The camping areas surrounding Hensler, North Dakota feature prairie landscapes with elevations averaging around 1,800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F with winter lows frequently below 0°F. Most campsites in this region lack substantial tree cover, creating limited natural shade during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Holmes and several nearby water bodies offer fishing for northern pike and walleye. McKenzie Slough State Game Management Area provides a basic fishing spot about two miles from the highway and one mile down a gravel road. According to Jeffrey H., "We stopped here to spend the night and worked well for us. Very quiet spot and saw a beautiful sunset. The gravel road is dusty and a little bumpy, but the spot is nice."
Wildlife viewing: Mckenzie Slough State Game Management Area serves as a wildlife management zone with seasonal hunting. Visitors should be aware of increased activity during hunting seasons. Tiffany L. notes, "It was quiet and no one was there but I imagine it may get busier during hunting season as hunting is allowed there. Bigger rigs may have a harder time parking there."
Sunset watching: The open plains surrounding tent camping sites near Hensler create unobstructed horizon views. Several campgrounds, particularly those near water bodies, offer excellent sunset viewing opportunities. Jeffrey H. specifically mentioned the "beautiful sunset" at McKenzie Slough.
What campers like
Self-selection of sites: Sweet Briar Lake Campsites allows campers to choose their own spots. Saleana S. shared, "This place was so peaceful, quite and relaxing. One of my favorite so far. Free camping. Pick your own spot, whatever is open."
Convenience to Interstate: Several camping options provide easy access from I-94, making them practical overnight stops for travelers passing through North Dakota. Many sites require minimal detours from main routes.
Privacy options: The dispersed and undeveloped nature of camping in this region provides opportunities for solitude. Campsites often have significant space between them, especially during non-peak seasons. Tiffany L. mentioned McKenzie Slough was "a pretty flat square parking lot that does the trick for a quick stop to rest."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most camping areas around Hensler lack basic amenities. Sanger Campground stands as one of the few options offering electrical hookups and toilets. Many other sites have no drinking water, restrooms, or trash service, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.
Seasonal closures: Morning Star Campground operates only from May 1 to September 30. Other campgrounds have limited published information about operational dates, suggesting possible seasonal closures.
Road conditions: Several camping areas require travel on unpaved roads that may become difficult during wet weather. McKenzie Slough access includes "a very dusty gravel road" according to rick A., who also noted the "very small spot" with "maybe room for 4 RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water supplies: With limited drinking water facilities at most campgrounds near Hensler, families should pack adequate water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, especially during summer months.
Plan for sun exposure: Danzig Dam and other camping areas have minimal natural shade. Families should bring sunshades, umbrellas, or canopies for creating shaded areas during daytime hours.
Consider bathroom access: Most primitive camping areas lack toilet facilities. Families with young children might prefer Sanger Campground or Danzig Dam, which offer basic toilet facilities, though possibly without running water.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Several camping areas have limited space for larger recreational vehicles. At McKenzie Slough, Tiffany L. advised that "bigger rigs may have a harder time parking there," highlighting the importance of researching site dimensions before arrival.
Electric hookups: Morning Star Campground offers electrical hookups for RVs seeking power connections, though availability may be limited and the campground operates seasonally from May through September.
Level parking considerations: Most tent camping sites near Hensler, North Dakota feature relatively flat terrain, but RVers should bring leveling blocks for optimal positioning, particularly at less developed sites like McKenzie Slough.
