66 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Hensler, North Dakota centers around the Missouri River corridor, with a mix of state parks, primitive sites, and lakeside recreation areas. Cross Ranch State Park, located about 10 miles southwest of Hensler, serves as the region's premier campground destination with year-round availability and riverfront access. The park features both developed campgrounds and primitive walk-in sites along the Missouri River, where Lewis and Clark once traveled. Lake Sakakawea, formed by Garrison Dam, provides additional camping opportunities at several locations within 30 miles of Hensler, including Lake Sakakawea State Park and the COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground.
North Dakota's continental climate brings distinct seasonal conditions to the Hensler area. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with occasional thunderstorms, while winters can be extremely cold with temperatures well below freezing. As one camper noted, "Winter camping in North Dakota can be challenging—we got caught in a snowstorm, but in summer it's a pretty sweet campground." Most campgrounds in the region are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are recommended for Cross Ranch State Park, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable near towns but can be spotty in more remote areas along the river.
The campgrounds near Hensler accommodate various preferences and equipment needs. RV campers will find full hookup sites at Washburn City Park and electrical sites at Cross Ranch's Governors Centennial Loop, while tent campers have access to more secluded options at Cross Ranch's Primitive Campground. Free camping is available at Nelson Lake near Center, though amenities are limited to fire rings. According to reviews, Sweet Briar Lake offers "good separation between spots" and is "right off the highway," making it convenient for overnight stays. Water-based recreation is abundant throughout the area, with boat ramps, fishing access, and swimming areas available at most lakeside campgrounds.
"The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor. There were trees and foliage between the rows so it was comfortable."
"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."
"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"There are a lot more trails then show on the map so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
from $25 - $135 / night
Check Availability"It is also close to The Knife River sites. I made the mistake of thinking I could get to one of the trails from here and you can't you'd have to actually go all the way back out and back in again."
"We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting."
"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)."
"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."
from $15 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."
"Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."
"Lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks. Clean, well kept sites w picnic tables and fire rings."
"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. "
from $16 - $30 / night
Check Availability"It is close to the road so I'm assuming you get road noise and I'm also assuming that during the summer of the park can be heavily used."
GuideThe campground is very well maintained with beautiful roomy sites. The facilities were very clean and well taken care of. It is very dog friendly and has a great walking path beside the river. We enjoyed seeing the Fort and Custer’s home there. We’d highly recommend it.
GuideWe stayed right by the lake in an open field. There are several spots all around the lake that you can disperse camp in. No dump site but there is potable water at the boat ramp. Dumpsters all over to dispose of trash. We loved our stay here.
TravelerWhat a great little spot. Nobody else here on a Sunday night. There’s a water pump and a porta potty (didn’t check it out). Right on the water
TravelerReminds me of all the other sites federal campgrounds on the Missouri River - mowed lawn, clean vault toilets, but this one is more remote than most and the views of the Lake Sakakawea are great. Good for a night or two and great for family gatherings. There was one other camper - mid-week.
GuideThis is a nice little campground with 3 or 4 camp sites and a large parking lot where bigger rigs can set up. There are other fairly level spots also available but there are no fire rings or picnic tables like the regular sites have. The regular sites are fairly small but some are pull thru so there is room for decent sized rigs. Those camp sites are shaded by trees. There are trash barrels near the camp sites and there is one vault toilet. There is a nice boat ramp with a large level parking lot for boat trailers or campers. The lake has decent walleye, northern pike, perch and bullhead fishing but it is shallow and gets pretty weedy near shore during the summer. There are some short easy hiking trails around the lake but check for ticks when you get back to your camp site. Morton County Park Board maintains the campground and keeps things mowed pretty nice however the toilet was in need of cleaning which is why I only gave it 4 stars. The county campgrounds are no fee except for 2 very popular spots nearer to Mandan and camp sites are first come first served with no time limit that I'm aware of. The 2 times I have camped there it was very quiet but it does often fill up on summer weekends because it is so small. The campground is on a good gravel road about 4 miles north of interstate 94 exit 120 and about 10 miles from the town of New Salem which has 2 truck stops that have food and some of the cheapest fuel prices between Mandan and Dickinson.
GuideVery beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom.
