Best Glamping near Jamestown, ND

Fort Ransom State Park Campground offers unique glamping accommodations with its yurts and specialty cabins located about 70 miles from Jamestown. The park provides year-round access to glamping options with climate-controlled interiors and comfortable furnishings, allowing visitors to experience North Dakota's natural beauty without sacrificing comfort. James River Bay Area Camping and Mel Rieman Rec also include glamping accommodations for those seeking an elevated outdoor experience. These sites feature electricity, picnic tables, and proximity to water recreation areas. One visitor noted, "The yurt with a loft could host a large family or group and is fully equipped with amazingly cool amenities."

Hiking trails wind through the diverse landscapes surrounding these glamping resorts, connecting forest, prairie, and riparian shores where guests can explore the Sheyenne River and nearby National Grasslands. Fort Ransom State Park provides canoe and kayak rentals for water adventures, while seasonal events like Sodbuster Days add cultural experiences to the glamping stay. The eco-friendly glamping sites position visitors perfectly for wildlife viewing, with multiple reviewers reporting abundant animal sightings, particularly during spring and fall seasons. A recent visitor mentioned, "We saw an incredible amount of wildlife in our one-day stay, and there are bunches of trails to hike with the town close and worth exploring." Glamping cabins typically require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months when specialty accommodations fill quickly.

Best Glamping Sites Near Jamestown, North Dakota (3)

    1. James River Bay Area Camping

    2 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 368-1365

    $10 / night

    "Scenic lil boat launch not far from Jamestown. A few fire rings dispersed around the area. There was a water pump that looked to be broken."

    "Good campsite, located in a huge field set pretty far off the river. It says there's room for 10 tents but really you could host a festival there."

    2. Mel Rieman Rec

    7 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-2970

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise."

    "As soon as I drove up, the first thing I noticed were the backpacking and walk - in sites — I was instantly excited."

    3. Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 973-4331

    "This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands."

    "Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road.  (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time.....   "

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Glamping Photos near Jamestown, ND

1 Photos of 3 Jamestown Campgrounds


Glamping Reviews near Jamestown, ND

18 Reviews of 3 Jamestown Campgrounds


  • R
    Jun. 14, 2022

    James River Bay Area Camping

    Good Boondocking

    Scenic lil boat launch not far from Jamestown. A few fire rings dispersed around the area. There was a water pump that looked to be broken. Vault toilet and a storage shed housing the picnic tables if you wanted to use one. The lake is beautiful. Got to watch storm pass thru while cows grazed on rolling hills across the water. Lovely.

  • B
    Jun. 25, 2024

    James River Bay Area Camping

    Simple, low key, primitive

    Good campsite, located in a huge field set pretty far off the river. It says there's room for 10 tents but really you could host a festival there. There's a couple picnic tables and fire pits and one trash can. There is no bathroom next to the tent sites. There is a pit toilet close by. When you reach the "Camp Rules" sign turn right for the camping and left for the pit toilet.

  • M
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Mel Rieman Rec

    Beautiful site, with good amenities

    Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise.

  • Susan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Mel Rieman Rec

    Fun Campground

    As soon as I drove up, the first thing I noticed were the backpacking and walk - in sites — I was instantly excited. As I continued up the hill and caught sight of the huge park and expansive beach, I couldn’t believe I wasn’t staying longer. I visited during the off-season, so the restaurant and bar were closed, but there was still plenty to see and do. The on-site store was well-stocked, and there were even rental options for different types of paddling. The lake itself is stunning, with gorgeous views and even a few scenic hills.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Nice experience by the Sheyenne River and Grasslands

    This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail. In winter there is great cross country skiing and snowshoeing and summer of course has camping, canoeing, hiking, and nature watching. This seems to be a big park for horse campers and they are well set up for that with corrals and designated horse campgrounds. There is a standard campground for car camping, campers and RVs with the usual amenities, then there is the so-called "primitive" campground which is for tents only, either in drive in tent campsites, or at walk-in tent sites that are very spacious and right on the river! Very nice. The "primitive" tent area has quiet rules including no use of generators, so we like that. The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water. Also, while there were no problems about flooding on our trip, the sites are in a lowland area adjacent to the river floodplain so could be a concern at times of heavy rain. Other options, should you want to go for historic lodging or "glamping", there is the option to reserve a covered wagon or pioneer cabin to stay in, or a fully equipped really amazingly cool yurt with a loft that could host a large family or group. If you like hiking or canoeing or horseback riding or nature exploring, there are alot of good options here for the summer camper. Things are quieter right now as there as fewer campers due to  covid, they are also a little short staffed and the grounds look a tad bit rough around the edges and in need of a bit of maintanence. Also, the park was established on the grounds on an old fort which seems to have had some historic controversy, and the main park entrance sign was burned in a recent protest event so be aware of that when you are trying to find the park. And, while staying at the park, visit the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about the history of the area and the old fort so you can put all this into respectful context.

  • Dan C.
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Hiking trails and river for canoeing/kayaking/fishing

    Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road.  (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time.....   Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their "primitive" campsites.  those sites are all in the trees and secluded.  Also has walk-in tent sites.  Plenty of local hiking trails right from the campsite.

