Turtle River State Park offers cabin accommodations and glamping options 22 miles west of Grand Forks on Highway 2 near Larimore, North Dakota. The park provides a forested retreat within the prairie landscape with sites along the Turtle River. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer temperatures average 70-80°F with higher humidity levels near the river areas.
What to do
Trail exploration: The park features multiple biking and hiking trails suited for various difficulty levels. "My girls and I had a great day and night at TRSP. Tons of trails for biking and hiking. Some of the biking was too hilly for my 7 year old though," notes Jami M. from Turtle River State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Turtle River provides fishing opportunities throughout the park. Visitors report that "the river is good for fishing," and water access points are available at multiple locations. Some visitors cool off in the river during warmer months, with one camper sharing, "We utilized the river to cool off in the water & sightseeing."
Winter recreation: When snow covers the landscape, the park transforms for cold weather activities. "For fans of winter recreation, this is apparently a hotspot for skiing and snowshoeing," explains Janet R. from Belmont Park, who visits the region for seasonal outdoor pursuits.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Many visitors appreciate the mature tree cover providing relief from summer heat. "Turtle River State park has beautiful mature ash trees for a nice shady camp spot," writes Samantha B., adding that "the camp sites are large, level and secluded."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent praise from first-time and returning visitors. "We were very impressed with how clean the bathrooms were," reports Max J. from Turtle River State Park Campground, who was camping for the first time with his wife.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite highway proximity, most campsites maintain a peaceful setting. "Very quiet overall but you could hear traffic at night on Hwy 2," mentions Jami M. about her experience at primitive site #88, which she described as "nice and secluded along the river."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Event weekends can significantly impact the camping experience with increased visitors. "Unfortunately, we were there on an event weekend—'Halloween in July' which meant the campsites were jam packed for the weekend with people eager to be costumed ghouls and do various tricks and treats. RVs were jam packed in, as were the tent sites," reports Janet R.
Insects presence: Wooded areas near water can have high bug activity, particularly after rainfall. "It was also very buggy which is probably to be expected in a lowland with wetlands," notes one reviewer, while another mentions "getting ate by bugs" near waterfront sites.
Cart needs for walk-in sites: Some primitive sites require walking gear from parking areas. "I didn't bring a cart though so we had to walk back and forth from the parking lot since it isn't a full drive-in site. There weren't any carts available to bring your stuff to your site," warns Jami M. about her experience at site #88.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-focused programming provides structured entertainment options. "Friendly staff and super programs for the family by the naturalist. Our family loves the place!" shares Brad K., highlighting the organized activities available beyond self-guided recreation.
Multiple recreation options: Diverse activities keep different age groups engaged throughout their stay. "We had fun, there was something for everyone in the family to do. Hiking, fishing and sight seeing," explains Tim W., suggesting families bring equipment for various outdoor pursuits.
Bike-friendly trails: The park offers biking opportunities for families, though some routes have challenging sections. "There are lovely wide trails for biking and hiking and a river runs through the park," notes a camper, though parents should assess trail difficulty for younger riders.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: The campground offers both water and electrical connections at numerous sites. "There are numerous sites with water and electricity with central location shower houses," reports Samantha B., noting the convenience of these amenities for RV campers.
Affordability: Glamping in Larimore, North Dakota provides reasonable value for travelers. "Reasonable and affordable nightly rates for both primitive RV and tent sites. Electrical hookups available. Free showers!" shares Leasa W., highlighting the cost-effective nature of camping near Larimore.
Accessibility: The campground location offers convenient access for regional travelers. "Nice and close camping within northeast ND for those that don't want to venture far from Fargo-Grand Forks-Grafton stretch or far off the northern 29 route. TRSP is located 22 miles west of Grand Forks on Highway 2. Easy to find!" notes a reviewer familiar with glamping options near Larimore.
