Best Tent Camping near Kensal, ND

Recent Tent Reviews in Kensal

88 Reviews of 3 Kensal Campgrounds

• c

  cindy

  Guide

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Moon Lake

  Pretty spot. Very quiet.

  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. That said, the spot was very peaceful with a ton of birds. There is a pit toilet there which was locked. It had a sign telling you how to break in, in the case of emergencies. Never have seen such a sign before. Well, I needed to use it, broke in using a screwdriver, and Ohmygod. It’s going to take awhile to get that out of my head. Do not open up the pit toilet, no matter the emergency.

• 

  Kelley E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  East Bay Campground

  Campground Ruined by the Owners' Negligence and Unapologetic Attitude

  While East Bay Campground boasts a stunning location on Devil’s Lake, the owners’ shocking disregard for guest concerns and lack of basic hospitality make this a place to avoid. Our experience was a nightmare due to the owner's negligence, resulting in serious damage to our property that they refused to apologize for or rectify. 

  Upon arrival, we noticed a large tree limb hanging over our camper. We immediately reported it, concerned that it could fall and cause damage. The office reassured us, but no one came to address it. That night, the limb fell and punctured a hole in our roof. 

  When we informed the owner, Bill, his response was nothing short of appalling. Instead of offering any help, showing concern, or even apologizing, he dismissed us, repeatedly telling us to"just patch it up" and actively discouraging us from filing a claim. 

  It took three days of persistence to obtain the necessary insurance information—still with no apology or acknowledgment of their responsibility. Another reviewer had a similar experience, reporting,"we sustained major damage to our roof from trees. When I reported this to the office, they were'sorry' but offered nothing else"(RV Life Review).

   Bill’s behavior reflected a complete lack of concern, remorse, or responsibility, which was deeply disturbing, especially considering the damage could have been easily prevented. This was more than just bad customer service—it was an utter failure to demonstrate even the most basic principles of hospitality or human decency. 

  The campground itself lacks the attention to detail expected of a well-run facility. The shower curtains in every bathroom were 2-3 inches too narrow, leaving a gap leaving anyone taking a shower exposed. Fire ring was bent, broken and unusable. When we rented a boat and reported the anchor rope was frayed and unusable, they promised it would be replaced. But, just like with the tree limb, nothing was done. 

  If you stay here, be prepared to have excellent insurance and no expectations of any help, because the owners clearly don’t care. 

  Bill and Val only seem to offer hospitality to guests who require nothing from them and request nothing that their time or attention is needed to address with respect and kindess.  

  Based on our experience, they will treat you like a nuisance the moment you raise a concern. For your peace of mind, I recommend finding another campground. The beautiful views are simply not worth enduring owners who show no responsibility for their guests or property.

• M

  Mayre J.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2024

  Faust Park

  Friendly spot to chill for a night

  A good spot on the river sort of way out in farm country, a good amount of campers on Fri labor day weekend. Im sure any other day it would be empty. Quiet at night, light on bugs, great grass for tents. No water and didnt see a toilet. Prob not good for bigger RVs. Grab a sweet fresh yummy apple from the tree. Only gave it two stars because some of the hillbillies may be a bit creepy.

• 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.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 7, 2024

  Prairie Haven Campground

  Found it

  This is an actual campground right next to the freeway right where the directions say that it is. Ignore the GPS or hopefully they'll correct the GPS. I did not stay here but I travel through often so I was curious to see if I could understand what and where it was. There seems to be hookups I have a feeling there is a building that has bathrooms in it and seems like they used to sell gas I'm not sure how much of that is still available.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 7, 2024

  Prairie Haven Campground

  I'm not sure this is a camping area

  I'm not exactly sure I'm in the right place nor am I sure that this is actually a campground of some kind. It's definitely a fishing access it's a big open spot next to Island Lake which is a legit lake in North Dakota. It's very flat but there's equipment parked here and a sign that says this is fishing access so I think if you tried to camp here you'd end up with somebody knocking on your door. Last the GPS spot is not correct that takes you to a corner of a road and this spot does not match the directions so I'm going to go one more mile up and see if the directions actually take me to a campground and I'll post that as well.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 7, 2024

  Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem

  Nice spot with pretty views

  This is a nice enough campground with pretty views of the lake. It really is dry though with no water and pit toilets. You just pick a spot of grass and that's it. There are miles and miles of trails which is very cool and nice views of the water and overall, well maintained and for me, in April, it was quiet.

