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Best Campgrounds in North Dakota

1,044 Reviews

With its many beautiful lakes and miles of open land, if camping in North Dakota isn’t on your summer bucket list, it should be.

Devil’s Lake is the largest natural body of water in North Dakota, and the expansive, picturesque lake boasts some of the best fishing in the state. Here you can find plenty of fun in the likes of boating and golfing. Devil’s Lake has several options for camping in North Dakota, while Grahams Island State Park offers the unique opportunity to camp on an island in the middle of the lake. Located in the northern part of the state, between Minot and Grand Forks, Devil’s Lake is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

Another great option for camping in North Dakota is along the banks of Lake Sakakawea, a large man-made reservoir that was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1956. Lake Sakakawea is part of the Missouri River basin that stretches on for nearly 180 miles. Sakakawea is known for its fishing, and is home to an Audubon National Wildlife Refuge center, and an 8-mile long wildlife trail. Sakakawea has multiple campground options, including the highly rated Lake Sakakawea State Park.

If you’re looking to get off the water and participate in a North Dakota summer tradition, Medora is a classic roadtrip stop. Every year from June to September, the town of Medora puts on a professionally produced nightly musical dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt and his time in the Badlands. Even if musicals aren’t your thing, there is still plenty to do in Medora, including golfing, biking, and hiking at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the only national park in the state. Medora campgrounds provide modern RV camping options, and more primitive tent sites all along the Little Missouri River.

Whether you’re just visiting, or looking for adventure in your own backyard, The Dyrt is your number one source for the best camping in North Dakota.

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Best Camping Sites in North Dakota (366)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    71 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $20 - $60 / night

    "I visited this campground for 1 night while driving across North Dakota. It's super easy to access from I-94, but you feel like you're a million miles away from the interstate."

    "Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."

    2. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    58 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "It was easy to come from Medora, North Dakota to the site, but it appears that you only get an entrance and exit on the Medora side."

    "The road in was fairly flat, and basically right off the highway. You can have the option of lots of privacy as well. Most of the sites are quite a distance away from each other."

    3. Medora Campground

    45 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "There's a picnic table, but it was very hot outside without shade. There's a great creek within walking distance that you can cool off in and let the dogs run around."

    "Great location right outside the park. Utilities all worked well. Beautiful walk down to the Little Missouri River."

    4. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    32 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $30 / night

    "Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean.

    The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife."

    "We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located."

    5. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-2024

    "It was right next to an equestrian area, so some horses being trained and whinnying just next door."

    "We had total privacy, a fire pit that you could see the bluff from, trees all around, and the only thing you heard were horses from the horse camp area."

    6. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-6340

    $15 - $85 / night

    "Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks."

    "We were right next to comfort station which was well maintained. Kid Park was new and close to our site. There was lots of bike and walking trails."

    7. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    22 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $20 / night

    "General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway)."

    "Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"

    8. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bottineau, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 263-4651

    "This State Park is in North Dakota near the Canadian border. With a very large body of water that has many amenities from fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding."

    "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."

    9. Turtle River State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Larimore, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 594-4445

    "looking to get away from the flat land of North Dakota? This park is where to be. Lots of great trails with some awesome views."

    "Campground was set up a little funny but not hard to locate site once driving around about 3 minutes. Pretty wooded area in hell hole North Dakota."

    10. Grahams Island State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Fort Totten, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 766-4015

    $15 - $50 / night

    "It was completely private surrounded by trees that were full of birds! Primitive area has pit toilets but the shower room and flush toilets were a short walk away."

    "Our site had pasture land behind all the trees, and the sunsets were amazing.

    We loved the dog park and mowed trails. Most of the park was immaculate."

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Recent Camping Photos in North Dakota

175 Photos of 366 North Dakota Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in North Dakota

1044 Reviews of 366 North Dakota Campgrounds

  • Martha H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Medora Campground

    Great location

    Great location in Medora. Clean bathrooms and showers. Quiet even though spots are close together.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Nice off-grid campsites

    Campsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water

  • katherine W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Second time staying here

    Make the “about 10mile” drive off 94 , 5 miles of dirt. Nice spot with lake, pavilion and toilet.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Coal Creek Campground

    Quiet, secluded, scenic and well-maintained

    I was under the impression that this was a dispersed campground, but it is not ($10 per site). It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.

    Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites. Vault toilets are newer and clean. Last 8.6 miles of road is well maintained gravel and wide enough for all types of RV, but unsure if there are pull-through sites.

