Best Glamping near Kensal, ND

James River Bay Area Camping and Mel Rieman Rec house glamping accommodations near Kensal, North Dakota. Both locations offer alternatives to traditional camping with more comfortable amenities while maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings. Mel Rieman Rec provides glamping options with access to electric hookups and water connections, making for a more comfortable outdoor experience. The campground features picnic tables, fire pits, and trash disposal, creating a convenient base for glamping adventures. James River Bay Area Camping offers a more primitive glamping experience with fire rings and picnic tables available. "This campground is clean, quiet, and beautiful. We enjoyed the views of the lake and the rolling hills, the immaculate star gazing, and peacefulness of this camp ground," noted one visitor about Mel Rieman Rec.

Lakeside views enhance the glamping experience at Mel Rieman Rec, where guests can enjoy water activities during their stay. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to September 30, making it ideal for summer glamping getaways. A nearby resort offers amenities including ice cream and souvenirs, adding convenience to the glamping experience. James River Bay Area Camping provides a more secluded setting with boat access and scenic water views. According to a camper, "The lake is beautiful. Got to watch storm pass thru while cows grazed on rolling hills across the water." Both locations offer varying levels of amenities while maintaining the elevated outdoor experience that defines glamping accommodations. Mel Rieman Rec includes flushable toilets and good water access, while James River features vault toilets and a more rustic glamping setting.

Map showing campgrounds near Kensal, North Dakota

Explore the Map

Best Glamping Sites Near Kensal, North Dakota (2)

1. James River Bay Area Camping
2 Reviews
Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam, ND
22 miles
Website
+1 (701) 368-1365
$10 / night
"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."

"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."
2. Mel Rieman Rec
7 Reviews
Valley City, ND
36 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."

Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Glamping Reviews near Kensal, ND

9 Reviews of 2 Kensal Campgrounds

B
Blanca M.
Scout
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
Mychaela
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Leos P.
Guide
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.
Haylie M.
Traveler
Sep. 15, 2020
Mel Rieman Rec
Hidden Gem
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.

There is a resort nearby with ice cream, firewood, and souvenirs.

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.
Mitch G.
Traveler
Aug. 15, 2021
Mel Rieman Rec
Good for an overnight
Walk along the road at night for a nice spooky stroll. Obviously built for boating. Eldest daughter says it was “cute”.
Teresa T.
Legend
Jun. 18, 2025
Mel Rieman Rec
Stayed for 4 days while working
Very nice with some really sweet spots. Someone said everyone had a view of theblake, no idea what they are talking about as none do but there is a nice path to the beach. It was quiet during the week. Surprised how many came for the night but left early the next morning. Spot 3 had lots of shade and was pretty private. I'm guessing the weekend is a bit nuts.
R
Raq
Guide
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.
L
Laura G.
Traveler
Jul. 1, 2022
Mel Rieman Rec
Beautiful, quiet, simple and clean!
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.