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$24 - $34 / night
Nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley, about 65 miles southeast of Jamestown, Fort Ransom State Park is a 950-acre recreation area amid rolling grasslands and mixed woods. Once the site of an 1860s military encampment, the location now offers year-round outdoor recreation, from hiking, fishing, and paddling, to bird watching, horseback riding and camping. In summer, the park rents canoes and provides shuttles to the launch point, for spending leisurely days paddling down the river. In winter, its a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park’s most noted event is the annual Sodbuster Days, which celebrates the farming and homesteading days of the late 1800s with arts, music, food and a rodeo.
The campground at Fort Ransom State Park offers 80 RV, tent and equestrian campsites near the banks of the Sheyenne River. Modern RV sites, with electric and water hookups, are mostly pull-through, while primitive tent sites are mostly walk-in. A few group sites, both modern and primitive, are located near the outdoor amphitheater. The main camp area features flush toilets, showers, a playground, and a dump station. A canoe launch and fishing pier are located nearby. The primitive tent sites and equestrian camp area only offers vault toilets; the latter also has horse corrals. Other amenities include a visitor center, picnic shelters, and a dog park. Campsites are $17–$25/night.
The Mel Rieman Campground and Recreation Area is a 70-acre facility on the shoreline of Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. The campground is known for its spectacular sunset views. It is close to the Baldhill Dam and within walking distance of the Mel Rieman day-use area, where visitors can swim, fish and picnic. Lake Ashtabula was created by the construction of the Baldhill Dam on the Sheyenne River in 1944, and is situated in one of the most scenic river valleys in the region. Visitors can choose from a wide range of recreation opportunities year-round, including ice fishing and cross-country skiing during winter months.
There is no shortage of recreation opportunities and outdoor fun in and around the lake. The day-use area is adjacent to the campground and has a visitor center, playgrounds, picnic facilities, concessions, fishing spots and a boat ramp. The name "Ashtabula" is a Native American word meaning "Fish River," which suits the lake's fish population; popular species include walleye, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch and black bullhead. With seven boat ramps, two accessible fishing piers and four automated fish cleaning stations, the lake is very convenient for anglers. Nearly 3,000 acres of land around the lake is managed as wildlife habitat by the Corps of Engineers and open to the public for wildlife viewing, birding, hiking and hunting. Hunters and anglers should contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department for seasons, restrictions and licenses; fishing licenses and bait may be purchased from concessionaires around the lake. Campers can also reach the 63-mile Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway and access nearly 35 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail within a short drive.
The lake area lies amidst the 'prairie potholes' region of glacially-carved lakes in North Dakota. Bountiful migratory water birds flock to Lake Ashtabula, including the unique white pelican, which can be seen in large quantities during summer. The region also provides habitat for white-tailed deer, sharptail grouse, wild turkey and gray partridge.
$20 - $40 / night
Legend
This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail. In winter there is great cross country skiing and snowshoeing and summer of course has camping, canoeing, hiking, and nature watching. This seems to be a big park for horse campers and they are well set up for that with corrals and designated horse campgrounds. There is a standard campground for car camping, campers and RVs with the usual amenities, then there is the so-called "primitive" campground which is for tents only, either in drive in tent campsites, or at walk-in tent sites that are very spacious and right on the river! Very nice. The "primitive" tent area has quiet rules including no use of generators, so we like that. The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water. Also, while there were no problems about flooding on our trip, the sites are in a lowland area adjacent to the river floodplain so could be a concern at times of heavy rain. Other options, should you want to go for historic lodging or "glamping", there is the option to reserve a covered wagon or pioneer cabin to stay in, or a fully equipped really amazingly cool yurt with a loft that could host a large family or group. If you like hiking or canoeing or horseback riding or nature exploring, there are alot of good options here for the summer camper. Things are quieter right now as there as fewer campers due to covid, they are also a little short staffed and the grounds look a tad bit rough around the edges and in need of a bit of maintanence. Also, the park was established on the grounds on an old fort which seems to have had some historic controversy, and the main park entrance sign was burned in a recent protest event so be aware of that when you are trying to find the park. And, while staying at the park, visit the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about the history of the area and the old fort so you can put all this into respectful context.
Guide
Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise.
LegendThere's a short row of camp spots in the sun for campers. Seems like a good portion of it is full of people who are here all the time. The rest of the campers are in the back of their truck, which i'm not opposed to, but they're in pretty tough shape and very old. I will say this is one of the least safe places. I have felt in North Dakota.
Guide
I would have giving this place a 3 star as there isn't much to see here except the fair grounds when there is something going on, however this is a good place to do a practice run for newbies. It is only a few miles from Outlet Recreation also which can be handy if you need something from an RV dealer.
LegendThis is a convenient stop-over when traveling. However, interstate 94 runs by it and nearby trains run all night with horns blaring. There was also someone setting off fireworks in the area where I was camping, and the debris was hitting my camper. Really annoying. I was parked in the overflow area because the main campground was full(80% are contract workers living there). The main campground has full hookups. The overflow area only electric. The main campground was clean and well maintained. I would rate the bathrooms a B. The manager was very friendly and helpful. There is easy access down 13th avenue to shopping centers in Fargo.
ScoutBig event, we're lucky to find his space open. campground completely full , thousands of pickups and cars. Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night.
TravelerGreat spot for hiking, biking, canoeing and riding your horse. Friendly staff and clean sites. No water or sewer hookups.
TravelerStayed at a site in the open field near to the road. (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time..... Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their "primitive" campsites. those sites are all in the trees and secluded. Also has walk-in tent sites. Plenty of local hiking trails right from the campsite.
