Best Tent Camping near Larimore, ND
Tent camping options near Larimore, North Dakota include several primitive sites scattered throughout the region. Kolding Dam/Upper Turtle Reservoir offers free tent camping with no formal defined sites, making it suitable for those seeking a more rustic experience. The nearby Matejeck Dam Recreation Area provides drive-in access for tent campers, while the Backcountry Campsite offers more secluded hike-in and walk-in tent sites about 50 miles south of Larimore.
Most tent sites in the Larimore area feature minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. The Backcountry Campsite stands out with picnic tables, primitive toilets, and designated areas for campfires, while most other locations have limited or no facilities. Kolding Dam campsites are situated in grassy areas with no clearly defined boundaries, requiring campers to select spots just off the road. Water sources are scarce across all sites, so bringing adequate water supplies is essential. Sites generally allow pets, though the Backcountry Campsite is an exception.
The tent camping experience around Larimore offers solitude and natural surroundings typically not found at more developed campgrounds. Areas like Kolding Dam provide elevated camping spots with views of the reservoir and natural windbreaks from trees. The lack of defined boundaries and services means campers often have entire areas to themselves, particularly during weekdays. Wildlife sightings, including coyotes, add to the primitive tent camping experience. The terrain varies from grassy fields to more wooded areas depending on the specific location. One camper noted, "It isn't a spot with definition or services, it's literally just a place to park but it's also a place that you will probably have to yourself the entire time you stay there."
