Camping options near Hettinger, North Dakota range from basic city parks to scenic reservoir camping in the surrounding region. Located at approximately 2,700 feet elevation in the southwestern corner of North Dakota, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with hot summers and cold winters. Several campgrounds offer convenient facilities for both tent and RV travelers within a 50-mile radius.
What to do
Fishing at Shadehill Reservoir: About 42 miles southwest of Hettinger, Shadehill Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities. "A popular boating reservoir," notes one camper who enjoyed the "well maintained electric hookup sites along the shore."
Hiking at Slim Buttes: Explore geological formations at Reva Gap Campground in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. "A not difficult path leads you upward to a beautiful view of The Castles formation in the Slim Buttes," writes a camper who visited before the 4th of July weekend.
Wildlife viewing: Picnic Spring Campground offers excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. "There is an abundance of solitude, beauty and deer and elk," reports one visitor who stayed for two nights in mid-September.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the well-spaced sites at Hugh Glass Campground. One visitor noted, "Remote with ~14 campsites. You take a dirt road all the way in. First come first serve no fee."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness at campgrounds near Hettinger. At Twin Butte Campground, a reviewer appreciated the "amazingly clean bathrooms/shower thanks to Jodi," while another noted they were "extremely clean."
Budget-friendly options: Bowman Lions Park receives praise for its value. "This campground is absolutely FREE with a suggested donation of $12 that we happily gave... The cherry on top is the FREE dump station," writes one satisfied camper.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have limited or no water sources. At Picnic Spring Campground, "There is no potable water but there is a spring where you can water to boil. They don't test it so you are using it at your own risk."
Cell service coverage: Cell reception varies by location and carrier. At Twin Butte Campground, one visitor reported "Excellent AT&T service" with "5Gs," while another noted "Great Verizon service" at Butte View Campground.
Weather considerations: The region experiences extreme seasonal changes. When staying in primitive campgrounds like Reva Gap Campground, be prepared for weather fluctuations. One camper noted that sites with "gravel back ins" provide better stability during wet conditions.
Grocery limitations: Stock up before arriving as services are limited. The closest full grocery stores to primitive camping areas are in Bowman and Hettinger, with smaller towns offering minimal supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, some campgrounds offer playground facilities. Butte View Campground features "a very small playground in center of campground," making it suitable for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby historical sites with kids. Near Lemmon, SD, families can check out the Hugh Glass Monument, which commemorates a famous frontier incident. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Swimming spots: When temperatures rise, look for water recreation. At Hugh Glass Campground, "There isn't a designated swim area but there is a nice sandy bottom close to the boat launch."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: RV camping near Hettinger, North Dakota offers several options for larger vehicles. At Butte View Campground, campers appreciate the "nice level sites with full hook up 30/50 amp" and note the campground is "very flat area for camping."
Electric options: For those needing power, several campgrounds offer electric hookups. One camper at Twin Butte mentioned, "We stayed here with 2 motorhomes, one with tow... They have 30 and 50 amp hookups, lots of space."
Dump station availability: Plan your waste disposal carefully. A camper at Bowman Lions Park mentioned the "excellent FREE campground with ladies and men's restrooms and dump station," noting this essential service doesn't cost extra.
