1 campground with availability this weekend
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground accommodates horses with spacious sites and direct access to the Missouri River. Located 4 miles south of Mandan, North Dakota, the campground features multiple camping loops with sites that can accommodate horse trailers and provide adequate space for equine guests. The park offers both primitive riverside sites and full hookup options with water and electric connections. Campers with horses can access multiple hiking and riding trails throughout the 1,006-acre park. The campground maintains clean facilities including modern restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with firewood available for purchase near the camp host site.
Trail riders can explore numerous paths throughout Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, including routes that connect to historic sites within the park boundaries. The trail system offers varied terrain suitable for riders of different experience levels, with some paths providing scenic views of the Missouri River. Horse owners should note that water access points are available along the river for equine hydration. The campground is open year-round, though winter conditions may limit trail access. Regular ranger patrols ensure a safe environment for both horses and campers. Visitors should be aware that in addition to camping fees, the park requires a North Dakota state park vehicle pass ($7 daily or $35 annually). The park's historical attractions, including cavalry-era buildings, provide additional interest for equestrians between trail rides. Horse camping near Hensler is well suited to riders seeking both developed amenities and access to scenic Missouri River terrain.
"We were right next to comfort station which was well maintained. Kid Park was new and close to our site. There was lots of bike and walking trails."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $70 / night
GuideNice spot. Most sites have a ton of shade trees. Our site #102 was perfect for anyone who doesn’t need electrical hookups. Plenty of space and shade.
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.
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…
TravelerVery nice campground at a good price point.
RangerReally nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan& Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open. It’s right on the Heart river where it then meets the Missouri River. Good hiking trails from the campground, which is always a bonus. We would return.
TravelerAt 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!
GuideThis park is beautiful. The restrooms are clean and the showers are very nice as well. Lush green grass and friendly rangers
LegendWe came in on a Saturday and it was packed...spots a little close together for my liking, but it was quiet overall. Lots of family enjoying family time with their kids. Once Sunday afternoon hit, everyone cleared out getting ready for the workweek.
The park staff was super friendly, bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen. I uploaded pictures. I had an awesome shower. Trail access from the campsites and of course the history!!
We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks. Such a neat parks with lots to do!
Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly. I was getting bit every second, so I got a gazebo shelter so we could enjoy the outdoors without getting bit to death. Had a fire our final night which also helped.
RangerGreat state park that is well maintained. Had an electric and water site. Bathhouse was clean with nice showers. Fishing, biking/hiking, and visiting the historic sites are things to do here. I did have to change sites because the pedestal on site 1 was too close to the road.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers extensive equestrian camping facilities near Hensler, North Dakota, situated in the rugged terrain bordering the Missouri River. The park encompasses over 1,000 acres of rolling grasslands and wooded areas that present diverse trail conditions for riders of all experience levels. Trail systems connect historical points of interest while providing scenic overlooks of the river valley.
History exploration: Visit the reconstructed Mandan Indian Village at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground to learn about native cultures. "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks. Such a neat parks with lots to do!" reports Kristi D.
Trail riding: Access over 15 miles of mixed-use trails suitable for horses and hikers. "There is a paved bike path that you can take from the campground all the way to Bismarck (10+ miles). Or you can ride over to the cavalry and infantry areas of the fort and to the Indian village," notes Mary S.
Stargazing: The clear North Dakota skies provide exceptional night viewing opportunities at Lake Mitchell Campground. "It's 360 view from the mountain. Priceless and can see the Milky Way," says Von B., highlighting one of the benefits of camping at higher elevations away from city lights.
River access: Primitive riverside sites provide direct Missouri River access for horses to drink and cool off. "The primitive sites (no water, no electric) are along the river, and the fee was $17," mentions Mary S.
Historical immersion: The park's connection to cavalry history makes it particularly meaningful for equestrian campers. "Nice restoration has been done here, any fans of the famed 1/7 calvary must visit. Nice areas to let my dog run, and great rv sites as well," shares Kent B.
Trail variety: Multiple trail options accommodate different riding preferences. "Great hiking, all sorts of trails for all kinds of exploring. Lots of helpful staff and historic attractions to admire and appreciate," says Lance M.
Fee structure: Plan for both camping and entrance fees when visiting. "There is a separate $7/day entrance fee in addition to the camping fee," notes Mary S., which applies regardless of your length of stay.
Seasonal crowds: Weekends during summer months can be busy with limited availability. "We came in on a Saturday and it was packed...spots a little close together for my liking, but it was quiet overall. Once Sunday afternoon hit, everyone cleared out getting ready for the workweek," explains Kristi D.
Insects: Be prepared for mosquitoes, particularly near the water. "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly. I was getting bit every second, so I got a gazebo shelter so we could enjoy the outdoors without getting bit to death. Had a fire our final night which also helped."
Playground access: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park features dedicated play areas for children between trail rides. "What a great park for families! That was my first thought. It just looks like a great place for kids to play. There's a playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village," shares Mary S.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate learning into your equestrian camping trip. "This is a nice park that is worth an overnight to learn about expedition history, native Mandan culture, and more. The park is a stop of the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail, which was the draw for us," says Janet R.
Activity planning: Allow sufficient time to experience all offerings. "If I were to do one thing over, I would have stayed here for more than 4 days. Much to do and see," advises Amurican L.
Utilities and hookups: RV sites with water and electric connections cost $25 per night, as of recent reports. "Sites with electricity and water are $25. There are also a couple tipis for $35 and two cabins for $60," notes Mary S.
Campsite spacing: Some sites offer more privacy than others. "Very nice campground right on the Missouri River. Lots of walking/bike trails, playground for kids and places to fish on the river. Some pull through and other shared campsites share a water source so make sure to bring a water splitter," advises Kyle O.
Location benefits: The park's position provides convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "Really nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan & Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open," reports Kathy L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hensler, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hensler, ND is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
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