Best Equestrian Camping near Harvey, ND

Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed offers free camping on its property with room for horseback riding enthusiasts. The forest maintains several unpaved roads and well-maintained trails suitable for equestrian activities. Camping accommodations include tent sites, RV spaces, and yurts, all accessible via drive-in or walk-in options. The forest permits pets and alcohol, with fires allowed at designated sites. Tick prevention is essential during warm seasons as campers report significant tick presence during summer months. While the forest does not provide formal corrals or stalls, the open landscape allows for portable containment systems and high lines for horses.

Located approximately 45 miles from Harvey, this dispersed camping area provides access to forested riding trails through uniquely varied tree species. The experimental forest features different tree varieties planted in close proximity, creating an interesting landscape for trail rides. Trailer parking is available on the property's network of unpaved roads. No drinking water, electrical hookups, or toilets are provided, so equestrians must pack in all necessary supplies for themselves and their horses. The forest typically sees minimal visitor traffic, ensuring peaceful rides and camping experiences. Horses should be kept at least 200 feet from water sources, and manure should be dispersed or packed out according to Leave No Trace principles. Buffalo Lake Sportsmen Campground, though not specifically designed for horses, offers an alternative option with electric hookups and basic amenities.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Harvey, North Dakota (3)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Harvey, ND

6 Reviews of 3 Harvey Campgrounds


  • Emily S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed

    Beautiful and fascinating but…

    I loved this area. It really has the imagination going and seeing all the different kinds of trees planted in close range was very compelling. Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads. I took a delightful bike ride with my dogs and we really enjoyed this location. However, to say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you (in this amount of tips would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot. I am not sure when tick season ends but if you are going to go go in the ticks are dead. It was hard for me to dock this place a star, but because of the ticks that is why I did so.

  • 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.

  • Jenny P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed

    Inaccessible

    Overgrown with dense two foot tall grass, could not find a place to park or even turn my little car around. I use a walker and need to car camp so maybe folks on foot will have a great experience. I had to reroute my trip.

  • Kenya A.
    Aug. 19, 2023

    Wing Lake Mitchell

    Good place to spend the night!

    At arriving, there is plenty of shade. To be the only ones there, with the exception of an occasional visitor to the park. Dumpster close for getting rid of any trash! Water spigot works.... but this like the picnic tables and porta potty were covered in webs, bring something to dust! Bathroom is stocked appropriately and easy to find past the covered picnic tables. Had a nice secluded spot for ourselves. If you're looking for electric-they have it! Downside, it may not work.... it didn't for us. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise!

  • Von B.
    Jun. 1, 2019

    Wing Lake Mitchell

    Milky Way

    They have 9 tent spots and it’s 360 view from the mountain. Priceless and can see the Milky Way. Fav site

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed

    Denbigh

    Best part is it’s free, there isn’t much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not.


Guide to Harvey

Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed provides opportunities for horseback camping in a unique setting northwest of Harvey, North Dakota. This free camping area sits at approximately 1,550 feet elevation in the northern Great Plains region. Winter temperatures frequently drop below zero, while summer days average in the 80s with occasional thunderstorms. The forest features various tree species planted in research plots dating back to the 1930s.

What to do

Trail riding exploration: Equestrians can enjoy miles of unpaved roads and trails through the experimental forest's diverse tree plantings. "I loved this area. It really has the imagination going and seeing all the different kinds of trees planted in close range was very compelling. Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads," notes Emily S. about Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding area includes portions of the Prairie Pothole Region, important for migratory birds. Nearby Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge provides additional riding terrain. "Hiking around this area as its in a national wildlife refuge," mentions Duane V. about Buffalo Lake Sportsmen Campground.

Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "It's 360 view from the mountain. Priceless and can see the Milky Way," shares Von B. about camping at nearby Wing Lake Mitchell.

What campers like

Privacy and solitude: The dispersed camping area sees minimal traffic, providing peaceful experiences for horse campers. "Best part is it's free, there isn't much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not," says macy S. about the Denbigh forest.

Flexible camping options: Beyond the main experimental forest, the region offers alternatives with more amenities. "Several formal campsites with tables and fire rings with many dispersed camping sites as well. Several pit toilets available," explains Duane V. regarding Buffalo Lake Sportsmen Campground.

Cost-effective camping: Most equestrian camping options near Harvey operate on donation systems or are entirely free. The area provides budget-friendly options for horse owners looking to explore North Dakota grasslands without significant expense.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Summer months bring significant tick populations that affect both horses and riders. "To say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you (in this amount of ticks would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot," warns Emily S.

Water access limitations: No drinking water is available at Denbigh Experimental Forest. Equestrians must bring sufficient water for themselves and their horses, particularly during summer months when horses may drink 10-15 gallons daily.

Trail conditions vary: Some areas may become overgrown seasonally, affecting access. "Overgrown with dense two foot tall grass, could not find a place to park or even turn my little car around," reports Jenny P. about her experience at Denbigh Experimental Forest.

Tips for camping with families

Alternative campgrounds for amenities: Families with horses may prefer Buffalo Lake Sportsmen Campground for basic facilities. "Formal sites have up to a 30 amp plug. Playground, boat launch and two docks. Several covered picnic areas," notes Duane V.

Morning activity planning: Schedule riding activities earlier in the day during summer. "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise!" shares Kenya A. about Wing Lake Mitchell campground, highlighting the benefits of early starts before temperatures rise.

Supply preparation: Pack essential supplies for both humans and horses, including high-protein snacks, extra water, first aid items, and grooming supplies. The remote location means limited access to stores or veterinary services.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Most equestrian camping near Harvey offers minimal or no hookups. For RVers requiring electric connections, Buffalo Lake provides basic services. "Several formal campsites with tables and fire rings with many dispersed camping sites as well... Formal sites have up to a 30 amp plug," explains Duane V.

Parking considerations: Trailer parking requires planning, especially during wet conditions. The unpaved access roads can become difficult to navigate after rain. Larger rigs should scout sites before committing to parking locations.

Generator usage: With limited electrical hookups available, many horse campers rely on generators. Follow standard etiquette with quiet hours between 10pm and 8am, keeping generators at reasonable volumes during operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harvey, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harvey, ND is Buffalo Lake Sportsmen with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harvey, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Harvey, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.