James River Bay Area Camping and Mel Rieman Rec offer distinct camping experiences near Kensal, North Dakota. Located in the Prairie Pothole Region, these sites sit around 1,400 feet above sea level in an area characterized by glacially-formed wetlands and rolling hills. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer camping season brings pleasant 70-80°F days with occasional thunderstorms and moderate humidity.
What to do
Water recreation at Pipestem Reservoir: James River Bay Area Camping provides direct boat access to fishing and paddling opportunities. "Scenic lil boat launch not far from Jamestown. A few fire rings dispersed around the area," notes camper Raq, who appreciated watching storms move across the water.
Beach activities and swimming: The expansive beach at Mel Rieman Rec offers summer swimming options with rental equipment available. According to Susan R., "I couldn't believe I wasn't staying longer. The on-site store was well-stocked, and there were even rental options for different types of paddling."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. Teresa T. mentions, "It was quiet during the week," making weeknights ideal for astronomy enthusiasts seeking darker skies and fewer fellow campers.
What campers like
Privacy despite proximity: The campground layout at Mel Rieman offers a balance of community and seclusion. Laura G. appreciates "a place a little off the beaten track, with serene landscapes and feelings of privacy, with comforts of a few fellow campers."
Simple amenities that enhance comfort: Basic facilities meet essential needs without overdevelopment. "Beautiful site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise," reports Mychaela about her experience at Mel Rieman Rec.
Spacious primitive sites: The open field camping at James River Bay provides abundant space. According to Blanca M., "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Mel Rieman operates from May 1 to September 30, closing entirely during winter months. Plan accordingly for North Dakota's short but pleasant summer season.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access can be unreliable. "Do note that cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access," warns Leos P. about James River Bay Area Camping.
Road access considerations: Some GPS directions may lead to unpaved routes. "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," advises Haylie M.
Tips for camping with families
Prepare for toilet access: Bathroom facilities vary widely between locations. At James River Bay, Blanca M. notes, "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."
Consider weekday visits: Weekend crowds can change the atmosphere significantly. Teresa T. observes about her stay at Mel Rieman Rec: "It was quiet during the week. Surprised how many came for the night but left early the next morning. I'm guessing the weekend is a bit nuts."
Evening activities: The area offers simple nighttime recreation options. Mitch G. suggests, "Walk along the road at night for a nice spooky stroll," noting the campground was "obviously built for boating" but still "cute" according to his daughter.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: While no true yurt camping options exist near Kensal, North Dakota, RV sites at Mel Rieman offer varied experiences. "Spot 3 had lots of shade and was pretty private," recommends Teresa T., contradicting some impressions about lake views.
Boondocking opportunities: For self-contained RVs, James River Bay provides primitive camping with minimal hookups. Raq calls it "Good Boondocking" with "scenic" qualities despite limited amenities and mentions "a water pump that looked to be broken" suggesting bringing your own water supply.