GuideWifi is at the visitors center, there’s almost 20 miles of trails to walk on and the scenery at night is beautiful! Sodbuster Days, Halloween in June and Christmas in July is a must. Also the historical building in the area is a cool thing to see!
GuideThis is a pretty good spot. When we were there in June the campground was having a Halloween celebration and my daughter loved it. There’s good trails to walk and it’s generally quiet. Sites aren’t very private, but the people were nice. It seemed to be more of a “locals” campground.
RangerVery green park with alot of history, including a preserved farm about early white settlers. We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely. We didn’t explore much of the park unfortunately. We really wished we had rented a canoe or kayak (from the park) but it was a holiday weekend so they were all gone by the time we sauntered out of the tent near noon.
Yay: basic cafe, easy canoeing, nature center, educational, easy hikes.
Nay: campsites are not private or shady, only a few are next to the water.
Surprise: the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!
GuideThis campground has the North Country Trail go right through it, and that is how we ended up camping there. Kids enjoyed the ice cream and refreshments for sale at the gift shop. We were able to get down to the river from our primitive site and cool off. While the bank its self was quite steep and muddy the water felt amazing. Firewood for sale at the gift shop and they drop it off to your site.
GuideFirst time here, it was different than expected but in a good way. The ND scenery was great with the river valley. It is a small park as far as number of spots but well spaced out and very well maintained.
LegendIt was very early in April and still very cold so I literally had the place to myself but we saw an incredible amount of wildlife in our one day stay. Also there are bunches of trails to hike and the town is close and worth exploring. I came back again in 2024 with a bit more time but still early so had the park to myself. There is so much to do here. They have expanded the trails, dinner in town at a great restaurant, mountain biking down the Kathryn road to historic sites and a national state forest with more trails and destinations. Come early, around the ticks and mosquitoes. Maybe I will bring the canoe next time.
Scout
This is a very well kept camping area. The sites are nicely situated. We stayed in the tent are (#39) and were very private from our right and left neighbors but others are directly across from us. The bathhouse is newer and extremely clean. Yes, the mosquitos are plentiful but it is because the woods and river which also make this place nice. Our only complaint was the nearby train traffic that came through all night. Definitely would use this as a stopover again.
GuideThe north campground loop is more RV-oriented, while the smaller south loop attracts the tents. The sites are fairly close together but those on the outside of the south loop have some vegetation to separate them so they feel reasonably private. Nice bathroom facilities, including an outdoor dishwashing sink, perfect for the COVID year. Several nice hiking opportunities leaving directly from the campground. This was one of the buggier campgrounds we experienced during our August trip, though. In all, a nice campground but nothing so special that you need to go far out of your way for it.
TravelerThis was an overnight while on a cross country trip. Even though the site is close to highway, it felt like we were in a more isolated campsite. The campsite was clean and shady. There is a swimming pool (closed for season) that looked like a nice place with a sandy bottom. There was a playground and some walking trails. I would stay here again. Bathrooms very clean.
Traveler$24 for non-electric site + $7 for car permit.
Spacious site (#39)
Very few other campers on May 15, 2023 and we enjoyed the quiet.
Enjoyed hiking the easy trails with our dog.
Black flies just starting.
Tics found us and dog.
RangerWe camped here one night at the end of July as our first stop on a trip to Oregon. It was quiet on a Thursday. The swimming hole is closed this year so that probably kept some folks away.
We stayed in the electric loop as it's nice to charge things up for the next leg of the trip. They have non-electric tent sites as well.
Nice mature trees for shade. There is a large meadow with wild flowers and a trail next to the main campground. There were milkweed in bloom, wild roses and more.
Lots of trails and Buffalo River to explore.
GuideThe camp host and fellow campers were all very nice!
TravelerPretty standard campgrounds in a state park. Not too crowded and everyone was friendly and respectful. Showers and toilets (we didn’t use them but they’re there). We just stayed for a quick overnight but it was mostly pretty quiet and pleasant. No real complaints.
GuideThis was a really nice campground. It just has power at some of the sites and no water/sewer, but there is a dump station on the way in to fill up with water. The sites were nicely spaced and we had some shade. There were nice trails right from the campground. It was really quiet at night. This was one of our favorite campgrounds of our trip.
GuideOvernight stop! We stayed on outside by prairie and the quietness, and beautiful wildflowers are great! A train goes by in the distance every few hours! Not bad! Reminds us of home..
ScoutThis place has a great swimming beach with beautiful tree filled campground.
RangerNice, small campsite. We stayed a couple of times late summer/early fall 2019. Bummer was the swimming beach was closed for the summer. Some trails that were nice to check out. Electric hook-ups. No playground. Definitely recommend sites on the outer loop, especially along the tree line. Great colors in the fall!
TravelerBuffalo river is not our favorite State Park but it is close to family and friends in the Fargo Morehead area. For the most part it’s just really mosquitoey. Make sure you bring bug spray. The campsites aren’t quite as spread out as some of the other state parks and it’s not as wooded as you’re in the plains. some of the sites have more trees than others.
We will go back because it’s convenient. You are also fairly close to the Detroit Lakes area. That is a fun place to visit and do some shopping.
ScoutThis is a great location if you are just getting into the camping lifestyle. The easy to drive to camp sites and flat geography make it easy to find that perfect spot. If you want to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of running water, you are able to get a site near Buffalo River. If planning on hiking with younger children, the trails around the camp site are very easy as the offer very little elevation change and are very well groomed. The park itself is very pretty all year round whether it's in spring/early summer and seeing the wildflowers and prairie smoke or the fall and the dazzling display of colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Leonard, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Leonard, ND is Buffalo River State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
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