Best Tent Camping near Fort Totten, ND

Tent camping options are limited near Fort Totten, North Dakota, with only a few established campgrounds within driving distance. The closest tent campgrounds include Firemans Memorial Park in Leeds, McHenry City Park in McHenry, and Bisbee Dam in Bisbee. These primitive tent sites are scattered across the rural North Dakota landscape, with most located 30-50 miles from Fort Totten proper. None of these campgrounds appear to offer reservations, making them suitable for spontaneous camping trips.

Tent campsites in the area typically offer minimal amenities. Firemans Memorial Park provides drinking water and toilet facilities but does not allow fires or pets. McHenry City Park permits campfires and offers drinking water and trash disposal but lacks toilet facilities. Both are relatively basic, with few amenities specifically designed for tent camping. Bisbee Dam offers the most primitive experience with no listed amenities, making it suitable for experienced campers comfortable with self-sufficient backcountry camping. Campers should bring their own water and supplies when visiting these areas, particularly at Bisbee Dam.

These tent-only camping areas provide access to North Dakota's prairie landscape and rural environment. The remote nature of these sites means campers can expect relatively quiet surroundings with opportunities to experience the plains ecosystem. McHenry City Park allows fires, which can be valuable during cooler evenings on the prairie. Firemans Memorial Park, while not permitting fires, does offer basic facilities that tent campers often appreciate. None of these campgrounds appear to receive heavy use, suggesting that finding available tent sites should not be difficult even during peak summer months. Campers should be prepared for changing weather conditions and open landscapes with potentially limited shade, typical of North Dakota's geography.

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

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Totten, ND

51 Reviews of 3 Fort Totten Campgrounds


  • L
    Oct. 30, 2022

    Grahams Island State Park Campground

    Well kept park

    Stayed one night, 10/15/22 on a road trip. Not as close to the 2 as I expected but it wasn’t a bad drive, even at dark. It was a 7$ fee to enter, and a separate online transaction for a campsite and they charged a processing fee. But seeing as many campsites are closed in October we were just happy to be there. Very large campsite. Driving around all the campsites had reserved tags hung on them, but online they were available and there were no people in any of the sites? We stayed in the Primitive camp, down to the water and off to the left. The camp was a little confusing to negotiate at night, but after a couple of missed roads we found a spot. Fire pit and picnic table. There seemed to be plenty of trees for wind protection and privacy. There was a fenced in DOG PARK, which was AWESOME! Lots of amenities for the in season camper, we still had access to the vault toilets, and water was available up by the camp store but we only knew that because we waited until the morning and asked the person running the camp store.

  • T
    Jun. 17, 2024

    The Haven Campground

    Great stop!

    If you want a beautiful, relaxing, quiet stop then you'll love this place. It's full hookups with a picnic table, fire ring and trash can at each site. They have four rental RVs if needed. Horseshoes, volleyball, a free travel library with sitting room, firewood, lots of open space to play Frisbee with your pups. The town of Harvey isn't far and has everything you need. Definitely worth the stop!

  • Stacia R.
    Jul. 14, 2019

    Grahams Island State Park Campground

    Fisherman’s Paradise

    If you enjoy fishing, this is the place for you. The park is located on Devil’s Lake which is a fisherman’s paradise regardless of time of year. The park office resembles more of a fishing store than it does a park office, and the fish cleaning area was always full with people and their catch from that day. We stayed in a very private site (primitive site 64) right next to the lake. There were plenty of trees for shade and we felt secluded even though the campground was full. There are more open areas which seemed popular with the RV crowd- 3 separate campgrounds full. There is a boat launch as well. The walk to the bathroom was a little far from our site, but the larger bathrooms near the more popular RV areas were clean and had showers.

  • Marilyn K.
    Apr. 28, 2024

    Grahams Island State Park Campground

    Lovey

    Open year round. Per Ranger Water is available year round on sites 1-6, but won’t show up on website. Sites by online reservation only. Arrived about 8pm. Maybe 6 other campers, mostly fishermen. Beautiful place, lovely campgrounds. Electric only at this time. Pit toilets. No water. All sites are spacious and level with gravel pad and grassy lawn. Lots of pull through sites. One night only for us. $42.00 4-27-24

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Grahams Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful park with boating access and beach

    Well kept park. We stayed in the Ziebach campground. It has trees, water and electricity. There is another campground with full h/u but no shade and costs more. There is also fully shaded primitive tent camping on the water. There is a sanitary dump and small store. Great shower house. Very clean and quiet. Many boaters there is a ramp there.

