Best Tent Camping near Garrison, ND

Looking for the best Garrison tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Garrison, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Garrison's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Garrison, North Dakota (8)

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Recent Tent Reviews near Garrison, North Dakota

82 Reviews of 8 Garrison Campgrounds


  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Roughrider RV Resort
    May. 4, 2021

    Roughrider RV Resort

    I love this campground, it was like a breath of fresh air after getting lost in

    I love this campground, it was like a breath of fresh air after getting lost in northeast north dakota and not seeing a soul for hours and sleeping on the side of the highway, driving up to Roughrider was like seeing an oasis in the desert. It is the nicest campsite we have been to in a while, $15/ night for primitive tent camping and pets allowed on leashes. The showers got hot INSTANTLY. We were welcomed so warmly after freezing in the car all night. 1000/10.

  • Daniel S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Butte City Park
    Oct. 14, 2017

    Butte City Park

    Wow was it cold...and snowy

    So we decided to do some camping in North Dakota the last week of november into decmeber. It was cold and we got caught in a snow storm. We survived it was ridiculous and hard core if i do say so myself. We did have a fishing tent with a wood stove..Because it was winter there were no amenities. But in the summer it would be a pretty sweet campground. But in the winter there was no one here and we got set up for the cold. I love camping in the winter but this was pushing our luck a little bit

    Cheers!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Settlers Park
    Jul. 13, 2023

    Old Settlers Park

    Great price and sites

    I love county and city parks. They are always such a great value. This one does not disappoint. Nice electric and water hookups (no sanitation services). Sites are all large. Tent sites are nicest as they are away from road. Tent sites are in separate area from rv sites. Expect road and rail noise at both.

  • connie P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Settlers Park
    Sep. 1, 2019

    Old Settlers Park

    Train's

    Was 15 to tent camp  nice park  your away from the rv in your own slice of grass nice bathroom with shower's had no bug's at all was foggy and mist over in the am from the water

  • Deborah C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Stevenson State Park Campground
    Sep. 22, 2018

    Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    Great park on Lake Sakakawea

    While there were very few tent sites available, we had our choice of sites as we were the only tent campers. Bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great and the food at the marina was OK. This park is surrounded by beautiful lakes and fields of wheat. Shower was great.

  • Brandi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Jun. 15, 2019

    Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    Beautiful N.D campground

    First visit here, nice campground and layout. Park staff was very nice and friendly. Beautiful views of Missouri River. We stayed in the TeePee this visit but plan on coming back for tent camping. Only complaints were the long haul from the parking area, the vaulted toilets smelt very bad but could of been from the heat! (Vaulted toilet, no sink) And the bugs!!! Tons of flying ants and ticks everywhere, but we managed!

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Roughrider RV Resort
    Aug. 5, 2020

    Roughrider RV Resort

    Very friendly owners

    This site has both over night camping and long term lots for RV’s. It also has spots for tent camping so if you want a place to camp close to town this is great. The only downfall I would say, is that it is set up for more long term stay and if your looking for a great outdoor experience I would go more out of town but if you are here visiting family for a week or more this is perfect.

  • Cullen C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Campground
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Primitive Campground

    Great place for a weekend getaway

    Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites. I reserved the site online, and received great help and flexibility from the park rangers when I needed to change the reservation date due to poor weather. There are multiple drive-in tent sites along the road to the walk-in sites. There were a few people camped in the drive in sites, but we had the walk-in section all to ourselves. The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies. I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn’t hear anyone all night. There is a pit toilet next to the parking area, but we opted to drive to the ranger station/help desk for running sinks and toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Highly recommend staying here!

  • Jacey B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    Gorgeous , peaceful little slice of the Dakota’s

    This is my favorite campground in North Dakota ! Always clean and neat. The waters are beautiful. National fish hatchery nearby, along with the Garrison dam. Breath taking views from the Elbowwoods loop!

