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.
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
This campground has primitive tent sites and a few modern (electric sites).
Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. While exploring Cross Ranch State Park, visitors may find themselves traveling back in time, catching a glimpse of the landscape as it appeared to Native Americans inhabiting the area hundreds of years ago, or hearing the echoes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition making its way to the Pacific coast along the Missouri River.
Cross Ranch has nearly 17 miles of trails that cater to the adventurer all year long. This extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or cross-country skis during the winter months. The trail system allows access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with mixed prairie grass, river bottom forests, woody draws, and roaming bison.
A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river. Anglers will find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike and bass in its waters.
$17 - $125 / night
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
Legend
General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups.
Site Quality: All sites appeared level and had a decent amount of separation between sites. There are some trees to provide shade to some sites.
Bath/Shower House: Loops One and Two have more modern bathhouses; each with two sinks, two stalls, and two showers. They were clean. Note that the lights are motion-detected; if you are in a stall too long, the light will go out! Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones. There is also a bathhouse with two all-in-one (shower, toilet, sink) each for men and women.
Activities: Fishing is very popular here. There are also two short hiking trails (part of the Lewis and Clark and North Country trails). Loops One and Two have playgrounds; the one in Loop Two appears more modern so if you have kiddos who like playgrounds, I would recommend this loop. There is an amphitheater between Loops Two and Three but I’m not sure it has been used in a while as it looked a bit overgrown. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.
We initially checked out the nearby state park but for less than half the price (with our senior discount), this campground was a better fit for us. The only downside was the number of yellow jackets that chased us inside our van to eat dinner!
Ranger
We spent two nights here as one of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake. We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind. Spaces were nicely spread apart. We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning. Space was pretty level. Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont. 
Ranger
We stayed here for one night in October. They had already turned off the water for the winter so there was only electric available. I think there was eight or nine spaces with four that were pull through. There also looked to be a dump station, but we didn’t use it. Nice hiking trail behind the local cemetery. Reason I didn’t give it five stars is because there was quite a bit of road traffic and train noise. We paid $25 for the night and you can either leave cash or a check in the dropbox or I believe you can also go to the City Hall during the week.
Legend
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.
ScoutSites a larger than most campgrounds we’ve been to. Grounds are well kept. Only electrical service at the sites. Potable water is available at the dump site on the way in to the campground.
Scout
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
Beautiful spot right by the river with large camp spots and grass lawn by every spot. Large playground, clean bathrooms. Cheap
Guide
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!
ScoutWe had a magical stay in our tent. The place is well kept and tucked away with beautiful sites next to the river.
Scout
All sites are along the lake. There are dumpsters, a boat ramp, picnic tables, two pit toilets and fire pits. The middle section of the campground has three tall flood lights that light up the middle section. The two ends are fairly dark. There was no traffic at night. We had the place to ourselves in October.
RangerThis 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.
Guide
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.
Guide
Small city park at edge of town. There's a bicycle path to the Lewis and Clark center and the town diner and museum are close enough to walk to. There is a train but I've only heard it once. Neighbor dog barks a lot. Still not bad for $25 per night with FHU.
Guide
8 back in gravel RV spots that aren't very level but not too bad. Electric hookups only. There is a water spigot at one end of the park and dump station at the cenex in town. Park is between elevator and rail tracks. Elevator started up early but only one train a day. Can't beat $11/night though. There's a good cafe in town too.
Legend
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.
TravelerGravel
Traveler
Great little State park, any kind of camping you could want
Ranger
Oddly enough, this place is not bad at all for a short overnight visit or if just want to visit The Magic City for a few days.
We stayed 1 overnight.
There are a bunch of sites, but understand, the dealership does use many for parking their RV inventory.
We did not have a reservation so I can’t say if we had had a reservation, how many sites would be offered. As our visit was on a Sunday, Labor Day weekend arrival, there were 3 back-in sites available in the short term area - all sites in the Park are $50/night with FHU and septic. The short term sites were 60’ and more. For us there were only 1 site with 30/50 amp and 2 with 30amp that were still available.
The bathroom and showers and the laundry room were absolutely spotlessly clean and roomy.
Guide
Great spot to stop and sleep for the night. Only open bathroom is a port-o-potty, however, they are well maintained. There are water spigots around outside, and multiple RV electric hook ups ($20 a day).
ScoutHot clean showers, space between sites, hike trails, great power...shade.
Traveler
Came here driving back to Arizona from Wisconsin. This campground has some of the best views of the lake. Some tree cover and the price is right it's a small camping area but we'll looked after. Most all the sites are level with well mowed grass to park on. Most of the sites at picnic tables.
GuideI will definitely be returning here on my next trip through the area. The only issue that I had was the noise from the construction across the river.
TravelerArrived as a severe thunderstorm approached. Two days of windy during the day yet despite wind gusts going from 25-50 mph there was not a bug in site so you give and take. The primitive camping area was very dry after a downpour and once the clouds disappeared beautiful sunset each night. Even with neighbors, the area was very quiet of others. The sounds from Mother Nature were singing her melodies to keep us entertained. Nothing better than waking up to the sound of wind in the leaves and birds singing their songs. Bathroom located at the end of loop 4 was decent for quick use. Not a lot of traffic on the roads outside of people using the bathroom at the end. 10/10 highly recommend for we will be returning in week and a half.
Scout
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.
TravelerThe lake is small just northern pike. There is few campsites that are free. No water or electric hookups. For a weekend getaway close to Minot this may be the spot. There are some homes around the lake.
ScoutThis park is our favorite go-to campground. All sites have electrical and the two dump stations are easy to pull into and use. There are many hiking trails here and they are kept mowed and in great condition.
TravelerThis place has it all! Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing. Good sized sights, well sheltered by trees. Outhouses near all sights. Well kept showers. Helpful park services. Our fave place so far!
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.
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.
