos, but not bad at the sites farther from lake," noted one visitor about Clausen Springs. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through several campgrounds, creating connectivity between camping areas and hiking opportunities. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations like Little Yellowstone County Park, and mosquitoes are commonly reported during summer evenings, particularly near water sources.

Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural setting of primitive sites throughout the region. The combination of forest, prairie, and river environments creates diverse camping experiences within a relatively small geographic area. Several campgrounds feature electrical hookups for RVs while maintaining more secluded tent camping areas. According to one review, Clausen Springs offers "unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and peace of the Midwest prairie/plains." Water access represents a major attraction, with fishing, swimming, and paddling opportunities available at multiple locations. Sheyenne National Grassland provides dispersed camping options for those seeking more solitude, though with fewer amenities than the established campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Fort Ransom, North DakotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Ransom, North Dakota (56)

    1. Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (701) 973-4331

    "This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands."

    "Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road.  (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time.....   "

    2. Little Yellowstone County Park

    7 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 762-4450

    $25 / night

    "Got a great spot near the stream. Playground was nice & neat to see some of the secluded tenting spots on our walk - they look awesome!"

    "Nice campground, we camped near the brook. Got there later in the evening and left early in the morning to start a hiking trip."

    3. Clausen Springs Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 404-3078

    $20 - $25 / night

    "The area is very scenic and well kept, with a stream running throughout that feeds into a multi-use lake, unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and"

    "We stayed one night after a long day of driving, there were a lot of people here but some sites are out away from the others. We stayed in the parking lot by the lake and left early the next morning."

    4. Barnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 762-4450

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Hiking trails and places for kids to play on playground equipment and access to the lake with very nice docks and the North country trail goes through. One can hike or bike long if you want."

    "A few misquitos, but not bad at the sites farther from lake. $15 per night. Most sites open even though its a thursday before July 4th."

    5. Sandager Park

    2 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 683-3010

    6. Kathryn RV Park

    1 Review
    Fort Ransom, ND
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (208) 589-6554

    $20 / night

    7. Moon Lake

    12 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    26 miles

    "I parked right next to the lake and watched the ducks. The overnight was very quiet and dark, perfect for sleeping. There are trees surrounding the little campground."

    "This tiny campground is right next to a lake with a boat ramp and a covered picnic table. In the far left corner (if you're facing the lake) is a little nook surrounded by trees and shrubs."

    8. Dead Colt Creek Rec Area

    2 Reviews
    McLeod, ND
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 683-4150

    "The lake is very pretty. The swimming area is very nice. They have full bathrooms with showers. A number of different camp sites to be at."

    9. Lamoure County Memorial Park

    1 Review
    Fort Ransom, ND
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 883-5856

    "If they are full, you can go a few miles up the scenic drive to Dicky and stay there for the night. There are a few different dump stations.

    It may say online they have a laundry but they do not."

    10. Sheyenne National Grassland

    8 Reviews
    McLeod, ND
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 683-4342

    "Beautiful sites,trails,very friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination."

    "We dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail."

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Recent Camping Photos near Fort Ransom, ND

22 Photos of 56 Fort Ransom Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Fort Ransom, ND

157 Reviews of 56 Fort Ransom Campgrounds

  • CJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Very easy

    Dirt road coming in was. Little rough but the place is very chill. Camping for under 10 days at a time is free. Pull in and park anywhere in the grass and sleep in your camper/tent. Very easy and chill

  • ZThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Convenient

    Close to the interstate. Not a lot of space but not a lot of people. Good stop on a drive day.

  • Dan P.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Dead Colt Creek Rec Area

    Wet review

    Everything looks and works as it should. Yes it’s raining out. Ol Mother Nature ya know. But bathroom are clean and nice. Water works electricity works as should. View is nice. Can’t ask for much more. Thanks.

