Tent camping options near Leonard, North Dakota range from accessible city parks to primitive riverside spots. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 85°F and cold winters when most campgrounds close. Campers should prepare for prairie winds that can affect tent stability, particularly at exposed sites throughout the area.
What to do
Explore the Northern Cass Pass Trail: The bike trail near Arthur Park connects to Hunter, ND, making it ideal for weekend cycling trips. "It is located by the trailhead of the North Cass Pass Bike Trail which goes north to Hunter, ND," notes Janet R., who suggests the park as "a good place to camp if you want to do a weekend bike trip."
Canoe the Red River: Paddlers can access primitive camping along the river at Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite, though amenities are minimal. "This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground," explains Teresa T., highlighting its utilitarian nature for water travelers.
Visit the educational orchard: Arthur Park features a community orchard with various fruits that serves as an educational attraction. One visitor notes it's "a very unique educational community orchard that features a whole variety of different grapes, berries, apples, and more," providing an unexpected agricultural learning opportunity during your camping trip.
What campers like
Community park atmosphere: Campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds at Arthur Park. "This camping spot [gets] a 4-star rating simply because it is located within a really sweet little town park that is beautifully kept, lovely grounds, nice playground and ballfields nearby, picnic shelter, pretty gardens," writes one reviewer who valued the park's multiple amenities.
Group camping opportunities: The layout of Arthur's tent area works well for organized groups. One camper suggests, "This would be a nice place for a scout troup or youth group to have an overnight, or for a family reunion to set up," noting its simple but functional design accommodates multiple tents.
Budget-friendly options: Several tent sites in the Leonard area are free or low-cost. Brushvale Bridge is marked as free in the features list, providing riverside camping without fees, while Arthur Park requires only basic reservation through the city office during weekdays.
What you should know
Limited facilities at many sites: Most tent camping near Leonard offers minimal amenities. At Valley City National Fish Hatchery, one visitor cautions, "there would be no services except a picnic table," emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency at many area campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Securing a spot requires planning ahead at some locations. For Arthur Park, "You need to call the city office on a weekday to make reservations," advises a camper, as there's no online booking system or weekend reservation options.
Campground status can change: Always call ahead to confirm a campground is operational. One reviewer at Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park warned, "I don't think this is open," explaining, "There's no entrance or anything for an R.V. So I don't think either. Are actually open."
Tips for camping with families
Look for combined recreation options: Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park is situated near a school with open areas. "Where the GPS Coordinates are is across from the school which is open. And it's basically the football field," notes a visitor, suggesting potential play space beyond the camping area itself.
Consider town parks for amenities: Families benefit from playgrounds and ball fields at locations like Arthur Park. A camper mentions the "nice playground and ballfields nearby," providing built-in entertainment for children alongside the camping experience.
Pack extra shelter: The open prairie landscape around Leonard offers limited natural wind protection. Bringing additional shelter structures helps during sudden weather changes, especially for families needing protected spaces for meals and activities outside sleeping tents.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most tent camping areas near Leonard cannot accommodate large RVs or provide hookups. At Mooreton City Park, there are no designated big-rig friendly areas, electric, water, or sewer hookups according to the features list.
Water access planning: No water hookups exist at the reviewed campgrounds, requiring RVers to arrive with full tanks. All sites lack drinking water facilities or dedicated RV water connections, making self-sufficiency essential for overnight stays.
Consider canoe-in alternatives: For adventurous RVers with portable equipment, the Valley City Fish Hatchery offers unique opportunities. "It would be fun though to start at the dam in a canoe and use this as a place to stop for the night," suggests one visitor, offering a way to combine vehicle camping with paddle-in experiences.