    Minimal flying bugs … no repellant required although we did set a citronella candle out.

    Elevation: 2710’. We had site #5 and had great views and privacy.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    National Park stay

    We got here late right before sunset. A lot of the number of sites taken, but we did find one. We stayed on lot 12, and it worked for and overnight. Great sunset. Not as secluded we like but was quiet.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Buffalo RV Park

    Clean, convenient, some mosquitoes

    Spacious, easy access, level sites with convenient hookups and garbage can at each site. Open landscape, but good space between sites. Price now $35 not $25. Good number of mosquitoes requires bug spray, and keeping RV buttoned up, or stay inside.

Guide to North Dakota

Camping in North Dakota offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to Do

  • Explore Nature: North Dakota is home to beautiful parks like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground, where you can hike and enjoy the diverse landscapes. One visitor said, “Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper mentioned, “There is good off-shore fishing as well as a swim beach with a bathroom.”
  • Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like Fort Stevenson State Park, where one reviewer noted, “While there were very few tent sites available, we had our choice of sites as we were the only tent campers.”

What Campers Like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, “The bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great and the food at the marina was OK.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Cross Ranch State Park Campground said, “The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. A review from General Sibley Park noted, “The park staff was super friendly, bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen.”

What You Should Know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. One camper shared, “Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly. I was getting bit every second.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sweet Briar Lake, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, “There are not many bathrooms (pit toilets).”
  • Reservation Recommendations: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book in advance. A camper at Bismarck KOA said, “The campground was packed since it was a Saturday and it was incredibly quiet at night.”

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Harmon Lake Rec Area said, “Great playground that the kids loved! The swimming beach was awesome.”
  • Group Camping: Consider group sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Fort Stevenson State Park mentioned, “They have spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 RVs on or private single camp spots.”
  • Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and activities to keep kids entertained. One camper noted, “The campsites are spacious. There are few great hikes that are kid-friendly.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake Sakakawea State Park mentioned, “We drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot.”
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. One camper at Bismarck KOA said, “Good stop with full hookups.”
  • Quiet Locations: Choose campgrounds that are a bit off the main roads for a peaceful stay. A visitor at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground noted, “Mostly quiet and peaceful.”

Camping in North Dakota can be a memorable experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in North Dakota for summer visits?

North Dakota offers excellent summer camping options that showcase the state's diverse landscapes. Turtle River State Park Campground is a top choice for those looking to escape North Dakota's flat terrain, offering wooded sites and excellent hiking trails. For stunning prairie views, Sully Creek State Park near Medora provides a scenic base for exploring the badlands. Summer is the ideal time to visit these parks when facilities are fully operational and trails are accessible. Most North Dakota state parks offer amenities like clean restrooms, picnic areas, and recreational opportunities. For the best experience, make reservations well in advance as popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months.

Where can I find lakeside camping in North Dakota?

North Dakota boasts several outstanding lakeside camping destinations. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground near the Canadian border offers extensive water recreation including fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available just outside the park. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground features huge, well-spaced campsites with breathtaking views and proximity to the Garrison Dam and National Fish Hatchery. For a smaller lake experience, Beaver Lake State Park Campground (also known as Red Lake) offers modern camping loops, group sites, tent camping, and cabins with numerous hiking trails. Most lakeside campgrounds in North Dakota provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities with varying levels of amenities.

Are there private campgrounds in North Dakota with full hookups?

Yes, North Dakota offers several private campgrounds with full hookups for RVers seeking more amenities. Roughrider RV Resort provides full hookup sites with modern facilities for a comfortable stay. Medora Campground offers reservable sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, making it convenient for larger RVs and extended stays. Most private campgrounds in North Dakota with full hookups typically include 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections, along with amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and shower houses. Prices generally range from $30-$50 per night depending on the season and location. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months when tourism peaks in popular areas like Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park region.

What river camping options are available in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers several river camping destinations that provide scenic views and water recreation opportunities. Sheyenne National Grassland features beautiful riverside campsites with trails and knowledgeable rangers who can help with navigation. This area is suitable for larger rigs, though some caution is needed on certain trails. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground near Mandan offers boat-in access along with drive-in sites, making it perfect for paddlers exploring the Missouri River. Most river campgrounds in North Dakota provide basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water, though facilities vary by location. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available in some areas, but always check local regulations before setting up camp.

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