Dispersed camping near Hensler, North Dakota offers secluded options across the Missouri River plateau region. The area averages less than 18 inches of annual precipitation, creating relatively dry camping conditions during summer months. Fall temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset, requiring adequate insulation for overnight stays.
What to do
Hunting opportunities: McKenzie Slough State Game Management Area provides access to seasonal game hunting. Jeffrey H. notes, "We stopped here to spend the night and worked well for us. Very quiet spot and saw a beautiful sunset." The area permits small game hunting during designated seasons.
Fishing access: Lake Holmes Boat Ramp serves as a functional entry point for fishing excursions. The primitive camping area connects directly to shoreline fishing spots. Seasonal catch includes walleye, northern pike and perch, with best results reported in early morning hours.
Sunset viewing: The open prairie landscape creates unobstructed western horizon views. "The gravel road is dusty and a little bumpy, but the spot is nice," reports Jeffrey about his sunset viewing experience at McKenzie Slough.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Mitchell Lake receives consistent praise for maintenance. Ryan D. specifically mentions the "cleanest porta potty I've ever seen" and appreciates the "grills, dumpster" available at the site.
Solitude: Weekday camping, especially in shoulder seasons, offers near-complete privacy. Ryan D. notes about Mitchell Lake: "Was here on a Monday night and no one else was here but the neighbor cows." Many campers value this isolation aspect of primitive camping near Hensler.
Parking convenience: Despite rustic conditions, most sites accommodate standard vehicles without requiring specialized equipment. Tiffany L. describes McKenzie Slough as "a pretty flat square parking lot that does the trick for a quick stop to rest."
What you should know
Water requirements: No drinking water exists at any dispersed sites near Hensler. Campers must transport all needed water supplies. Plan for approximately one gallon per person per day minimum.
Road conditions: Access roads vary seasonally with weather impacts. McKenzie Slough State Game Management Area requires navigating "about 2 miles off the highway and about a mile down gravel road," according to Tiffany L., who cautions it can be "very dusty."
Limited capacity: These sites cannot accommodate large groups. Rick A. describes McKenzie Slough as a "very small spot. Maybe room for 4 RVs next to a very dusty gravel road."
Seasonal considerations: Fall typically offers more availability and cooler temperatures. Eric O. recommends Mitchell Lake during off-peak times: "To be fair, we were there on a weekday in late September, maybe it's busier during high summer."
Tips for camping with families
Supply planning: No stores exist near primitive camping areas. The nearest provisions require substantial travel. Ryan D. mentions: "town has a gas station. About 2 miles from site," referring to basic supplies near Mitchell Lake.
Wildlife awareness: Keep food secured as local wildlife includes raccoons, coyotes and deer. Maintain appropriate distance from any encountered animals.
Space limitations: Mitchell Lake offers more room for family setups. Kiro B. describes it as "beautiful, secluded and quiet," making it suitable for children who need space to move without disturbing other campers.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger vehicles face limitations at certain sites. Tiffany L. cautions about McKenzie Slough: "Bigger rigs may have a harder time parking there."
Waste management: Mitchell Lake provides dumpster access, uncommon for primitive camping. Ryan D. appreciates this amenity: "Lots of room, grills, dumpster" which reduces the need to transport trash long distances.
Self-contained requirements: Class B or similar vehicles with onboard facilities work best. Eric O. shares his experience: "We have a Class B camper so we had our own toilet with us. It was a beautiful place to wake up the following morning. Some of the nicest free camping we've ever done!"
