Best Campgrounds near Kensal, ND
The camping landscape around Kensal, North Dakota encompasses several established campgrounds with a mix of amenities and settings. Jamestown Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full hookups and is located about 20 miles southwest of Kensal. Binford Park Campground, situated approximately 15 miles northeast of Kensal, provides similar accommodation types with electric and water hookups. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while others offer additional amenities such as showers, dump stations, and drinking water. Primitive camping is available at areas like Parkhurst Campground near Pipestem Lake, which provides a more natural setting with basic facilities.
Camping in the Kensal area typically operates from May through September or early October, with many sites closing during North Dakota's harsh winter months. Road access varies by location, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads. Reservations are recommended for campgrounds with hookups, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Cell phone coverage can be limited at more remote sites, particularly at locations like Eggerts Landing. Most campgrounds charge between $10-20 per night for basic sites, with additional fees for hookups or premium locations. A reviewer noted, "The campground area was easy to find and we got potable water at the dump station conveniently located as we entered the CG area."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the Kensal area. Sites near Jamestown Reservoir, Pipestem Lake, and Lake Ashtabula offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Several campgrounds feature trail systems for hiking and mountain biking, with Parkhurst Campground specifically noted for its extensive trail network. According to one visitor, "The trails are addicting, personally! If you are camping with a couple groups, it's pretty easy to find neighboring/close campsites as well." Mixed-use campgrounds like Jamestown Dam/Lakeside Marina combine water recreation with shaded camping areas. Visitors frequently mention the privacy between sites at wooded campgrounds like Eggerts Landing, where mature trees and underbrush create a secluded feeling despite sites being relatively close together. While many campgrounds offer quiet experiences, proximity to highways can create noise issues at some locations.
