Best Tent Camping near Fort Ransom, ND

The rural landscape surrounding Fort Ransom, North Dakota offers several primitive tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude. Backcountry Campsite provides walk-in tent sites accessible via hiking trails along Lake Ashtabula and the North Country Trail (NCT), while Valley City National Fish Hatchery offers boat-in tent camping opportunities approximately 30 miles northwest of Fort Ransom. Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park, located about 45 miles southeast of Fort Ransom, provides seasonal tent camping from April through October.

Tent campers should prepare for minimal amenities at these primitive sites. The Backcountry Campsite features fire rings, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities but no drinking water or trash service. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Valley City National Fish Hatchery has restricted access with signs prohibiting entry after dark, and while picnic tables are available, the site lacks water, toilets, and fire facilities. Verification of camping availability is recommended before planning an overnight stay at the hatchery, as access may be limited.

Sites along Lake Ashtabula provide peaceful backcountry tent camping experiences with natural surroundings and minimal crowds. One visitor reported, "My kids and I enjoyed this site on our hike along the NCT on Lake Ashtabula. The primitive toilet even had a mailbox with toilet paper!" This thoughtful detail highlights the rustic but functional nature of these backcountry tent sites. For those considering the Valley City National Fish Hatchery, a camper noted it might serve as an overnight stop during canoe trips, suggesting, "It would be fun to start at the dam in a canoe and use this as a place to stop for the night." These primitive tent camping locations offer seclusion and direct access to hiking trails and water recreation, making them suitable for self-sufficient tent campers seeking natural experiences away from developed facilities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fort Ransom, North Dakota (3)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fort Ransom, ND

1 Photos of 3 Fort Ransom Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Ransom, ND

119 Reviews of 3 Fort Ransom Campgrounds


  • Jo Outdoors The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Faust Park

    Primitive camping at Faust Park, Barnes County, N.D.

    This park is maintained and managed by the Barnes County Wildlife Club and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Camping is free and allowed for a maximum of 10 consecutive days. There is plenty of open lawn within this park area which can definitely fit multiple tents and the parking lot/gravel driveway can accommodate travel trailers/RVs/Vans.

    It is a well-maintained, simple, camping area offering a picnic table, fire ring/pit, built-in charcoal grill, waste receptacles and a vault toilet. (As of early October the county was able to erect a picnic shelter) There is also some informative signage covering the local history, and that of the the river and land. (Not as far back in time as it should though.)

    The Sheyenne River runs along one side of this camp area - There is a kayak/canoe in/out access area here and access points for fishing along with a bridge. If you are filtering H20 yourself, you have access to flowing river water for drinking!

    Quite isolated and quiet here, people may periodically stop by to fish, drop in a kayak, run their dogs or stretch their legs. Overall it’s a secluded and peaceful area. There are train tracks that run along the river in close proximity; they usually don't "toot" more than a time or two as they pass the crossing. I can't say how many in a night. 

    There are plenty of areas to enjoy the sun, but also large, mature trees for plenty of shade as well. Pretty decent area to have access to camp at for FREE that feels like you're "beyond getting what you paid for!"

    - Faust Park is also about 4 miles SW from the Mel Rieman Rec Area/Campgrounds (COE) which has a swimming area, playground, showers & bathroom facilities, drinking water, garbages, grills, and a bar/small grill/ice cream shop & water sports rentals on site. This is all very seasonal of course.

    -Faust Park is located along a maintained gravel road, less than a ½ mile off of the River Road and about 6 miles outside of Valley City. There is a farmstead on the other side of the river/wooded area, otherwise no other nearby neighbors. It is also 6 or so miles up off of I-94 if folks approach it from that direction.

  • R
    Jun. 14, 2022

    James River Bay Area Camping

    Good Boondocking

    Scenic lil boat launch not far from Jamestown. A few fire rings dispersed around the area. There was a water pump that looked to be broken. Vault toilet and a storage shed housing the picnic tables if you wanted to use one. The lake is beautiful. Got to watch storm pass thru while cows grazed on rolling hills across the water. Lovely.

  • N
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Quiet and scenic

    National forest campground. First come first served only with no attendant. There’s on manual pump well and two vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and most had nice level places to park. 3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Nice experience by the Sheyenne River and Grasslands

    This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail. In winter there is great cross country skiing and snowshoeing and summer of course has camping, canoeing, hiking, and nature watching. This seems to be a big park for horse campers and they are well set up for that with corrals and designated horse campgrounds. There is a standard campground for car camping, campers and RVs with the usual amenities, then there is the so-called "primitive" campground which is for tents only, either in drive in tent campsites, or at walk-in tent sites that are very spacious and right on the river! Very nice. The "primitive" tent area has quiet rules including no use of generators, so we like that. The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water. Also, while there were no problems about flooding on our trip, the sites are in a lowland area adjacent to the river floodplain so could be a concern at times of heavy rain. Other options, should you want to go for historic lodging or "glamping", there is the option to reserve a covered wagon or pioneer cabin to stay in, or a fully equipped really amazingly cool yurt with a loft that could host a large family or group. If you like hiking or canoeing or horseback riding or nature exploring, there are alot of good options here for the summer camper. Things are quieter right now as there as fewer campers due to  covid, they are also a little short staffed and the grounds look a tad bit rough around the edges and in need of a bit of maintanence. Also, the park was established on the grounds on an old fort which seems to have had some historic controversy, and the main park entrance sign was burned in a recent protest event so be aware of that when you are trying to find the park. And, while staying at the park, visit the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about the history of the area and the old fort so you can put all this into respectful context.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Eggerts Landing

