24 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Hettinger, North Dakota spans developed campgrounds with hookups and dispersed sites across western North Dakota and neighboring South Dakota. Mirror Lake City Park offers tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups within Hettinger's city limits, while Gascoyne Lake Campground provides a more remote experience about 30 miles west. Dispersed camping can be found on public lands like Grand River National Grassland, located approximately 25 miles south of Hettinger in South Dakota. The region includes both developed sites with amenities and primitive areas with minimal facilities.
Road conditions in the region vary significantly depending on location and recent weather. Many campgrounds require travel on gravel or dirt roads, particularly those in more remote settings. "We stayed here with 2 motorhomes, one with tow. Great family owned, very friendly/warm family, organized, helpful and clean," noted one camper about Twin Butte Campground near Bowman. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the area, with stronger signals typically found near larger towns. Summer brings mosquitoes and occasional severe weather, while winters are harsh with limited camping options. Several campgrounds like North Shore Bowman Haley Lake implement seasonal closures, and most primitive sites lack water during winter months.
Campers frequently mention the solitude and natural beauty as primary draws to the area's camping spots. Sites in the Slim Buttes and Cave Hills receive particularly high praise for their scenic views and quiet surroundings. Several visitors highlighted Picnic Spring Campground for its seclusion, with one noting, "4th of July weekend and I can't see or hear my neighbors. Beautiful pines and sandstone cliffs surround the campsite." The region's campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though availability varies by location. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the mixed-use campgrounds in the area, with prairie and woodland species commonly sighted. Water-based recreation is available at Mirror Lake and Bowman Haley Lake, though swimmers should be aware of occasional algae warnings at some water bodies during summer months.
"Very beautiful campsites next to Mirror Lake. It is a small city campground. They have water and electricity. Sewer dump is in town. Cost is only $20 a night with a limit of 10 nights. Very peaceful."
"Working my way south from Bismark, North Dakota I was on the hunt for the Hugh Glass Monument. I had recently watched the movie the Revenant and wanted to see the area. "
"Easy 4 mile drive of highway on well maintained dirt/gravel road."
"What appear to be lakeside sites are actually elevated above the water. Clean vault toilets and also shower house with running water. Lots of big rigs; I felt tiny in my truck tent."
"Playground and a couple beaches around the area. A popular boating reservoir."
"There are a couple picnic tables around in a field and you’re right along the lake which had a beautiful sunset. You are allowed to stay up to seven nights and it is free."
"Large open area next to the reservoir. Had some locals visit fishing and swimming during the day. Did not seem that used and need 4x4 for clearance."
from $15 - $30 / night
"Its a short drive from Highway 85 over to the hills, then up and into the Ponderosa pine forest capped butte that the campground is situated on."
"Good place to get away from fireworks, if you have an anxious dog. Limited shade during those hot summer days.
The scenery is spectacular and offers cross country hiking for the adventurous."
"Outside of harvest season, it is a nice open camping area right on the Cannonball river."
from $25 - $50 / night
"Can drive to campging spots a fair distance in to be away from the highway, although the traffic is almost nonexistant."
"This is a very private camping area with great access to vault bathroom facilities."
Guide4 1/2 miles of a good gravel road. Very dusty so if you can’t handle the dust don’t go. Directions are not great but follow the road until it turns into open field with tall grass. Pick a place.
TravelerPrimarily used by harvesters in the fall. They have all the hookups and a few fire rings but no restroom amenities. Outside of harvest season, it is a nice open camping area right on the Cannonball river. There is a small town to explore with a museum just over the bridge with nearby gas, grocery, and restaurant availability.
GuideThis is one of our favorite campgrounds! Free, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and plenty of space between well-maintained sites. Its a few miles of gravel to the campground but the roads were in good shape. There are fences and cattle guards so the cows can’t enter the campground itself.
GuideBath house available with flush toilet. Shower floor broken; washer leaks but works sign says. Can pay by drop box, PayPal or Venmo. It will work in a pinch as we want to stay in town, but an hour South of town there is State campground with nice accommodation.
GuideWe rolled in late and it was dark. Spots were plenty big enough to fit multiple vehicles and campers. Very peaceful and beautiful surroundings. 2 pit toilets available
GuideQuiet campground, but many spaces taken by what looked like seasonal contractors. Some sites had electric hook ups only, others had electric and water. Very small playground in center of campground.
GuideArrived around 2:00 pm on a Tuesday. There are 2 other campers here. One is a big rig and the other is a 5th wheel. I think they are hunters, not sure. It was over 6 miles down a dirt gravel road. The road was fairly nice. We have a great site for our 23ft trailer. This campground is so private and the sites are spaced far enough away you can’t see each other. We are only staying one night. I would definitely stay longer here if we weren’t in our way to Theodore Roosevelt NP.
ScoutThe site itself is pretty and it has hot showers. The major downside is that the mosquito problem is one of the worst I have ever seen. If you’re in an RV and plan to stay inside then no problem. It is a problem if you’re in a tent. Also, the board says you’re supposed to notify the host if staying. The host like to be hidden because I walked the grounds twice and could never find the host. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you can. Reservation and payment must be done online according to the board. ATT phone was good.
GuideFun spot overall, it’s free with a recommendation of $12 donation/day. 3 or 4 spots, not very crowded ever I imagine. Has a decent bathroom, a cute flowerbed, and several sheltered tables.
Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the prairies and buttes surrounding Hettinger, North Dakota. Located in the southwestern corner of North Dakota, this area sits at approximately 2,700 feet elevation with weather that can change rapidly during all seasons. The region features a mix of grasslands, prairie, and distinctive butte formations that create unique camping environments with varying levels of accessibility.
Wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk: Hugh Glass Campground provides excellent opportunities for spotting prairie wildlife. "Remote with ~14 campsites. You take a dirt road all the way in. First come first serve no fee. There isn't a designated swim area but there is a nice sandy bottom close to the boat launch," explains Brian K.
Hiking around buttes: Reva Gap Campground offers trails with views of distinctive rock formations. "A not difficult path leads you upward to a beautiful view of The Castles formation in the Slim Buttes. We will stay here again," notes Donna E.
Fishing at local reservoirs: Anglers can try their luck at Shadehill Recreation Area, though water conditions should be monitored. "Very nice campground. What appear to be lakeside sites are actually elevated above the water. Clean vault toilets and also shower house with running water," shares Leslie B.
Solitude even on holidays: Picnic Spring Campground offers remarkable privacy between sites. "Arrived around 2:00 pm on a Tuesday. There are 2 other campers here. One is a big rig and the other is a 5th wheel. This campground is so private and the sites are spaced far enough away you can't see each other," reports Diana V.
Dark skies for stargazing: The remote locations around Hettinger provide minimal light pollution. "Coyotes serenaded us throughout the night!" shares Natalie B. about Reva Gap Campground, highlighting the wilderness experience.
Budget-friendly options: Many campgrounds in the area are free or low-cost. "Memorial Day weekend and there is only one other camper. The campground is run by the South Dakota Fish and Game and the current rate is $16.91 per night with a 14 day max stay," notes Debra P. about Hugh Glass Campground.
Water availability varies: Most remote campgrounds require bringing your own water. "No water, no trash collection. Many sites are really private with long driveways. Not all had tables and/or fire pits," explains Leslie B. about Reva Gap Campground.
Cell service coverage: Signal strength varies significantly by location and carrier. "I had 2 bars of LTE via ATT basically anywhere before the first camping loop. After that, 1 bar of 4G," reports Abby M. about Reva Gap Campground.
Road conditions: Gascoyne Lake Campground and similar sites require planning for gravel or dirt roads. "Found this spot while heading north and it was great for a night. There are a couple picnic tables around in a field and you're right along the lake which had a beautiful sunset," notes Abby M.
Algae concerns: Swimming isn't always safe in area lakes. "Don't count on swimming in Bowman Haley Lake, signs posted stating the water may contain blue green algae that can be harmful to humans and pets," warns Scherry D.
Playground access: Mirror Lake City Park provides amenities for children close to town. "Very beautiful campsites next to Mirror Lake. It is a small city campground. They have water and electricity. Sewer dump is in town. Cost is only $20 a night with a limit of 10 nights," describes Lydia S.
Swimming options: Despite algae warnings at some lakes, there are safe swimming spots. "Large open area next to the reservoir. Had some locals visit fishing and swimming during the day," shares Lisa B. about Grand River National Grassland.
Wildlife education: The mix of ecosystems creates learning opportunities for children. "It is an outcropping of rock, buttes and ponderosa forest with spectacular views of distant grazing land. It is quiet, remote and rustic. Bring your own water," advises Caryl D. about Reva Gap Campground.
Campsite spacing: Seek campgrounds with good separation for families. "The campsites are spread out so you get tons of privacy," notes Matthew S. about Reva Gap Campground.
RV-friendly sites with hookups: Twin Butte Campground offers both large rig accommodation and amenities. "Great family owned, very friendly/warm family, organized, helpful and clean. Areas to walk dogs, or yourself. Surrounded by trees and farming. We have 30 and 50 amp hookups, lots of space," shares Christina B.
Level site challenges: Finding truly level sites can be difficult in some campgrounds. "The electric campsites are not attractive, or level, and my first electric campsite #26, which was quite a distance beyond the marina, had a faulty electric," warns Scherry D. about North Shore Bowman Haley Lake.
Low clearance considerations: Some of the best places to camp near Hettinger require higher clearance vehicles. "Large open area next to the reservoir. Did not seem that used and need 4x4 for clearance. Didn't have trouble driving even after a little rain. FS gravel roads were solid but narrow," advises Lisa B.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks or campgrounds with hookups in Hettinger?
Yes, RVers visiting Hettinger have several options with hookups. Twin Butte Campground offers organized sites with hookups in a family-owned setting surrounded by trees and farming landscapes. It's clean, well-maintained, and provides grassy areas for pets. Another option is North Shore Bowman Haley Lake, a COE campground managed by Bowman Water Board, offering electric sites for $15. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. The area provides a peaceful setting with lake access while still offering the comforts needed for RV camping.
What camping options are available in Hettinger, North Dakota?
While Hettinger itself has limited camping facilities, the surrounding area offers several options. Hettinger RV & Mobile Home Park provides basic accommodations in town. For more scenic experiences, Mirror Lake City Park offers beautiful waterfront sites with water and electricity for just $20/night. Within driving distance, you'll find public campgrounds in the nearby national grasslands and recreation areas. The region offers a mix of developed campgrounds with basic amenities and more remote dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking solitude in North Dakota's open landscapes.
What outdoor activities can you do while camping near Hettinger?
The Hettinger area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Shadehill Recreation Area, you can enjoy water activities on the reservoir, with sites elevated above the water providing scenic views. Fishing is popular at several locations, including Grand River National Grassland, where you can also enjoy swimming in the reservoir. The unique landscape of buttes and prairies in the region creates excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Nearby Slim Buttes and Cave Hills offer spectacular scenery with Ponderosa pine forests and prairie vistas, perfect for nature exploration and scenic drives.
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