Tim H.
Traveler
TravelerPelican Sandy Recreation Area
Pelican Lake
About 6 sites available plus one group site. Clean vault toilet. No water. Fishing pier. On the lake and pretty.
Camping near International Peace Garden
Located along the United States-Canada border, International Peace Garden offers established camping with both tent and RV sites amid aspen and oak trees. The campground features concrete pads at most sites and wooden platforms at tent sites, creating a sense of isolation between campsites. Nearby options include Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles west, which provides year-round camping with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Smaller recreation areas like Pelican Sandy Lake and Lion Park at Lake Upsilon supplement the region's camping inventory with more rustic facilities and primarily tent-focused sites.
The camping season in this northern region typically runs from May through September, with International Peace Garden's official season spanning June 1 to September 30. Most campgrounds in the area require entrance fees plus camping fees. "Definitely expensive. 25 to get in and then 25 to camp but full hook ups and nice spots," noted one visitor about International Peace Garden. Water and electric hookups are available at several developed sites, while more remote locations offer vault toilets and limited amenities. Campers should bring proper identification for border crossing, as the International Peace Garden straddles the international boundary. Weather can change rapidly in this northern climate, and insects, particularly mosquitoes, can be prevalent during summer months.
Visitors consistently highlight the privacy and natural setting at International Peace Garden Campground. The mature tree cover creates secluded camping spots despite the developed nature of the facilities. Water activities represent a significant draw throughout the region, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming at Lake Metigoshe and surrounding water bodies. According to reviews, Lake Metigoshe offers "multiple hiking trails, a dog park, swimming area, and picnic areas" making it family-friendly. Quieter experiences can be found at smaller recreation areas like Pelican Sandy, described by one camper as "very well maintained, rustic and quiet." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the area, with several campgrounds situated near wildlife refuges and forested areas within the Turtle Mountains region.
Best Camping Sites Near International Peace Garden (16)
1. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground
21 ReviewsBottineau, ND12 milesWebsite+1 (701) 263-4651$15 - $150 / night
"Many hiking trails! International peace gardens a stones throw away ."
"This campground tucked away in the turtle mountains next to Lake Metigoshie is definitely worth the visit! The campground is located in a state park so rules do apply."
2. International Peace Garden
5 ReviewsInternational Peace Garden, ND0 milesWebsite+1 (701) 263-4390"Many campsites, surrounded by trees. Stayed for two nights and didn’t even see everything at the park. Brought kayaks Into the pond/ lakes in the gardens. Wish we had brought bikes."
"We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit! "
3. Pelican Sandy Recreation Area
2 ReviewsInternational Peace Garden, ND9 milesWebsite"On the lake and pretty."
"We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive."
4. Lion Park at Lake Upsilon
1 ReviewInternational Peace Garden, ND11 milesWebsite+1 (701) 477-3149"It’s just a simple spot to camp on the small Lake Upsilon."
5. Log House Visitors Center
1 ReviewDunseith, ND12 miles"Directly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables."
6. Strawberry Lake Campgrounds
4 ReviewsBottineau, ND20 milesWebsite"Great little hideout next to hubbub of Lake Metigoshie. Spots are fairly small but a few can fit a larger tent or camper."
"I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning"
7. School Section Lake Wildlife Refuge
Be the first to review!International Peace Garden, ND4 miles8. Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground
1 ReviewBottineau, ND21 milesWebsite+1 (701) 228-37009. Neameyer Field Campground
1 ReviewDunseith, ND22 milesWebsite+1 (701) 477-361010. Carbury Rec Area
Be the first to review!Bottineau, ND23 milesWebsite+1 (701) 228-2225
Recent Camping Photos near International Peace Garden
4 Photos of 16 International Peace Garden Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near International Peace Garden
39 Reviews of 16 International Peace Garden Campgrounds
- TTami D.Traveler
Towner City Park
Perfect quiet overnight spot
Stopped here on a whim as I was traveling through on my way to Glacier NP. As I pulled in, a farmers market was being set up in a pavilion at the park. Bought some yummy sourdough bread and jam! Sites are pretty informal with 4 electric hook ups. They look to be both 30 and 50 amp. Grass and mostly level, I was able to back in and hook up easy. They ask for a donation in a box posted in the camping area, otherwise free of charge. Very nicely kept park with sand volleyball court, tennis court and playground area. Lots of space for tents. One other camper here on a Friday night.Bonus was the dump station on the road side into the park! Definitely on my favorite list!
- JJanet K.
GuideStrawberry Lake Campgrounds
Quiet campground
Small quiet campground. Just what we were looking for. One other camper. Free firewood for registered campers!!! Family of Broad-winged Hawks in campground! Spectacular storm in the night!
Lady Phyre ☆.GuideLog House Visitors Center
W'eel Turtle Park
Directly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables. It's just a quiet little place to park on your way to the International Peace Garden. It's $20 per night cash payable at the Visitors' Center. Nothing fancy. No showers. There's a toilet in the visitors' center but it has limited hours.
Tanner G.
ScoutStrawberry Lake Campgrounds
Quiet place, bring $15 cash
I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes
Marilyn K.GuidePierce County Fair Grounds
Nice overnight stop
We were a bit earlier this year. No electric or bathrooms available yet.
Teresa T.
LegendLake Metigoshe State Park Campground
Packed tight
Wow, am I glad I didn't plan to stay. This park camping is packed crazy tight. The park is well maintained but you are sharing a sit with everyone basically. Great looking trails and maybe a good fall sort of place to go.
- Teresa T.Legend
Pelican Sandy Recreation Area
Private and small but nice
Very well maintained site. Rustic and quiet. I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic. Definitely a vibe I like. We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive.
