Camping options near the International Peace Garden in North Dakota include designated tent sites within the Turtle Mountain region, characterized by its unique rolling terrain and small lakes. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, creating a distinct microclimate that can be notably cooler than surrounding plains. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 80°F, with occasional thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Fishing access: Pelican Sandy Recreation Area offers shoreline fishing from a dedicated pier. The lake holds northern pike, perch, and bluegill species according to visitor reports. "About 6 sites available plus one group site. Clean vault toilet. No water. Fishing pier. On the lake and pretty," notes Tim H. in his review.
Trail riding opportunities: Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground provides access to extensive equestrian trails through the Turtle Mountain State Forest. "16 miles of trails one which goes to Strawberry Lake Campground. AMAZING trails," writes Erica S. The campground includes individual corrals for horses with hay and water provided.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitat around Bisbee Dam supports numerous bird species including waterfowl and raptors. The dam area provides habitat for white-tailed deer and small mammals that frequent the shoreline, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Pelican Sandy Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its tranquility. "I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic. Definitely a vibe I like," reports Teresa T. The limited number of sites helps maintain the quiet environment even during typical peak periods.
Trail connectivity: Turtle Mountain's network of paths creates opportunities for extended hiking between campgrounds. Erica S. mentions a specific trail that "goes to Strawberry Lake Campground" from Twisted Oaks, allowing for longer exploration without vehicle relocation.
Budget-friendly options: The camping areas maintain affordable fee structures. Teresa T. described Pelican Sandy as "inexpensive" while Twisted Oaks charges "$10 plus $5 per horse" according to Erica S., making tent camping near International Peace Garden accessible for cost-conscious outdoor enthusiasts.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most sites require self-sufficiency. At Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground, Erica S. found "non-potable water, toilets and campfire rings" but no other amenities. Tim H. notes Pelican Sandy provides a "clean vault toilet" but "no water," requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Minimal reservations: Most tent camping occurs on a first-come basis. "No reservations" is specified for Twisted Oaks, while other area campgrounds follow similar walk-in policies, making weekday arrivals more reliable for securing preferred spots.
Communication challenges: Cell service limitations affect the entire region. Erica S. reported "little to no cell reception (We had 1 bar)" at Twisted Oaks, a common situation throughout the best tent camping areas near International Peace Garden. Emergency communications may require travel to higher elevation points or nearby towns.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: When tent camping with children at Pelican Sandy Recreation Area, choose sites closer to the vault toilets but maintain distance from the fishing pier for safety. Teresa T. noted the area has "very well maintained" grounds suitable for families.
Weather preparedness: The Turtle Mountain region experiences temperature fluctuations even in summer months. Pack additional layers for children as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly below daytime highs, particularly in early summer and fall periods.
Activity planning: Bring family-friendly water equipment during summer visits to lake-adjacent campgrounds. The fishing pier at Pelican Sandy provides an excellent location for supervised fishing with children, with Tim H. describing it as "on the lake and pretty."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: The tent camping areas near International Peace Garden generally lack hookup facilities. Tent-specific campgrounds like Twisted Oaks feature "spots are okay next to trees but not really shaded" according to Erica S., indicating minimal site improvements even for smaller recreational vehicles.
Alternative options: RV travelers seeking more amenities should consider commercial campgrounds in nearby communities like Dunseith or Bottineau instead of the primitive tent camping locations within the forest area, which primarily accommodate tent and small trailer camping.
