Bismarck, ND Campgrounds

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bismarck. Bismarck is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bismarck camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Bismarck, ND (44)

    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    103 Photos
    116 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    Located on the grassy plains near the confluence of the Missouri and Heart rivers, Fort Abraham Lincoln is North Dakota’s oldest state park. Established in 1907 to commemorate a 1700s US Army outpost, the park offers a look at America’s early years, as well as even longer ago when the Mandan peoples called this area home. The park is located about 7 miles south of the town of Mandan, and about 200 miles east of Fargo. In addition to its historical significance, the park is also noted for its diverse, high prairie landscape and exceptional views. More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are available for summer and winter roaming among the park’s prairies, woods, and shrublands.

    Abraham Lincoln State Park offers more than 100 tent and RV campsites, in addition to camping cabins and Cheyenne tipis. Most sites are open and grassy, and equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and fire pits; pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Amenities in the campground include both flush and vault toilets, showers, water faucets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, Wifi service, and a dump station. There are also corrals available for horse campers. Additional park features include a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, and an outdoor amphitheater. Dogs must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round; sites are $17–$25/night; tipis are $35/night, and cabins $60/night; reservations accepted.

    There are plenty of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, but the main attractions are the park’s historical area and Mandan village. The historical area has replicas of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s home, as well as a barracks building, stables and blockhouses. Tours are available during summer months. The Mandan On-a-Slant Village—named so for the sloping ground it rests on—features several “Earthlodges” constructed in similar fashion to those used by the native peoples for homes and meeting places. A trolley runs through the park with stops at both historic locations, in addition to going to the nearby town of Mandan.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
    Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park

    2. General Sibley Park

    14 Reviews
    42 Photos
    56 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    This recreation area is part of Lake Oahe

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA

    3. Bismarck KOA

    11 Reviews
    18 Photos
    16 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake

    4. Sweet Briar Lake

    15 Reviews
    32 Photos
    69 Saves
    Center, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground

    5. Hillcrest Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    20 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6. Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    11 Saves
    Mandan, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    7. Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    34 Photos
    55 Saves
    Hensler, North Dakota

    If you’ve ever wondered what North Dakota may have been like at the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, look no further than this 590-acre park, just an hour’s drive north of Bismark. Cross Ranch State Park is a natural area featuring rolling prairies, cottonwood glens, and marshy river bottoms, situated along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped shoreline of the Missouri River. Visitors to Cross Ranch have plenty of opportunities to lounge under shady trees and picnic along the river, wander some of the many paths and nature trails, both in the park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, or take to the river for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

    Cross Ranch State Park offers 65 tent and RV sites in two camp areas. RV sites are either back-in or pull-through, provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers; tent sites are either drive-in or walk-in. The park also offers several group sites, yurts and fully-equipped cabins, as well as a Cheyenne-style tipi. Campground facilities include flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A dump station is located in the upper camp area, and a boat launch in the lower camp area. Wifi service is available. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $17–$25/night; tipi, yurts and cabins are $35–$125/night.

    Visitors to Cross Ranch are invited to explore the area by land and water. More than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, both in the park and the adjacent preserve, are available for exploring the area’s woods, prairies, and riverbanks, as well as observing the local birds and wildlife. You can pick up a trail map at the park’s visitor center and head out on self-guided nature walks ranging from 2 to 5.5 miles. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a different perspective, go for a float on the Missouri River. Rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around the park area, or take a shuttle (fee required) to the town of Washburn, then float 9 miles down the river, back to the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      8. Graner Park

      4 Reviews
      15 Saves
      Bismarck, North Dakota

      Graner Park features 75 electrical camping sites, primitive camping, 3 children's playgrounds, and direct access to the Missouri River. Experience the great outdoors with the amenities of picnic shelters, paved access, toilets, and portable water available on site.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $10 - $20 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from A Prairie Breeze RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from A Prairie Breeze RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Kimball Bottom
      Camper-submitted photo from Kimball Bottom

      10. Kimball Bottom

      2 Reviews
      2 Photos
      4 Saves
      Bismarck, North Dakota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Showing results 1-10 of 44 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Bismarck

    Recent Reviews in Bismarck

    115 Reviews of 44 Bismarck Campgrounds


    • Eric A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Sweet Briar Lake

      Good for free

      Just off I94 this location has multiple campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, a few pit toilets and picnic tables all along a lake. Depending on the wind direction you will hear highway noise, but it appears to be well maintained and not busy during the weekday. Great one night spot for thru travelers

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Mitchell Lake
      Sep. 28, 2024

      Mitchell Lake

      A Pleasant Surprise

      Despite the fact this campground had no reviews here, and just looked like a boat dock when we looked at it on Google maps, we took a chance because we needed to be close to McClusky the following morning.