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roughrider RV Resort
    Sep. 1, 2024

    Roughrider RV Resort

    Roughride Describes Our Experience

    We followed our GPS to the campground (CG). There were no signs for this CG off of US-2/US-52 at the turn. Check-in was quick and we proceeded to a very tight pull through site 95 with FHUs. What we were initially concerned about was threading our truck and 5th wheel through two trees that make this a pull through. Other reviewers had labeled this site a“back out.” We also saw that to dump our rear black tank we would need more than 25’ of sewer hose and, unfortunately, we needed to dump for this overnighter. We couldn’t maneuver the rig to get our black tank connectors more in the center. If we pulled up any further we wouldn't have been able to get our bedroom slide out because of the two trees. We went back up to the office and expressed our concerns and asked for another site. One of the office workers got rude with us and said the only other site available was 93. We made an attempt to get into this site but there was a sewer system obstacle that presented an issue getting into the site along with how far forward the rig right next to us was parked. Back at the office, we said we'd just take our original site and make it work. The worker let us know her co-worker told us to pull in the wrong way and we could clear the sewer obstacle. We weren't comfortable trying to make the tight turn with the way the other rig was parked in the next site. The other person at the office also said they have a dump station where we could dump. As we had reserved a FHU site, we were not happy with this option. We went ahead and pulled back into site 95 and set up. When we hooked up water we found that the water hose 2-way splitter we shared with the site next to us would not open all the way. Not wanting to deal with the office anymore, we filled our freshwater tank and used our water pump. We got 3 bars on Verizon. This CG has a lot of site options from crammed together to nicely spaced with good yards. There are also tent sites. Along with the different site configurations, there are full timers, transient workers, seasonal, and short stay. In the row we were in, you are definitely stacked in there and you are door to door with another rig. If you decide to stay here try to avoid row 90-96 as they are very tight, you share utilities, and you are door to door with your neighbor. Needless to say, we will not be back.

  • Bob M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground
    Aug. 12, 2023

    Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    Really Nice

    This is our first visit here, North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds. Our 3rd SP visited on this trip ( Lake Metigoshe & Sully Creek were the others).

    Huge, well spaced campsites. Pretty much in immaculate condition. The park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet. Plenty of folks had their boats, & plenty of room to park them. Very scenic area.

    We've been to plenty of state parks across the USA. Looks like North Dakota might have the best ones.

  • Stefanie Z.
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Settlers Park
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Old Settlers Park

    Small and cute, clean bathrooms

    We stayed 3 nights in early September, Fri-Sun. I was a bit surprised at how few people were there - 2 or 3 long campers and we were the only tent campers. It was nice for privacy but felt a little eerie at times. That being said it was nicely maintained and I have to mention the bathrooms are replenished and cleaned daily and fully stocked with CHARMIN ULTRA toilet paper which is an absolute luxury at a simple campground lol. The showers are also pretty nice and the facility is heated. So appreciated. It has a little pavilion, a playground, “beach”, a couple cute bridges, a big grassy field for stargazing or throwing the ball around, a disc golf course, and of course you’re right on the river which is cool. Swimming is allowed at your own risk. I’m giving it five stars mostly for how well kept the bathrooms were, but it did feel a little desolate at times. I get it’s the end of camping season though and it was a little cold at night so that’s probably why. There are a few stray cats and dogs wandering about at times. We are good sleepers and this didn’t bother us much but there are heavily trafficked train tracks a couple hundred yards away from the campground so if you are a light sleeper or are bothered by trains this might not be the place for you. Umm all in all it’s a cute and peaceful little park that made a nice home for a few nights. It’s patrolled by police throughout the day too. We’d probably stay there again if we ever happen to go to Minot. Oh! There’s a decent North Dakota style winery (sweet fruit wines) a couple miles down the road with a lovely view and even some hikes. Worth a visit - Pointe of View. Ok, done now I promise.

  • Kyle O.
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground
    May. 22, 2019

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    Clean, lots of amenities

    We’ve camped here a handful of times and have always enjoyed it. It’s below garrison dam and has many big trees, so it’s protected from the wind which makes bugs an issue at times so be prepared for that! Loop 1 - 3 are all paved and have very nice level pads for campers and all have fire rings. Loop 4 is primitive and usually always has space even if you arrive without reservations. Loop 1 cannot be reserved and is a first come first serve, vs loops 2-4 can be reserved 6 months in advance. Showers and bathroom facilities are kept up nice and are clean. There are also playgrounds and theaters there for kid/family activities.

  • Cassie T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Stevenson State Park Campground
    Aug. 1, 2016

    Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    Fort Stevenson State Park, ND

    This is a very well kept campground with clean bathrooms and showers, well maintained tent, camper, and RV sites, and excellent mountain biking and hiking trails. It also has lake front camping sites for both tents and campers. There are multiple swimming beaches on property, playgrounds, an ice cream and general store, and boat rentals available. Very enjoyable camping experience.