  • Duane V.
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Buffalo Lake Sportsmen

    Donations based campground

    Several formal campsites with tables and fire rings with many dispersed camping sites as well. Several pit toilets available. Formal sites have up to a 30 amp plug. Playground, boat launch and two docks. Several covered picnic areas. Hiking around this area as its in a national wildlife refuge.

  • Jim L.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Off Main RV Park

    Best Location Around, Clean, & Quiet

    1 block from beautiful Main Street shopping, Ambulance & City Hall.

    2 blocks from Laundromat, Theater, Clinic, Cafes, Bars, & Police station. 

    3 blocks from Grocery Stores, Hospital, Hospital, West side Park, Pool, Miniature Golf, Tennis Courts, Horse Shoe Pits & shelters 

      Harvey Centennial Nature Park offers a concrete walking path that windes  through a Cooley. Along the way you will find a extensive play ground area for children of all ages. There is a Frisbee Golf course through the park, you want to stop and visit the Norwegian Stabbur along the path. 

    1.5 miles to Cheyenne River Recreational area located on the south end of town, offers boat landing, swimming beach, fishing docks,  picnic tables and shelters.

  • Mark & Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Tolna Dam

    Nice Little Campground

    We didn't stay because we wanted to get further down the road...  Electric was available.  Vault toilets.  On the water.  Small park-like.  Maybe 4-5 sites...

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Michigan City Park Campground

    A great little find

    Great little find in a small cute town called Michigan. There are four sites that have electric and several sites for tent camping or dry camping. Right next to a little golf course that we played. Campground was great. Level spots but golf course left a little to be desired. The greens were Astroturf, which were a little hard. Everything was kind of on the honor system as you can see in the golf sign. You can stay there for free, but I thought it was nice to leave a little cash to help with the electric bill.


Guide to Fort Totten

Tent camping near Fort Totten, North Dakota requires preparation due to the area's limited established sites. The region experiences cold winters with temperatures often below freezing and hot summers that can reach into the 90s. Summer thunderstorms are common across the prairie landscape, and strong winds can affect camping conditions throughout the year.

What to do

Lake activities: Visitors camping near Fort Totten can access Devils Lake for fishing and boating opportunities. The lake spans over 200,000 acres and is known for its walleye, northern pike, and perch fishing.

Historical exploration: Fort Totten State Historic Site preserves a military post established in 1867. Campers can tour original buildings and learn about the fort's history as both a military installation and Indian boarding school.

Wildlife viewing: The surrounding wetlands and prairie offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. The area serves as important habitat for waterfowl and grassland species, particularly during spring and fall migrations.

What campers like

Natural surroundings: Firemans Memorial Park in Leeds provides a quiet camping experience with basic amenities. The park's location offers good access to local wildlife viewing opportunities.

Budget-friendly options: McHenry City Park offers economical camping with drinking water and trash disposal. The park allows campfires, which is valuable for evening cooking and warmth during cooler nights.

Solitude: Bisbee Dam provides a truly primitive camping experience with few amenities. The remote location attracts campers seeking isolation and uninterrupted views of North Dakota's night skies.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping options near Fort Totten provide minimal amenities. Campers should bring their own supplies, including water if staying at Bisbee Dam, which offers no drinking water on site.

Weather preparedness: The open prairie landscape offers little natural shelter from storms or high winds. Campers should secure tents properly and monitor weather forecasts, particularly during summer thunderstorm season.

Distance considerations: Most tent camping sites are located 30-50 miles from Fort Totten itself. Plan accordingly for travel time when scheduling activities around the Fort Totten area.

Tips for camping with families

Safety planning: When tent camping with children near Fort Totten, establish clear boundaries around water features and camping areas. The remote nature of these sites means emergency services may have extended response times.

Entertainment options: Pack games and activities suitable for open spaces. The prairie landscape provides excellent opportunities for stargazing, nature scavenger hunts, and learning about prairie ecosystems.

Comfort considerations: Summer temperatures can be hot with limited shade available at most camping areas. Bring portable shade structures, plenty of water, and appropriate sun protection for children.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Fort Totten are not designed for large recreational vehicles. Sites typically cannot accommodate big rigs or provide hookups.

Supply planning: The rural location means limited access to supplies. RVers should stock up on necessities before arriving at campgrounds, as the nearest towns may be several miles away with limited operating hours.

Alternative options: RVers seeking more amenities may need to look beyond the immediate Fort Totten area. Some state parks and private campgrounds with full hookups can be found within 1-2 hours' drive of Fort Totten.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Totten, ND is Firemans Memorial Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

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