    Good Privacy Between Most Sites

    The website instructions say to take exit 292 off I 94 but our RV GPS and Google Maps showed exit 294, which is probably a new exit. Coming from the east, exit 294 was the better option, but either exit would work as they both will lead to the turn to take you down to Eggerts Landing plus other COE areas as identified on the signs. The campground(CG) area was easy to find and we got potable water at the dump station conveniently located as we entered the CG area. The RV sites here are all 30 AMP electric and we proceeded to back-in spot 20, which was easy to back into off the turn. Site 20 is plenty long and we really liked the privacy between sites due to the vegetation and trees. This CG has a lot of mature trees so satellite would not be an option for most sites. We got 2 bars on Verizon and 2 on T-Mobile. The sites in the front of the CG are more open where you could get a satellite signal. The sites at the far end of the CG are more private with little trails weaving around. There are no sites that are truly on the lake, but several have paths to the water. There are trash cans smartly placed around the CG plus water spigots and vault toilets. Towards the front of the back loop, there’s a shower house. There is also a fishing pier near the CG area entrance. There’s a camp host, but they were only working weekends when we were there in September. However, park rangers patrolled the CG. This COE is about 15 minutes north of Valley City where amenities can be found. Check out Babb's Coffee House in Jamestown. Great place to have lunch after visiting the tourist spots in Jamestown and the coffee is very good too. If you are looking for gifts made in North Dakota, check out the Dakota Store, also in Jamestown, which is a great place to shop. We enjoyed our 3-night stay during the midweek.

  • Dan C.
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Hiking trails and river for canoeing/kayaking/fishing

    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.....   Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their "primitive" campsites.  those sites are all in the trees and secluded.  Also has walk-in tent sites.  Plenty of local hiking trails right from the campsite.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2023

    Faust Park

    Just 1 night if need be

    Well, not the best place we stayed at. Arrived to trash bags beside the bin, half a rib cage (skeleton) of some animal (which we found the rest of the deer .5m down the road) and the 2 vault toilets need of a decent clean / toilet paper, but they didn't smell and were adequate for the night. We were the only people here, but locals dropped by for dog walks or rest stops. Area did have a grill, firepit, one picnic table in the open and 2 tables under a large cover. 2 gravel slopes go down to the river, but could imagine with the sediment at the river edge, car wheels may become stuck. Trains / rail crossing was 100yards away, as previously mentioned in other reviews, and our observations were as follows.....9 trains from mid afternoon  to early morning next day, 4 of which at night. Apart from the  3‐4 long horn blasts each time one came by, the actual train passing was not disturbing... 

  • Jo Outdoors The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Eggerts Landing

    Has Not Failed to Please

    Love all of the large, mature trees and amount of wooded areas throughout. The campsites are all relatively private with a secluded feeling, some more than others of course. There is a good amount of brush and trees separating sites. We enjoy that you have access to sites that are right along the lake side, and the trail system that weaves throughout and around the campground is great. The swimming area is nice for kids or adults to enjoy, also a nice area to get some sun if you want, the campsites are fairly shaded (in an optimal way!)

    I will agree with everyone who mentions the clean restrooms/showers, everything has been in good condition during all of my stays.

    Until this weekend I had never had to seek out Campground hosts for anything, and when we did they were very accessible for assistance or answering questions. Our site which was right on the water (#37)  had a nice little access clearing for kayaking, we brought a few insect repellants to keep mosquitos at bay, but they really weren't bad. 

    Quite a large, walk-in site with parking nearby, and this campground's setup seems to prevent other campers from shortcutting through your site. Clean campsites (leave it better than you found it) and clean restrooms. A lot of sites are quite dark, later in the evening which we personally don't mind and just keep light sources handy. 

    When we've stayed at sites with hookups, they've been spacious and easy enough to set up your camper within, no issues so far. We still have plenty of outdoor living area and room for two vehicles as well.

    A pretty peaceful campground, even when most of the sites are filled.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Beautiful secluded spot

    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. It's perfect for pitching a tent or parking a car or van if you want some privacy. I saw 2 other campers during the 2 days I stayed. There's a 10 day limit.


Guide to Fort Ransom

Tent camping near Fort Ransom, North Dakota, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the simplicity of outdoor living. With a variety of campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Backcountry Campsite provides a picnic table and allows fires, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.

Tips for tent camping near Fort Ransom

  • If you're considering a stopover, the Valley City National Fish Hatchery offers a small campground that could be a fun place to camp, especially if you plan to canoe from the dam.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Ransom, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Ransom, ND is Valley City National Fish Hatchery with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fort Ransom, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Fort Ransom, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.