Best Campgrounds near Leonard, ND

The eastern North Dakota plains surrounding Leonard feature a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping opportunities within the Sheyenne National Grassland. Jorgen's Hollow Campground, located directly in Leonard, provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Just south of town, the Sheyenne National Grassland offers dispersed camping options with more primitive facilities. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional options like Sheyenne Oaks with its 38 sites offering full hookups and cabin accommodations, or travel to nearby communities such as Fargo, Casselton, and Buffalo for more developed camping facilities with varying levels of amenities.

Camping in this region requires planning around North Dakota's distinct seasonal patterns. The primary camping season runs from May through October, with many facilities closing during the harsh winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with limited connectivity in more remote grassland locations. As one camper noted about the Sheyenne National Grassland: "Beautiful sites, trails, very friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown GPS destination." Gravel roads leading to some sites may become challenging after rain, and travelers should check ahead for site availability as reservation systems vary by location.

The natural landscape provides the main attraction for camping in the Leonard area. The oak-dotted grasslands create unique camping environments with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and stargazing. Campsites within the Sheyenne National Grassland receive consistently positive reviews for their privacy and natural setting. Visitors frequently mention the North Country Trail access as a highlight for hikers. Sites closer to Interstate 94 and major towns offer more amenities but may experience highway noise, as noted in reviews of Lindenwood Campground in Fargo: "Proximity to the interstate made for a pretty noticeable drone of vehicles." Water access varies by location, with some campgrounds offering lake or river proximity for fishing and paddling opportunities.

Best Camping Sites Near Leonard, North Dakota (50)

    1. Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    10 Reviews
    Leonard, ND
    9 miles
    Website

    "This allowed for a pretty distanced visit and relatively quiet experience in the middle of the country. If it was full, it could have been loud."

    "Arrived after dark picked a site and in the morning was happily surprised to find it had some trees surrounding it."

    2. Sheyenne National Grassland

    8 Reviews
    McLeod, ND
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 683-4342

    "Beautiful sites,trails,very friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination."

    "We dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail."

    3. Lindenwood Campground

    17 Reviews
    Fargo, ND
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 232-3987

    $30 / night

    "Lindenwood Park is a very nice campground with an abundance of shelters, children’s play areas, and walking/hiking trails."

    "Clean, lots of paved trails, easy access to kayak, only thing missing is a place to swim!"

    4. Governor's Inn and Conference Center

    2 Reviews
    Casselton, ND
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 347-4524

    5. Buffalo River State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Glyndon, MN
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (218) 498-2124

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Great facilities, a nice state park close to Fargo, but overall plain and skippable unless you want something close by.  I wouldn't go out of your way to check out this park. "

    "Even though the site is close to highway, it felt like we were in a more isolated campsite. The campsite was clean and shady."

    6. Buffalo RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Casselton, ND
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 351-1154

    $25 - $125 / night

    "Great big fire pit but street light is right next to the site and bugs were biting. Overall quiet, safe location in historic town. Next time would like to check out Old 10 Saloon."

    "No bath house but full hookup and trashcan available.

    5 min walk to Old 10 Saloon, nice inside good service.

    Use city registration site to reserve site, no sign in at front area needed."

    7. Sheyenne Oaks

    Be the first to review!
    Leonard, ND
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 361-8566

    $28 - $49 / night

    8. Red River Valley Fairgrounds

    3 Reviews
    West Fargo, ND
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 282-2200

    9. Red Trail Vineyard RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Casselton, ND
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 238-3337

    $30 - $35 / night

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Recent Reviews near Leonard, ND

203 Reviews of 50 Leonard Campgrounds


  • Dan P.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Dead Colt Creek Rec Area

    Wet review

    Everything looks and works as it should. Yes it’s raining out. Ol Mother Nature ya know. But bathroom are clean and nice. Water works electricity works as should. View is nice. Can’t ask for much more. Thanks.