• 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.

• 

  Allison K.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 20, 2023

  Jamestown Campground

  Great Park with friendly staff

  We stayed at one of the tent campsites and stayed in the recommended spot by the staff. There was a fire ring for us, but we couldn’t use our own wood to prevent the spread of bugs or mold. They gave us free firewood and even brought it right up to our camp site for us. Amenities included clean bathrooms/showers, walking trails, playground. Staff/owners super friendly and helpful. Only downfall is the location is right next to the highway and a little noisy, but nothing we couldn’t sleep through. We would stay here again.

• 

  Renee H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 27, 2023

  Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem

  Parkhurst Campground

  Campground was nice and there is a nice trail. Warning this trail is used for cross country meets. Besides some porta potties being set up on the side of the campground there was no indication of this event happening until the buses started rolling in. There was no where for the buses or spectators to park besides the camping lots and participants and spectators used the campground bathrooms and walked onto sites being used by campers.

• 

  Kim H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 10, 2023

  Bowdon RV Park

  Excellent town park

  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. The bathrooms and showers are clean. Local cafe is friendly and has great coffee. Everything is within easy walking distance. No train or busy highway!!

• R

  Robert

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2023

  Jamestown Campground

  Nice stop

  This is nice spot good price flat spots has a playground lots of grass they have sports equipment you can barrow the dirt road can be pretty dusty but not bad if you go slow

• 

  Jacob G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 15, 2023

  Faust Park

  Solid, quick stop

  We were the only campers, so there was plenty of space and the sound of the water was soothing.

  Bugs were terrible and the train was loud once when we went to sleep and then once when we woke up.

  Overall, the camp spot was a convenient and free stop on our road trip out west. Would stay again.

• 

  Emilie V.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 25, 2023

  Moon Lake

  Quiet with beautiful views!

  The sites aren’t very well indicating and so we parked next to a fire ring and picnic table. A van pulled up in front of us with plenty of room left for other neighbors. A sign indicates that camping for more than 10days is not permitted and rigs aren’t to be left unattended for more than 24hours. Two docks for the pups to jump off of and swim. Beautiful clear water was calling my name in the evening.

• C

  Cody

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 18, 2023

  East Bay Campground

  Fun times!

  What a beautiful and spacious campground. Nice office/bait shop, and friendly people. We had a blast camping and fishing.

  Lots of activity around the campground makes it fairly noisy.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 11, 2023

  Valley City National Fish Hatchery

  I'm not actually sure camping is allowed anymorre

  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. There are signs stating no entry after dark. Maybe you can camp but there would be no services except a picnic table. It would be fun though to start at the dam in a canoe and use this as a place to stop for the night. I would say call before trying to stay.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 11, 2023

  Faust Park

  Tiny space

  We stopped by to visit but didn't camp. If you're a walker there's no trails and no place to walk. There is though a very nice canoe spot and it's clear people fish from here. The campsite is very small and only camping spaces for about three campers it was full the time we came through.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 10, 2023

  Moon Lake

  It is a very small spot and cute

  Several spots to park but not at all very private. Nice view of the lake though and the trees block the wind and it was a very windy cool day so very appreciative of them. No shade though, just a wind break.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2023

  Red Willow Lake Resort

  Drove through

  I didn't stay but was exploring the area and tripped across this place. Adorable. I would have stayed but couldn't figure out how. It was Memorial Day weekend and they didn't seem open yet. I think they are set up for summer music festival sorts of weekends and I bet they do that well. Worth a visit back when they are open.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2023

  Stump Lake Park

  Wow, nice place

  Huge. Lots of regular campers who stay the season but also spots for visiting. It is large, well maintained, lots of activities.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2023

  McVille Dam Campground

  Great

  I stayed one night and explored the area and town. The campground is nice and well maintained. The town is cute

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2023

  Binford Park Campground

  Cute

  I didn't spend the night but stopped on my drive past. 3 little cabins which were reasonably priced, a handful of spots with hookups and a bathroom but no shower. Cute and would be a fine stop on a weekend trip through.