      It was beautiful, quiet, there were two picnic tables including one under a portico and even a dumpster. The sign at the entrance only really said they don't like you to leave things behind to hold a spot.

      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!

      To be fair, we were there on a weekday in late September, maybe it's busier during high summer. Still, highly recommend.

    • Ioan P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
      Sep. 14, 2024

      General Sibley Park

      Good spot !

      This is managed by the county and has a lot of privacy. Has only electrical hookahs bat has a dump station.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Beaver Creek

      Nice little campground

      Gets kinda loud on the weekend but still lots of open spots. Affordable with hookups, decent showers. Grass is well taken care of and the lake is pretty.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Sweet Briar Lake

      Good but traffic noise

      Loved how spaced the sites are. There are not many bathrooms (pit toilets). Has a small swing set by the boat lunch. The sites are grass or dirt. Has places to put trash. You can heat the interstate traffic all night. To me it was just noise and had no problems falling asleep. I will be back. With the lake and the wildlife it was just relaxing.

      AT&T and Verizon have good coverage.

    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Raleigh Reservoir
      Jul. 19, 2024

      Raleigh Reservoir

      Free campground with electricity

      This is actually a campground with vault toilets, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is a beautiful lake. ( no swimming).

    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sakakawea Park
      Jul. 11, 2024

      Sakakawea Park

      Plenty of room

      Beautiful spot right by the river with large camp spots and grass lawn by every spot. Large playground, clean bathrooms. Cheap

    • Cullen C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Campground
      Jul. 2, 2024

      Primitive Campground

      Great place for a weekend getaway

      Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites. I reserved the site online, and received great help and flexibility from the park rangers when I needed to change the reservation date due to poor weather. There are multiple drive-in tent sites along the road to the walk-in sites. There were a few people camped in the drive in sites, but we had the walk-in section all to ourselves. The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies. I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn’t hear anyone all night. There is a pit toilet next to the parking area, but we opted to drive to the ranger station/help desk for running sinks and toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Highly recommend staying here!

    • Stephen C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
      Apr. 12, 2024

      Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

      Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

      Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks. It is remarkable to see the diversity of environments protected in these parks, from rugged mountains to vast deserts and dense forests. As I prepare for my outdoor adventure at Fort Abraham Lincoln, I am inspired to consider future trips to explore the beauty and biodiversity preserved in the US National Park system, which I learned more about by reading https://www.agmglobalvision.com/u-s-national-parks. Each visit promises an unforgettable experience of immersing yourself in the splendor of nature.

    • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bismarck KOA
      Oct. 15, 2023

      Bismarck KOA

      One of the Nicer KOAs

      This review is from an overnight versus destination point of view. However, this could easily be a destination park if you want to stay in the area and check out Bismarck. The campground (CG) is about a mile off I-94 and easy to find. Check-in was quick and easy, and we proceeded to pull through site 11 right past the check-in office, store, showers, and laundry facility. The gravel site was pretty level, with utilities placed mid-pad. As our next stop was dry camping, I asked for propane, which they gladly picked up our tanks, had them filled, and returned to our site. There’s no cable TV, but we did receive OTA channels, plus we had a good shot to the north sky for our Starlink. There are a lot of mature trees here, so that satellite could be iffy depending on the site. WiFi speed wasn’t very good, but we didn’t need to use it. We got 4 bars on Verizon. The water pressure was good. They have a nice fenced dog area. This is one of the nicer KOAs we’ve stayed in, with a very nice tent area. We enjoyed our overnight stay.

    • Brad J.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Briar Lake
      Oct. 5, 2023

      Sweet Briar Lake

      Beautiful and quiet

      Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots. Even though it's close to the highway which is handy there was very little traffic noise.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from General Sibley Park
      Aug. 29, 2023

      General Sibley Park

      A nice dependable campsite for a stopping point

      Stayed here as an overnight stop and it was perfect for what I needed! The tent camping loop is a road through a large field with some picnic tables and trees. You can pull off and pitch your tent anywhere you like. The grass was very plush and I slept very well.

      For a tent site, it was $12 cash in the drop box because I got there after hours (not sure if they accept card during office hours).

    • B
      Camper-submitted photo from Kimball Bottom
      Aug. 21, 2023

      Kimball Bottom

      Kimball bottom

      I found this yesterday. I’ll check it out fishing spots. It says you can stay for up to 14 days in a row each month for free. They have a large parking lot for RVs as well as grass camp spots for tents.

    • Kenya A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wing Lake Mitchell
      Aug. 19, 2023

      Wing Lake Mitchell

      Good place to spend the night!

      At 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!

