Best Tent Camping near Kensal, ND
Tent camping near Kensal, North Dakota offers limited but distinct options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking primitive experiences. McHenry City Park Campground accommodates tent campers about 20 miles northwest of Kensal, while the Backcountry Campsite provides a more remote experience approximately 30 miles southeast. Valley City National Fish Hatchery, located about 40 miles southeast, rounds out the available tent camping options in this sparsely populated region of eastern North Dakota.
Most tent sites in the Kensal area feature basic amenities with minimal development. The Backcountry Campsite requires hikers to walk in, making it suitable for backpackers traversing the North Country Trail near Lake Ashtabula. This site includes picnic tables and primitive toilets but no drinking water. McHenry City Park offers drinking water and trash disposal but lacks toilet facilities. Fire regulations vary between locations, with fires permitted at both McHenry City Park and the Backcountry Campsite, while Valley City National Fish Hatchery prohibits campfires entirely. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies when heading to most sites in the region.
Tent campers can expect varying levels of solitude depending on location and season. The Backcountry Campsite provides a genuine wilderness experience along hiking trails. A visitor commented that "the primitive toilet even had a mailbox with toilet paper," highlighting thoughtful touches even in remote locations. Valley City National Fish Hatchery presents uncertainty for campers, as recent visitors noted access restrictions. According to one review, "There is a small campground but I'm guessing it is for a girl scout group or something like that. It didn't seem very well used and was locked tight." Campers should call ahead before planning stays at this location. For families seeking accessible tent camping experiences, the Backcountry Campsite has received positive reviews from parents hiking with children along the North Country Trail.