GuideThis Area was great in the shade! Had 1 to 2 bars of service with ATandT… I was able to FaceTime! Woke up to it being nice and shady! Seriously a plus for me! I hate waking up hot! Water, trash cans, and bathrooms are close and within walking distance! Outhouse by tents. Showers and flushable toilets were a bit more of a trek, but still within walking distance just down the path! Had a picnic table and fire pit ready to go! Great for a stroll! This Place is amazing for a campground!
TravelerWe were there in early June and it was not crowded. Park was well-kept and everything was as advertised. You are a little ways outside of the town, though. The river(s) are right there and it’s a very nice walk. Lots of dogs with the various campers but they all seemed well-behaved. We used the dump station on our way out and headed east. Good stop for us in Mandan…
TravelerQuiet little place there are restrooms there's lots of spread out camping around the lake. No electricity no water. Boat docks. And out houses.
The Missouri River corridor defines the camping landscape near Hensler, North Dakota, with most sites situated at elevations between 1,700-1,900 feet. The area's semi-arid climate receives approximately 17 inches of annual precipitation, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter temperatures dropping below 0°F. Hensler's location provides access to several camping spots along both the main river channel and Lake Sakakawea.
Water recreation on the Missouri River: Cross Ranch State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service. A camper at Cross Ranch noted, "We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful!"
Historic exploration: Visit nearby Knife River National Historic Site from Sakakawea Park. As one visitor mentioned, "This is within 2 miles of the Knife River National Historic Site and is a great jump off point."
Hiking opportunities: The riverside trails at Cross Ranch provide walks through cottonwood forests. According to a camper, "Beautiful, well-groomed, shaded hiking paths everywhere. Playgrounds. Big fields. Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing."
Fishing access: Multiple locations offer fishing opportunities, particularly at Sweet Briar Lake where one visitor reported, "Plenty of fishing spots even has a fishing dock. Only real down side is that it's right off the interstate so there's some traffic noise."
Unique accommodation options: Cross Ranch State Park offers unusual lodging beyond traditional camping. A visitor shared, "Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm."
Lake views: Lake Sakakawea State Park provides scenic waterfront camping. One camper advised, "Pick a site with a view of the lake and the breeze is wonderful."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Nelson Lake offers no-frills options. A reviewer explained, "This is run by the county and there are a number of spots to stop and camp. There's no services but fire rings. And you simply pull in and park next to your site."
Site privacy: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. At Sweet Briar Lake, a camper noted, "Very well maintained and clean, huge campsites that are well spaced from others. There are campsites all around the lake/park, some in their own little private nook."
Shower and bathroom availability: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, "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!"
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities operate with limited services in colder months. At Lake Sakakawea State Park, "Lots of sites to choose from. Not too close together. Reasonable price. Only downside is the park is open early but no water, flush toilets or showers until May 15!"
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance planning. At Cross Ranch State Park, each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and as one camper noted, "The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies."
Road noise considerations: Some camping areas experience highway noise. Sweet Briar Lake campers reported, "Depending on the wind direction you will hear highway noise, but it appears to be well maintained and not busy during the weekday."
Playgrounds and recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities. At Cross Ranch State Park, a visitor mentioned, "We are a family of 4, 2 kids ages 11 and 13. We had a blast!"
Swimming access: Safe water recreation areas provide summer cooling options. One camper at Lake Sakakawea State Park shared, "Beach is amazing with little bay area that is calm even on windy days for the kayaker or paddleboarder."
Child-friendly sites: Choose campgrounds with appropriate facilities. At COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, "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."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs at several parks. Washburn City Park offers, "a bicycle path to the Lewis and Clark center and the town diner and museum are close enough to walk to."
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. At COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground, "Sites 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."
Site sizes and accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Ball Park RV Park in Center, "the flat spots are close and in the shade and have 30 amp service."
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds have off-site dump facilities. At Sakakawea Park, "The dump station is actually in town near the bank. Very quiet and can't be beat for $20 water and electric."
Loop selection: Some campgrounds have more RV-friendly areas. At Cross Ranch State Park, "There are a lot more trails then show on the map so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hensler, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hensler, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 66 campgrounds and RV parks near Hensler, ND and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hensler, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hensler, ND is Cross Ranch State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hensler, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Hensler, ND.
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