• 

  Lee F.

  Guide

  

  May. 28, 2023

  Jamestown Campground

  Close to highway

  Nice campground just off the highway. Although the tent sites looked nice, unless you have earplugs the highway noise will keep you awake. It's also pretty windy. Clean bathrooms and showers, really nice staff. We booked one of two rustic cabins for a steal at $35. Other than a very thin foam mattress, we had a great stay. There was a mini fridge in the cabin and the wonderful lady that checked us in loaned us a fan since it was a bit warm. Jamestown speedway dirt track has races every Saturday evening during the summer and we were able to catch the season opener in May. The world's largest buffalo is also nearby

• 

  kelly N.

  Ranger

  

  May. 24, 2023

  Jamestown Campground

  Wonderful park

  This is the second time we’ve stopped at this park. Very well maintained- great bathroom facilities- dog park- playground and a tunnel of trees to meander through.

• G

  Gregory

  Guide

  

  May. 14, 2023

  Faust Park

  Just 1 night if need be

  Well, not the best place we stayed at. Arrived to trash bags beside the bin, half a rib cage (skeleton) of some animal (which we found the rest of the deer .5m down the road) and the 2 vault toilets need of a decent clean / toilet paper, but they didn't smell and were adequate for the night. We were the only people here, but locals dropped by for dog walks or rest stops. Area did have a grill, firepit, one picnic table in the open and 2 tables under a large cover. 2 gravel slopes go down to the river, but could imagine with the sediment at the river edge, car wheels may become stuck. Trains / rail crossing was 100yards away, as previously mentioned in other reviews, and our observations were as follows.....9 trains from mid afternoon  to early morning next day, 4 of which at night. Apart from the  3‐4 long horn blasts each time one came by, the actual train passing was not disturbing... 

• 

  MickandKarla W.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 26, 2022

  Eggerts Landing

  Good Privacy Between Most Sites

  The website instructions say to take exit 292 off I 94 but our RV GPS and Google Maps showed exit 294, which is probably a new exit. Coming from the east, exit 294 was the better option, but either exit would work as they both will lead to the turn to take you down to Eggerts Landing plus other COE areas as identified on the signs. The campground(CG) area was easy to find and we got potable water at the dump station conveniently located as we entered the CG area. The RV sites here are all 30 AMP electric and we proceeded to back-in spot 20, which was easy to back into off the turn. Site 20 is plenty long and we really liked the privacy between sites due to the vegetation and trees. This CG has a lot of mature trees so satellite would not be an option for most sites. We got 2 bars on Verizon and 2 on T-Mobile. The sites in the front of the CG are more open where you could get a satellite signal. The sites at the far end of the CG are more private with little trails weaving around. There are no sites that are truly on the lake, but several have paths to the water. There are trash cans smartly placed around the CG plus water spigots and vault toilets. Towards the front of the back loop, there’s a shower house. There is also a fishing pier near the CG area entrance. There’s a camp host, but they were only working weekends when we were there in September. However, park rangers patrolled the CG. This COE is about 15 minutes north of Valley City where amenities can be found. Check out Babb's Coffee House in Jamestown. Great place to have lunch after visiting the tourist spots in Jamestown and the coffee is very good too. If you are looking for gifts made in North Dakota, check out the Dakota Store, also in Jamestown, which is a great place to shop. We enjoyed our 3-night stay during the midweek.

• 

  Luckybreak R.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 11, 2022

  Jamestown Campground

  Clean restrooms, spacious level sites, fast Wi-Fi.

  We stayed one night in a 26’C. Close to the interstate by not a problem for us. 3/4 mile grass walking trail around the perimeter with a couple sitting areas.