  • katherine W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Second time staying here

    Make the “about 10mile” drive off 94 , 5 miles of dirt. Nice spot with lake, pavilion and toilet.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Buffalo RV Park

    Clean, convenient, some mosquitoes

    Spacious, easy access, level sites with convenient hookups and garbage can at each site. Open landscape, but good space between sites. Price now $35 not $25. Good number of mosquitoes requires bug spray, and keeping RV buttoned up, or stay inside.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Forman City Park and Campground

    Small but convenient

    I wanted to come and see the historical museum and lucked into finding this. 3 spots with electric and bathrooms. It is right near the road but otherwise private. No one here but I assume during the county fair it is fully occupied.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park

    I don't think this is open

    When you suggest an edit, it doesn't leave any place to explain so figured I would do A. Review to provide some information. There are technically 2 campgrounds in windmere. The GPS Coordinates for the rock garden are the other campground, but neither seem to actually be at least R. V camping. I'll put up some pictures to help explain, but I wouldn't stay in either place. Where the GPS Coordinates are is across from the school which is open. And it's basically the football field and I didn't see any formalized camping there in The Rock garden. There's no way to camp in that. There's another park, a blockdown where I suppose you could camp. But there's no entrance or anything for an R. V. So I don't think either. Are actually open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Barney Campground

    Quiet spot for a night

    This really is a spot for an evening unless you know someone in town. I was given the first night free and only staying one night, ok. Parked behind the manager who is very nice. Wouldn't have found it except from the sign on the road.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Faust Park

    Bad Verizon signal, free, but no water or gray water. Trash cans available, though.

    They have trash cans, but no water, no grey dump, and bad fries and signal. Other than that, it seems to be pretty decent so far.

Guide to Fort Ransom

Camping near Fort Ransom, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Enjoy the well-maintained trails at Fort Ransom State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are bunches of trails to hike and the town is close and worth exploring."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Clausen Springs Park Campground, you can fish and swim in the beautiful lake. A camper shared, "The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boat access for electric motored boats or kayaks/canoes."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at Fort Ransom State Park Campground noted, "We saw an incredible amount of wildlife in our one-day stay."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mel Rieman Rec said, "Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. One camper at Jorgen's Hollow Campground mentioned, "Nice and relatively private spots with lots of hiking nearby."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Clausen Springs Park Campground have amenities for kids, including playgrounds. A family shared, "It's fun for the entire family."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jorgen's Hollow Campground, do not have electric hookups or showers. A visitor noted, "Decent primitive campground in the Sheyenne grasslands."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Clausen Springs Park Campground mentioned, "There have usually been multiple sites available when I've camped there towards the end of the week."
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of local wildlife, especially at night. One camper at Faust Park shared, "Heard some coyotes late at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Explore Nature: Kids can enjoy playing in the creek at Little Yellowstone County Park. A parent noted, "My kids spent hours playing in the creek. Lots to explore."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor equipment. A visitor at Jamestown Campground mentioned, "They have sports equipment you can borrow."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on children near water. One camper at Fort Ransom State Park Campground advised, "The bank itself was quite steep and muddy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Eggerts Landing said, "Site 20 is plenty long and we really liked the privacy between sites."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service. A visitor at Mel Rieman Rec noted, "Do note that cell and wifi access is bad at best."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds do not provide firewood. A camper at Jorgen's Hollow Campground mentioned, "No firewood available in the park."

Camping near Fort Ransom, North Dakota, offers a unique experience with plenty of outdoor activities and family-friendly options. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the designated camping areas at Fort Ransom State Park?

Fort Ransom State Park Campground offers camping areas along the Sheyenne River with diverse habitat sites spread throughout the park. The campground provides spots nestled within forest-lined areas as well as more open prairie sections. For additional nearby options, the Sheyenne National Grassland offers beautiful dispersed camping sites with access to trail systems, including the 1212 trail (though caution is advised for larger rigs navigating some areas).

What amenities are available at Fort Ransom State Park campgrounds?

Fort Ransom State Park campgrounds provide essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Nearby Clausen Springs Park Campground offers a glimpse of typical regional amenities, including well-maintained sites, groomed trails, and multi-use recreational areas. For comparison, Mel Rieman Rec features flushable bathrooms and good water access. Fort Ransom itself provides access to the Sheyenne River, miles of multi-use trails through varied terrain, and facilities that support year-round activities from summer camping to winter cross-country skiing.

When is the best time of year to camp at Fort Ransom State Park?

Fort Ransom State Park is a year-round destination, though the ideal camping season typically runs from late spring through early fall when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer offers full access to water activities along the Sheyenne River, while early fall provides beautiful foliage with fewer crowds. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. For weather comparison, nearby Jamestown Dam/Lakeside Marina Campground gets busy during summer weekends but offers quiet weekday camping with shade trees that help moderate temperatures. The park's diverse habitat, from forests to prairie, provides varied experiences throughout the seasons.

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