Turtle River State Park Campground provides glamping amenities set within forested terrain 22 miles west of Grand Forks. The park offers varied accommodation options including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups with both water and electrical connections available. Several primitive walk-in sites offer more secluded options for visitors seeking privacy. The park remains accessible year-round, with winter activities complementing the summer recreation options.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Buffalo River State Park Campground features several looping trails where visitors can create custom hikes ranging from 15 minutes to two hours. According to Patrick M., "Several looping hiking trails start in and around the campground... half in the prairie and half along the river." The park combines prairie and woodland environments for diverse hiking experiences.
Fishing access: Old Crossing Treaty Park provides boat launch access to the Red Lake River. Torey H. notes, "There is a boat launch to put into the Red Lake River, and the water was calm enough you could have had a leisurely paddle in a kayak either direction." The water levels vary seasonally, with particularly calm conditions during dry spells.
Winter recreation: Turtle River State Park transforms in winter with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. A reviewer mentions, "For fans of winter recreation, this is apparently a hotspot for skiing and snowshoeing, and I can see coming back for that." These activities provide year-round glamping opportunities near Hillsboro with seasonal variation.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Buffalo River State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. StaceeQ Q. states, "If you want the best kept state park I have seen this is the place. Beautiful, quiet, well maintained... Not a scrap of trash, the restrooms clean and well stocked." The park features a new-appearing bathhouse with flush toilets, hot showers and a dish-washing station.
Shaded, spacious sites: Belmont Park offers well-spaced sites with natural screening. According to Janet R., "The campsites are well spaced and shaded, and the tenting area is particularly spacious." The park is situated "deep in the woods and right on a bend on the river," providing a natural setting for glamping experiences near Hillsboro.
Wildlife viewing: Turtle River State Park Campground provides opportunities for wildlife observation throughout the camping areas. Samantha B. reports, "Turtle River State park has beautiful mature ash trees for a nice shady camp spot. There are numerous sites with water and electricity with central location shower houses." The established tree cover creates habitat for various wildlife species.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Buffalo River State Park Campground has a distinct mosquito season. One reviewer cautions, "Tons of mosquitos though make sure you have spray," highlighting the importance of insect preparation during summer months.
Weekend popularity: Turtle River State Park Campground experiences significant crowding during special events. Janet R. explains, "Unfortunately, we were there on an event weekend—'Halloween in July' which meant the campsites were jam packed... RVs were jam packed in, as were the tent sites, and even the hike-in campsites seemed crowded." Weekday visits may provide a more relaxed glamping experience.
Varied amenities: Red River Valley Fairgrounds offers different hookup options depending on location within the grounds. Duncan G. notes, "The main campground has full hookups. The overflow area only electric. The main campground was clean and well maintained." This provides flexibility for different glamping setups near Hillsboro.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Turtle River State Park provides diverse recreation options suitable for different family members. A reviewer explains, "We had fun there was something for everyone in the family to do. Hiking, fishing and sight seeing." The varied terrain allows families to split up based on interest or ability level.
Educational opportunities: Buffalo River State Park Campground features interpretive areas where children can learn about prairie ecosystems. Brianna V. shares, "The trails are the perfect amount for that purpose and he enjoys the wildlife that hides in the natural prairie fauna." These natural features create educational opportunities during family outings.
Swimming areas: Buffalo River provides designated swimming areas for families seeking water recreation. Brianna V. explains, "The swimming area is wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool and picnic table access with lots of area to picnic." These facilities offer controlled water access for children of various ages.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Red River Valley Fairgrounds provides different utility options depending on site location. Duncan G. states, "The main campground has full hookups. The overflow area only electric," noting this distinction for those requiring specific amenities.
Urban convenience: Red River Valley Fairgrounds offers proximity to shopping and urban amenities. One camper notes, "There is easy access down 13th avenue to shopping centers in Fargo," providing glamping near Hillsboro with urban conveniences nearby.
Practice opportunities: Red River Valley Fairgrounds works well for new RV owners. Chris A. suggests, "This is a good place to do a practice run for newbies. It is only a few miles from Outlet Recreation also which can be handy if you need something from an RV dealer." This proximity to RV services creates a safety net for those testing equipment.
