Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Fort Ransom? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Sheyenne National Grassland is located in southeastern North Dakota, comprising 70,180 acres (28,400 ha) of public land amid 64,769 acres (26,211 ha) of privately owned land. It is characterized by sandy soils, originally deposited as the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz. Since that time, wind and rain have shaped the topography into a unique landscape ranging from flat deltaic plains to choppy sand dunes. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chickens in North Dakota as well as several other sensitive species such as the Dakota skipper and Regal Fritillary. It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid, which has been placed on the list of Threatened Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other unique plants found on the grassland include other orchids and ferns. The grassland is managed with prescribed grazing, fire, and mowing. These programs are all managed in cooperation with the local grazing association. Treatment of noxious weeds is also very important and is accomplished through herbicide application, biocontrol, and sheep grazing. Recreation opportunities abound throughout the grassland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, photography, and backpacking. See Activities section below for detailed descriptions. Some points of interest to visit while on the grassland include: Iron Springs creek, the Horseshoe Hills, Old Bridges, Owego Pioneer Cemetery, and an Old Fire Lookout Tower. The grassland is located in eastern Ransom and western Richland counties, about 12 miles (19km) east of the city of Lisbon. The grassland is administered by the Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands from the Supervisor’s office in Bismarck, North Dakota. The local Sheyenne Ranger District office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. Other places of interest in the vicinity of Sheyenne National Grassland include: The town of McLeod, North Dakota. Visitors can learn about the area’s history, including some of the Grassland’s history at the McLeod Museum Complex. The museum complex includes a Presbyterian Church built in 1909, the Soo Line Depot, a homestead house built in the late 1800s, and a one-room school house which operated from 1904-2002. McLeod is located three miles south of Highway 27 on County Road 54 or 149th Avenue SE. The Nature Conservancy operates Brown Ranchthrough their Sheyenne Delta office located just a few miles southwest of McLeod, ND. Some of this land is managed in conjunction with the Sheyenne National Grassland. Explore the Seven Wonders of Ransom County.
Scout
Pretty little campground. Electric sites were decently spaced. Lots of awesome primitive sites. My kids spent hours playing in the creek. Lots to explore. Vault toilets were pretty clean. No showers.
Guide
The sites aren’t very well indicating and so we parked next to a fire ring and picnic table. A van pulled up in front of us with plenty of room left for other neighbors. A sign indicates that camping for more than 10days is not permitted and rigs aren’t to be left unattended for more than 24hours. Two docks for the pups to jump off of and swim. Beautiful clear water was calling my name in the evening.
GuideGreat little camp ground with secluded privative spots.
Guide
Got there late and left early, so can’t say much about the scenery but it’s a nice little campground. Quiet. Heard some coyotes late at night. Nice tables and fire pit.
GuideThis park had a surprising amount of space and amenities for a county park. I *think* there were around 40 campsites. Don't miss the back, more private section. We camped overnight here while en-route to Theodore Roosevelt N.P. from Minneapolis airport. It is on the Shyanne River National Scenic Byway. It has everything you need, with the addition of some nice day trip amenities like soccer fields, a children's playground, and half-court basketball. There are 2 day-use group shelters. An individual camp site was $20 - non electric.
There is potable water but no flush toilets (only pit toilets) and no showers.
TravelerMy first and not going to be the last campout here. 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. It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler. Just for your info i was also traveling east to west. Definitely a pleasant adventure out here in North Dakota. I have to say a little paradise can be found here. I am doing the dispersed camping right in the oak valley next to the 1212. John
GuideOldest son and I hiked into the east side of the Sheyenne Grasslands on the NCT. We had parked at the Ekre trailhead, deciding to hike past the Ekre campsite. We set up our tent as soon as we got into the boundaries as a thunder and lightening storm began. The next morning we hiked the 3 miles into Jorgens Hallow, the actual campground on the Grassland. There we refilled our water, used the vault toilets and continued on our way on the NCT across the grasslands.
GuideNice campground, we camped near the brook. Got there later in the evening and left early in the morning to start a hiking trip. Unfortunately we didnt get to enjoy all that the park has to offer, but the staff was friendly and let us park our vehicle there for the weekend while we completed our section hike on the NCT.
LegendThe tall grass prairie here is absolutely beautiful, and a rare place to be able to enjoy. There are two established campgrounds here, but dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on the property (with restrictions). It’s a very different kind of camping than I was used to in forests back east. It’s wide open here and cattle roam the land. It’s a great place to experience all the Great Plains has to offer for the outdoor lover.
RangerOur first time here, it was nice! 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! Same friendly & helpful caretakers as at Clausen Springs, which was cool. A few bridges to find & see through the campground. Overall, no cell service - but, okay to detach for camping & family time!!
GuideReturned here just for a hike not to camp this time, we love it so much! Only saw 1 other group on the trail, did 5 miles out to Mirror pond, enjoyed lunch there and did the 5 miles back. Great activity for a sunny but chilly April Sunday!
GuideWe 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.
There are cows around the prairie which leads to cattle gates along the trail, just a quick flip up of the gate and you are on your way! I recommend selecting an area where the cows are not currently in. Also, note since there area cows and these are equestrian trails keep your eyes open for any droppings along the trail :)
Overall, lovely and cost effective option for a hike and camp.
GuideGreat little campsite a little out of the way. Multiple off grid spot as well many with electric hook ups. Amazing trail for hiking. Kid friendly.
ScoutI went camping in the Grasslands with my family last fall, we enjoyed it so much, we went back for a second time the following weekend. Very peaceful at the minimal campground. We also hiked a trail and saw so many different plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fort Ransom, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fort Ransom, ND is Little Yellowstone County Park with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fort Ransom, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Fort Ransom, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
