Camping options around Kensal, North Dakota range from basic city parks to fully-equipped RV facilities across Barnes and Stutsman counties. The area sits within the Northern Plains at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F while winters drop well below freezing. Most campgrounds close by early October due to North Dakota's harsh winter climate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Moon Lake offers prime fishing spots for perch. "Fished most of the day while sitting on my chair just in the water. Caught a sunburn and two small perch. Later they got the rest of the school to come out and jump like crazy," reports one Moon Lake visitor.
Baseball games: The Jamestown Speedway dirt track hosts races every Saturday evening during summer months. "Jamestown speedway dirt track has races every Saturday evening during the summer and we were able to catch the season opener in May," notes a camper from Jamestown Campground.
Bird watching: The area attracts numerous bird species, particularly around lakeside locations. "The spot was very peaceful with a ton of birds," mentions a Moon Lake reviewer, while another adds, "Nice spot by a lake, with three stone fire rings and a couple picnic tables. We got the spot surrounded by trees on three sides which was nice. Tons of birds which make some noise but aren't a bother."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain quality bathrooms and showers. "Clean bathrooms and showers, really nice staff," notes a camper at Jamestown Campground, while another at Medina City Park reports, "Bath house is clean with hot showers. There is a play ground, disk golf and fire rings. It is well taken care of."
Spacious sites: Many parks provide ample room between campsites. A visitor at Mel Rieman Rec writes, "This 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."
Affordability: Most area campgrounds offer reasonable rates. "For only $15 the nights stay was perfect. It is a bit warm today but some shade helps," mentions a Medina City Park visitor, while another adds, "$15.00 a night, power, water, dump station, bathroom, shower. Nice quick over nighter."
What you should know
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. "A long, very dusty gravel road got us to this spot. By the time we left, our car and camper looked like 2 dirt piles," warns a Moon Lake visitor, while another notes, "The directions we followed took us on some pretty rocky roads."
Mosquitoes: Summer brings insects, particularly in August. A reviewer from Jamestown Campground observed, "Maticulatly cared for campground, safe, friendly, a nice place to rest, small but pretty walking trail that the kids can bike. Mosquitoes in August."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across locations. A Pelican Point Landing camper reported, "Basically no cell service. Decent swimming with boat landing. Small playground for kids," while Mel Rieman visitors note, "Cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several rv campgrounds near Kensal, North Dakota feature play areas. "Nice little in town camping," says a Medina City Park visitor, while another adds, "Hookups available and a great playground for the kids."
Swimming options: Lakes provide swimming during summer months. At Pelican Point Landing, one camper notes, "Decent swimming with boat landing. Small playground for kids," though another reviewer cautions about behavior issues: "Teens staying up till 3pm being loud and racing around on a golf cart. Intoxicated adults taking lap after lap around the campground."
Recreation equipment: Some parks provide sports gear for guests. A Jamestown Campground visitor mentions, "This is nice spot good price flat spots has a playground lots of grass they have sports equipment you can barrow."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the region require equipment for leveling. At Pelican Point Landing, a camper with a 36-foot fifth wheel reported, "Had no issues getting it setup, although the ground was far from level, we managed."
Shoulder season visits: RV campers find less crowded conditions during off-peak times. A Frontier Fort RV Park visitor shared, "Passing through ND in late October and needed a place to stay and this campground worked out well. The folks were accommodating. The campground was clean and RV sites graveled and level. The water was turned off due to the recent freezing weather."
Utilities information: Some rv campgrounds in Kensal area have seasonal water shutoffs. "Currently, the Women's restroom is out of order and under construction, but they invite you to use the men's. Very basic," reports a recent Medina City Park visitor, while a camper at Bowdon RV Park noted, "Beautiful park at the edge of town. It's busier than expected, there was only one spot with hookups left but it's all we needed."