    • Mev W.
      Camper-submitted photo from A Prairie Breeze RV Park
      Aug. 13, 2023

      A Prairie Breeze RV Park

      Great for an overnight or two

      The campground isn't a resort, but it's well-kept and the FHU site worked for me. The sites are laid out so the poles are shared in the middle, which makes for a bit of a tight fit for big rigs. No one on either side during our stay (with no slide outs), so had plenty of room. It's about 15 minutes to Bismarck, so a good place for restocking. Nothing at the exit -- you have to go 10 minutes or so down the highway for gas and groceries. Laundry was small, but just $1.25/$1.00 for wash and dry. Self-checkin with cash or check, which was fine. I think the trailer at the end on one corner is the host, but I never needed him, so I didn't ask. My only complaint--  #21 was underwater after an overnight rain. A pond of about 2-3 inches of water completely surrounded my rig. I looked around and I seemed to be the only one with that much water. Luckily I had seen the forecast and had hitched up the night before. But that's something the owners need to address.

    • Kim H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Washburn City Park
      Jul. 28, 2023

      Washburn City Park

      Good campground

      Small city park at edge of town. There's a bicycle path to the Lewis and Clark center and the town diner and museum are close enough to walk to. There is a train but I've only heard it once. Neighbor dog barks a lot. Still not bad for $25 per night with FHU.

    • Kim H.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilton City Park
      Jul. 24, 2023

      Wilton City Park

      Decent stop

      8 back in gravel RV spots that aren't very level but not too bad. Electric hookups only. There is a water spigot at one end of the park and dump station at the cenex in town. Park is between elevator and rail tracks. Elevator started up early but only one train a day. Can't beat $11/night though. There's a good cafe in town too.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hillcrest Acres Campground
      Jul. 12, 2023

      Hillcrest Acres Campground

      Great spot to stop

      We stopped here for a night while camping across the US with our 2 dogs, and young toddler. Very friendly staff. You have to get a fire pit and fire wood from the check in office but that was no big deal. They have a small playground and a basketball hoop with a tote of different types of balls to play with which was great for keeping the toddler out of the way while setting up camp. Showers/ bathrooms are small but the shower stall is narrow but long so there was plants of room just a tad awkward. We were so thankful for the shower as we had days of sunscreen and bug spray to wash off us.

      Town is only a few minutes down the road and you can not ahead the highway from there.

    • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
      Jul. 9, 2023

      Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

      Love this campground!!!

      We 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.

    • Paul B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
      Jun. 5, 2023

      Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

      Enjoyed the History

      Great 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.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Beaver Creek
      May. 13, 2023

      Beaver Creek

      Lovely waterfront campground

      Stayed 3 days, due to not wanting to drive in the storm the last day. First 2 days were lovely and just the right amount of shade from the trees. Only 2 vault toilets, 1 in each of the RV and Tent areas. Could have done with a regular clean, but there were only 2 sites taken when we stayed. An extra 2 toilets and shower block by the boat ramp. Also a playground. (Note: Drinking water and showers are seasonal, so check the website if you need these to be operational) Each of the RV sites had their own grill and picnic table. Looked like the tent sites may share these facilities. Lots of locals visit to fish, and seemed to be quite lucky as well with Catfish and Walleye. Lovely place to visit for a few days. Also note, if you have an annual parks pass, you may get up to a 50% discount when booking.



    Guide to Bismarck

    Camping near Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Hiking and Exploring History: Check out the trails at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks."
    • Fishing and Boating: At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, you can enjoy clean water access for swimming and fishing. A reviewer noted, "Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing."
    • Relaxing by the Lake: Sweet Briar Lake is perfect for a quiet day by the water. One camper mentioned, "The lake and the wildlife it was just relaxing."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen."
    • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Sweet Briar Lake. One review highlighted, "Loved how spaced the sites are."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. A visitor at General Sibley Park noted, "The park staff was super friendly."

    What you should know:

    • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly."
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Harmon Lake Rec Area, have fewer amenities. A review mentioned, "It was basically a parking lot, but did have some green space."
    • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Graner Park said, "Oh boy does this site fill up fast."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Hillcrest Acres Campground has a small playground that keeps kids entertained.
    • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A family at Cross Ranch State Park Campground enjoyed renting canoes and kayaking.
    • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family along. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "This is one of the nicer KOAs we’ve stayed in, with a very nice tent area."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check for Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric and water hookups. A reviewer at A Prairie Breeze RV Park noted, "The FHU site worked for me."
    • Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "Reservations were taken care of with one call."
    • Space for Big Rigs: If you're traveling with a large RV, check the layout of the campground. A camper at A Prairie Breeze RV Park said, "The sites are laid out so the poles are shared in the middle, which makes for a bit of a tight fit for big rigs."

    Camping around Bismarck, ND, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Bismarck, ND?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Bismarck, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 44 campgrounds and RV parks near Bismarck, ND and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Bismarck, ND?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bismarck, ND is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bismarck, ND?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Bismarck, ND.

    • What parks are near Bismarck, ND?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Bismarck, ND that allow camping, notably Sakakawea Lake and Jamestown Reservoir.