  • Jessica S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground
    Feb. 23, 2017

    Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    Clean, Quiet Facilities

    I've been camping at this campground since I was a kid, and it's always been wonderful. It has something for everyone. A boat marina, a swimming beach, tent-only sites, primitive grounds, water and electrical sites, hiking trails, playgrounds, clean shower facilities and flushing toilets! Not to mention the outstanding views of Lake Sakakawea!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground
    May. 20, 2021

    Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

    Wonderful campgrounds!

    I really enjoyed my stay at this campground. I had a large tent and brought my dog. I chose to stay with electricity and water since I had my pup. I had a very clear view of the water and the place was very clean. The sites were spaced out well enough where my neighbors weren't too close to me and I hardly heard any of them throughout the day or night. I stay for 4 days and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend.

  • Kim H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Park - Beulah
    Aug. 2, 2023

    Riverside Park - Beulah

    Overnight

    There are 8 electric RV sites according to the map but it looks like there's a few more here. The sites are grass. We found sites pretty level on the way but on the south side they are steep, better for tents. There are bathrooms and a shower but they were in terrible shape, I wouldn't use them. Otherwise it's nice and quiet. Disc golf, playground and a ball field are here.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Stevenson State Park Campground
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    Spacious Sites, Several Hikes, and Gorgeous Lake Views

    The campsites are spacious. There are few great hikes that are kid friendly. There is a swimming beach (quite rocky, but large) and there is usually another beach with red rocks (lots have leaf fossils!) that you can get to pending the water level. There is a nice marina if you bring a boat.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Stevenson State Park Campground
    Aug. 5, 2020

    Fort Stevenson State Park Campground

    So much family fun!

    This site is BEAUTIFUL! Surround all the way around by Lake Sakakawea it makes a great spot for boating, fishing, and also has a sand beach spot for a day of play in the water. They have spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 rv’s on or private single camp spots. There is a fun llaygyfor the kids and and amazing hiking trail around the entire state park. While your there check out Fort Stevenson and read the history of the area. We will definitely be visiting this spot again and again.

  • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sportsman's Centennial Park
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Sportsman's Centennial Park

    Nice place

    Its nice, secluded from the wind for the most part. Boat ramp is nice. Its the closest to hwy52 but you need to take gravel to get there.

  • Allison H.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Totten Trail Campground (ND)
    Jul. 20, 2019

    East Totten Trail Campground (ND)

    Best of both worlds

    Very open but when you get to your spots they are nice and private. Really cool thing is when you want to have adult time the bar/restaurant is not far and you can all take a walk there and do that for the night if you want. Easy access to the water as well

  • Brad R.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Totten Trail Campground (ND)
    May. 22, 2021

    East Totten Trail Campground (ND)

    Beautiful view

    Great view right by the water. Nice and quiet. The outhouse toilets we're not the best. There were an insane amount of flies there. You get attacked by a hoard of flies by just opening in the door.

  • Pam R.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Totten Trail Campground (ND)
    Jul. 20, 2024

    East Totten Trail Campground (ND)

    To many bugs and site terrible

    We were on site 35 and it was not fit for a camper. Very Hilly and goose droppings everywhere. Will not camp there again with our camper.  We ended up leaving it unleveled while camping.


Guide to Garrison

Tent camping near Garrison, North Dakota, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. With several campgrounds available, you can enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Lake Shore Park, campers can enjoy a serene environment, although it lacks electric hookups and showers.
  • Douglas Creek Bay provides a rustic experience with no amenities like firewood or picnic tables, perfect for those looking to disconnect.
  • For a more equipped stay, Sanger Campground — Cross Ranch State Park offers electric hookups and reservable sites, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

  • Camping at Rice Lake County Park is free, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Lake Holmes offers a no-cost camping experience, ideal for those wanting to enjoy nature without spending much.
  • For a small fee, you can camp at Brekken, which features drinking water and a peaceful setting.

Explore local attractions while camping

  • While staying at Pouch Point - Three Affiliated Tribes, you can explore the beautiful Sakakawea Lake area, perfect for fishing and boating.
  • Steinke Bay is located near Garrison, offering access to scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife watching.
  • The nearby Cross Ranch State Park, where Sanger Campground is situated, features trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Garrison, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Garrison, ND is Rice Lake County Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Garrison, ND?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Garrison, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.