  • Lynn G.
    Jul. 1, 2017

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Time travel to the pioneer days

    Very green park with alot of history, including a preserved farm about early white settlers. We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely. We didn’t explore much of the park unfortunately. We really wished we had rented a canoe or kayak (from the park) but it was a holiday weekend so they were all gone by the time we sauntered out of the tent near noon.

    Yay: basic cafe, easy canoeing, nature center, educational, easy hikes.

    Nay: campsites are not private or shady, only a few are next to the water.

    Surprise: the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!

  • Leos P.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Mel Rieman Rec

    Camping above the lake

    This a beautiful, small, and family friendly campgrounds. Most of the campsites have a beautiful view of the lake. The access roads are asphalt. Security comes around regularly. We had a wonderful experience.

    Do note that cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access. The camp sites are small and close together. Besides that it is truly a beautiful site.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2021

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Best in ND

    Great spot for hiking, biking, canoeing and riding your horse. Friendly staff and clean sites. No water or sewer hookups.


Guide to Jamestown

Fort Ransom State Park Campground and surrounding sites offer unique tent, RV, and glamping options near Jamestown, North Dakota. Located in the Sheyenne River Valley, these campgrounds feature a mix of wooded sites and open prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summer camping season brings moderate 70-85°F daytime temperatures with cool evenings.

What to do

Canoe the Sheyenne River: Fort Ransom State Park provides direct river access for paddling adventures. "This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail," notes Janet R. about Fort Ransom State Park Campground.

Explore hiking networks: The North Country Trail passes directly through Fort Ransom, connecting with local trail systems. "This campground has the North Country Trail go right through it, and that is how we ended up camping there. Kids enjoyed the ice cream and refreshments for sale at the gift shop," shares Brittany about her experience at Fort Ransom.

Visit historic sites: The area around James River Bay Area Camping provides access to regional historic attractions. "Scenic lil boat launch not far from Jamestown. A few fire rings dispersed around the area... The lake is beautiful. Got to watch storm pass thru while cows grazed on rolling hills across the water," reports Raq.

What campers like

Diverse camping options: Mel Rieman Rec offers various site types from standard to glamping. "This a beautiful, small, and family friendly campgrounds. Most of the campsites have a beautiful view of the lake. The access roads are asphalt. Security comes around regularly," writes Leos P. about Mel Rieman Rec.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The river valley provides excellent animal spotting year-round. "It was very early in April and still very cold so I literally had the place to myself but we saw an incredible amount of wildlife in our one day stay. Also there are bunches of trails to hike and the town is close and worth exploring," explains Teresa T. about Fort Ransom State Park.

Quiet atmosphere: Most campgrounds maintain peaceful environments, especially midweek. "Highly recommend if you're looking for a place a little off the beaten track, with serene landscapes and feelings of privacy, with comforts of a few fellow campers, clean toilets and showers, and a wonderful local general store as you enter the campgrounds," shares Laura G. about her experience at Mel Rieman Rec.

What you should know

Limited connectivity: Cell service and wifi access can be inconsistent at most camping areas near Jamestown. "Do note that cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access. The camp sites are small and close together. Besides that it is truly a beautiful site," advises Leos P. about Mel Rieman Rec.

Seasonal considerations: Most glamping in Jamestown, North Dakota operates with different amenities and restrictions depending on season. "When we were there in June the campground was having a Halloween celebration and my daughter loved it. There's good trails to walk and it's generally quiet. Sites aren't very private, but the people were nice. It seemed to be more of a 'locals' campground," notes Glenn I. about Fort Ransom State Park Campground.

Facility access varies: At primitive sites, basic services may require additional effort. "The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water," explains Janet R. about Fort Ransom's primitive camping area.

Tips for camping with families

Reserve early for glamping accommodations: The specialty cabins and yurts fill quickly, especially during peak summer season and special events. "Very green park with alot of history, including a preserved farm about early white settlers. We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely," writes Lynn G. about Fort Ransom State Park Campground.

Check event schedules: Parks often host family-friendly seasonal activities. "Wifi is at the visitors center, there's almost 20 miles of trails to walk on and the scenery at night is beautiful! Sodbuster Days, Halloween in June and Christmas in July is a must. Also the historical building in the area is a cool thing to see!" suggests Rudy W. about Fort Ransom.

Consider site exposure: Some camping areas lack shade and can be windy. "Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time... Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their 'primitive' campsites. those sites are all in the trees and secluded," advises Dan C.

Tips from RVers

Check road access: Some approach routes may present challenges for larger RVs. "Coming from the East, we made the mistake of taking highway 17, which happens to be a dirt road. If you take highway 19 it's completely paved," warns Haylie M. about Mel Rieman Rec.

Hookup limitations: Many sites have partial hookups only. "Great spot for hiking, biking, canoeing and riding your horse. Friendly staff and clean sites. No water or sewer hookups," notes Jeff H. about Fort Ransom State Park Campground.

Size considerations: Some glamping in Jamestown, North Dakota areas can accommodate larger rigs, while others have limitations. "This campground is not far from I-94. The campground is clean, quiet, and beautiful. We enjoyed the views of the lake and the rolling hill, the immaculate star gazing, and peacefulness of this camp ground," shares Haylie M. about Mel Rieman Rec.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Jamestown, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Jamestown, ND is James River Bay Area Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Jamestown, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 glamping camping locations near Jamestown, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.