- Teresa T.Legend
International Peace Garden
Didn't even realize one could camp there
Definitely expensive. 25 to get in and then 25 to camp but full hook ups and nice spots. Quiet with few other campers and remember to bring ID to get back into the US.
Guide to International Peace Garden
Camping options near International Peace Garden range between 15-30 minutes from the international border with elevations around 2,000 feet in the Turtle Mountains region. The terrain consists of rolling hills with numerous small lakes and ponds scattered throughout wooded areas. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during day with cooler nights in the 50s.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Strawberry Lake Campground provides a peaceful paddling experience with fewer motorized boats. "Small quiet campground. Just what we were looking for. One other camper. Free firewood for registered campers!!! Family of Broad-winged Hawks in campground!" notes Janet K. about Strawberry Lake Campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts several wildlife refuges including School Section Lake Wildlife Refuge where birdwatching opportunities abound during migration seasons. Strawberry Lake also offers wildlife spotting as one reviewer mentioned, "Great place to take family especially if you enjoy fishing and have a boat, Best for small boats like canoes and kayaks."
Horseback riding: Equestrian campers can access 16 miles of trails at Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground. "Spots are $10 plus $5 per horse. Individual corrals for horses plus hay and water provided. Spots are okay next to trees but not really shaded. 16 miles of trails one which goes to Strawberry Lake Campground. AMAZING trails," reports Erica S.
What campers like
Secluded, private sites: Campers consistently appreciate the privacy at International Peace Garden. "Each site has a concrete pad (some tent sites have wooden platforms) so leveling is super easy! Mature aspen and oak trees make up the majority of the grounds and this makes each site feel super isolated and private," reports carrie H.
Tent platforms: Several tent sites at International Peace Garden feature wooden platforms. Elizabeth S. confirms this benefit: "My husband and I have stayed at this campground twice now and both visits were amazing! We like to choose sites surrounded by trees and this place does not disappoint. Plus, the raised tent platforms are a huge benefit!"
Clean facilities: Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground receives praise for its cleanliness. "Really enjoyed this state park. Lots of wildlife. Full hookups, clean sites and facilities—nicest public showers we have ever seen!" mentions J S. Another camper adds, "Great place to stay!! Campsites were nice & taken care of!"
What you should know
Border crossing requirements: When camping at International Peace Garden, remember proper identification for crossing between US and Canadian sides. "Quiet with few other campers and remember to bring ID to get back into the US," advises Teresa T.
Campsite availability: Smaller recreation areas like Lion Park at Lake Upsilon fill quickly during peak times. "First come first serve and the major weekends it will be full. It's just a simple spot to camp on the small Lake Upsilon," reports Pam H. about Lion Park at Lake Upsilon.
Water quality considerations: At Strawberry Lake, potable water may be limited. One camper advises: "BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee, the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Lake Metigoshe offers family-friendly swimming areas. "Great sandy beach & nice water!! Activities set up for families/kids each weekend. Nice playground between loops too," shares Ason S.
Interpretive trails: Pelican Sandy Recreation Area provides educational hiking opportunities. "Very well maintained site. Rustic and quiet. I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic. We did one of the trails and there were more," notes Teresa T.
Equipment rentals: Several campgrounds offer rental options for water activities. As one visitor to International Peace Garden reports, "Can't wait to go back and rent a kayak and really explore more!" Some areas also provide bike rentals for exploring trails.
Tips from RVers
RV pad features: International Peace Garden provides concrete pads at most sites. Mayra V. confirms: "This is a very nice place with clean bathrooms. The spaces are a good size, some with water and power."
Alternative parking options: Log House Visitors Center provides basic overnight parking for RVs. "Directly behind the Log House Visitors Center and the W'eel Turtle Sculpture are 6 RV pads with electric, water, sewer, and picnic tables. It's just a quiet little place to park on your way to the International Peace Garden," describes Lady Phyre.
Leveling considerations: The region's hilly terrain can affect RV parking. Concrete pads at International Peace Garden help with leveling as one camper noted, "Each site has a concrete pad so leveling is super easy!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dispersed camping allowed on public lands near the International Peace Garden?
Is dispersed camping allowed on public lands near the International Peace Garden?
While true dispersed camping is limited in the immediate vicinity of the International Peace Garden, nearby alternatives exist. Turtle Mountain State Forest offers camping options with minimal facilities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, School Section Lake Wildlife Refuge provides drive-in access with fewer amenities. Most camping in this region is designated rather than dispersed, with established campgrounds requiring modest fees. Before setting up camp on any public lands, check with the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department or the local Forest Service office for current regulations, as rules can change seasonally.
What amenities are provided at the International Peace Garden campground?
What amenities are provided at the International Peace Garden campground?
The International Peace Garden campground offers tree-surrounded sites with picnic tables and space for multiple tents or RVs. The grounds feature ponds and lakes suitable for kayaking and canoeing, with hiking trails throughout the property. For those seeking more extensive facilities, Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground nearby provides full hookups, clean facilities including exceptional showers, fishing docks, swimming areas, and boat launches. The Peace Garden area is ideal for outdoor recreation with options for water activities, hiking, and biking, though bringing your own bikes is recommended as rental options may be limited.
Is camping available at the International Peace Garden?
Is camping available at the International Peace Garden?
Yes, camping is available at the International Peace Garden. The garden features multiple campsites surrounded by trees, providing a scenic and peaceful setting. Sites are spacious - one reviewer mentioned that site 24 could fit at least 5 tents. For travelers passing through the area seeking more basic accommodations, the Log House Visitors Center offers 6 RV pads with hookups for $20 per night, payable at the center. This option is particularly convenient for those visiting the International Peace Garden, as it's located on the way there.
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