Homme Lake camping offers primitive and developed camping options within a reservoir setting in North Dakota. The primary recreation areas attract campers seeking water-based activities along with hiking and biking opportunities. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and boat launching conditions. Several campgrounds within a 25-mile radius provide alternatives during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Fishing access: Homme Dam Recreational Area provides direct access to reservoir fishing. "A handful of camp spots in a row and what looked to be a reasonable bathroom. For campers it was full service water sewer and electric. Really nice beach really nice access and fishing down below."
Golfing opportunities: Michigan City Park Campground offers an unusual camping-golf combination. "Right next to a little golf course that we played. There are four sites that have electric and several sites for tent camping or dry camping. The greens were Astroturf, which were a little hard."
Historical exploration: Camping near Homme Lake provides access to regional historical sites. The area includes several historical buildings and educational displays. "Many historical sites can be found in the area including the museum in the visitors center."
Biking trails: The paved trail network connects campgrounds to nearby communities. "There's a two and a half mile pave trail in to Park River that you could walk or bike which I thought looked quite nice."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Icelandic State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The bathrooms and showers were genuinely clean— no bugs, no bad smells, and consistently hot water... unless someone next to you opens a faucet. Pro tip: the family shower room has reliably hot water at all times."
Affordability: Several camping areas offer reasonable rates. "Can't believe I got all this for $500 month plus $35 vehicle fee."
Year-round accessibility: Winter camping options exist at several sites. "For the cold weather campers the shower floors are heated!"
Dog facilities: Turtle River State Park Campground offers dedicated pet areas. "One great appeal was a really great dog park! One if the nicest I've seen, and surprising that there would be one in a state park."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of spacing and separation. "I didn't love our campsite, it was small and not very private. I liked the look of the primitive campsites so I think that's what I would book in the future if I didn't need any power."
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Summer weekends require advance planning at most sites. "We were there on an event weekend—'Halloween in July' which meant the campsites were jam packed for the weekend with people eager to be costumed ghouls and do various tricks and treats."
Water quality considerations: Reservoir conditions change seasonally. "A beautiful little oasis! The campground is set on a pleasant little reservoir."
Utility hookup configurations: Leistikow City Park has unusual power and sewer setups. "Hook-ups are awful—they are behind your RV spot, shared with the RV behind you; shared power pedestals so only one gets 50amp, whoever gets there first."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "Playgrounds is great for the kids, bike/hiking trails are very nice. Beach is great for those hot summer days."
Educational programs: Red River State Recreation Area offers ranger-led activities. "They have different kids activities worth the Park Rangers and some theme weekends."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones with safety features exist at several locations. "Beach was nice - sand, sectioned off swim area, & concessions were open."
Water recreation rentals: Equipment rentals simplify family outings. "Rental kayaks and paddle boards for great prices and a concession stand as well."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring equipment. "Some sites are quite uneven so be sure to have lots leveling equipment if you aren't familiar with your site."
Full hookup availability: Homme Dam provides complete utility connections. "Full hook ups for the RV'er, tent camping, boat ramp with docks, playgrounds, restrooms with showers, personal garbage can picked up weekly."
Urban convenience: Some campgrounds offer proximity to services. "If you did not want to cook, there are 4 restaurants within 3 blocks of your campsite. And a Cabelas within 4 blocks, so if you forget anything, it's close by."
Winter camping considerations: Heated facilities make cold-weather camping more comfortable. "All this comes with beautiful views that over look the reservoir and best of all open year around."