  • katherine W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Moon Lake

    Second time staying here

    Make the “about 10mile” drive off 94 , 5 miles of dirt. Nice spot with lake, pavilion and toilet.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Buffalo RV Park

    Clean, convenient, some mosquitoes

    Spacious, easy access, level sites with convenient hookups and garbage can at each site. Open landscape, but good space between sites. Price now $35 not $25. Good number of mosquitoes requires bug spray, and keeping RV buttoned up, or stay inside.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Forman City Park and Campground

    Small but convenient

    I wanted to come and see the historical museum and lucked into finding this. 3 spots with electric and bathrooms. It is right near the road but otherwise private. No one here but I assume during the county fair it is fully occupied.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park

    I don't think this is open

    When you suggest an edit, it doesn't leave any place to explain so figured I would do A. Review to provide some information. There are technically 2 campgrounds in windmere. The GPS Coordinates for the rock garden are the other campground, but neither seem to actually be at least R. V camping. I'll put up some pictures to help explain, but I wouldn't stay in either place. Where the GPS Coordinates are is across from the school which is open. And it's basically the football field and I didn't see any formalized camping there in The Rock garden. There's no way to camp in that. There's another park, a blockdown where I suppose you could camp. But there's no entrance or anything for an R. V. So I don't think either. Are actually open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Barney Campground

    Quiet spot for a night

    This really is a spot for an evening unless you know someone in town. I was given the first night free and only staying one night, ok. Parked behind the manager who is very nice. Wouldn't have found it except from the sign on the road.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite

    Just a moderately flat spot

    This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground. Also, the mark is on the wrong side. This is on the West and North side of the road, not the South. And east. No spots, no services. Just a place to park and in between two fairly busy roads.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Faust Park

    Bad Verizon signal, free, but no water or gray water. Trash cans available, though.

    They have trash cans, but no water, no grey dump, and bad fries and signal. Other than that, it seems to be pretty decent so far.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Aber Park Campground

    Pretty park near State Historic Site

    I think you can stay for free and it seems to be connected to Harvest Hosts. I tried calling the number and it referred me to a different number so just figured someone would come at some point. The park is nice. Pit toilets, water and a playground. There is a state Historic site across the road and the North Country Trail comes right through which is what brought us to town.


Guide to Leonard

Camping near Leonard, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the trails around Jorgen's Hollow Campground. One camper mentioned, "There's a nice four-mile easy trail that comes out of the campsite area," making it perfect for families or casual hikers.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Eggerts Landing, you can enjoy fishing and even swimming. A reviewer noted, "The sites close to the lake had easy access to go see the lake," which is great for those who love water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: Fort Ransom State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One visitor shared, "We saw an incredible amount of wildlife in our one-day stay," making it a fantastic spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Clausen Springs Park Campground. One happy camper said, "Huge campsites that are private and shaded," which is perfect for a relaxing stay.
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Buffalo River State Park Campground stated, "Cleanest bathrooms/showers ever," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Little Yellowstone County Park are great for families. One parent mentioned, "My kids spent hours playing in the creek," highlighting the fun for younger campers.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jorgen's Hollow Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "No electric hookups, no showers," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds, including Lindenwood Campground, are only open from May to October 15. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, it’s important to be cautious. A camper at Fort Ransom State Park Campground mentioned, "Come early, around the ticks and mosquitoes," so be prepared with repellent.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Clausen Springs Park Campground, which has a playground. One family shared, "A playground for kids, well-lit roads and trails," making it safe and fun for children.
  • Pack for Activities: Bring along fishing gear or bikes. A camper at Jorgen's Hollow Campground mentioned, "Lots of hiking nearby," so there’s plenty to keep the family entertained.
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. A visitor at Eggerts Landing noted, "No firewood available in the park," so plan your meals accordingly.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Lindenwood Campground mentioned, "Most sites are uneven," which can be tricky for larger RVs.
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, campgrounds like Mel Rieman Rec offer electric hookups. One RVer said, "Flushable bathrooms, good water," making it a comfortable choice.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or train tracks. A camper at Faust Park noted, "The train was loud once when we went to sleep," so consider this when choosing your spot.

Camping near Leonard, North Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Leonard, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, Leonard, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 50 campgrounds and RV parks near Leonard, ND and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Leonard, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Leonard, ND is Jorgen's Hollow Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Leonard, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Leonard, ND.