Camping options near Leonard, North Dakota include established sites and primitive backcountry spots spread across the prairie landscape. The Sheyenne National Grassland covers nearly 71,000 acres of rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 1,060 to 1,250 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, while spring and fall bring cooler weather ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking access points: The North Country Trail offers multiple entry points throughout the Sheyenne National Grassland. At Jorgen's Hollow Campground, "The North Country Trail goes right through camp. Hike it into the grasslands or the other way to join more trails," according to camper Art S. Trail sections range from beginner-friendly 3-mile loops to more challenging full-day routes.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. At Sheyenne National Grassland, campers can enjoy "a midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff" as one reviewer experienced. For optimal viewing, visit during new moon phases and bring a red light to maintain night vision.
Swimming areas: When temperatures rise, Buffalo River State Park offers a designated swimming area with natural water. A visitor noted, "The swimming area is wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool and picnic table access with lots of area to picnic." The swimming pond is located near the campground with convenient parking.
What campers like
Prairie wildlife viewing: The grassland ecosystem supports diverse animal species observable from campsites. At Jorgen's Hollow, one camper mentioned "lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk" while another enjoyed seeing "prairie chickens" during their stay. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Spacious, private sites: Buffalo RV Park provides "spacious, easy access, level sites with convenient hookups and garbage can at each site." Another reviewer appreciated the "wide sites with fire rings" that offer adequate separation from neighboring campers. Most sites accommodate standard camping setups with room for additional equipment.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. A Buffalo River State Park Campground visitor was impressed with "the best kept state park I have seen" adding that it's "beautiful, quiet, well maintained" with "not a scrap of trash the restrooms clean and well stocked." Most campgrounds provide weekly facility maintenance.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The prairie landscape experiences significant wind and rapid weather changes. Campers should secure tents properly and bring appropriate clothing layers. A visitor to Sheyenne National Grassland mentioned setting up their tent "as soon as we got into the boundaries as a thunder and lightning storm began," highlighting the need for weather awareness.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. Most established campgrounds offer adequate service, but remote grassland locations have limited reception. When heading into dispersed camping areas, download offline maps beforehand and inform others of your intended location.
Road conditions: Some camping areas require travel on unpaved roads that may become challenging in wet weather. One NCT Colfax Campground visitor noted it's "mostly for people hiking the north country trail but guessing anybody that wanted to walk in and use it could." Many dispersed sites require higher-clearance vehicles during spring and after heavy rains.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor at Lindenwood Campground mentioned "2 great playgrounds nearby for the kiddos" providing recreational options when not exploring trails. These areas typically include standard playground equipment suitable for various ages.
Educational opportunities: The grassland environment offers natural learning experiences. Children can observe native prairie plants and wildlife in their natural habitat. One family reported, "We hiked a trail and saw so many different plants" during their visit, making it an engaging outdoor classroom.
Activity planning: Structure your visit around specific activities suitable for children. A camper suggested, "We often take our dog here on the weekends for longer, out of city limits walks. The trails are the perfect amount for that purpose." Most family-friendly trails are under 4 miles and rated as easy to moderate difficulty.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sheyenne Oaks offers 38 sites with full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. This makes it suitable for extended stays with modern amenities. Sites accommodate various RV sizes with both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service available.
Parking surfaces: Most RV sites in the area feature gravel or compacted dirt surfaces. An RVer at Buffalo RV Park mentioned "level sites with convenient hookups" making setup straightforward. Many campgrounds recommend leveling blocks as even designated "level" sites may have slight variations.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds operate from May through October with limited winter options. Water systems are typically winterized after mid-October. Plan accordingly if traveling during shoulder seasons when some services may be unavailable or limited.
