Paul C.
Traveler
TravelerNelson Lake
Fishing, fire rings, and free
Lots of spaces on the water. No picnic tables or hookups. Not crowded in October.
Camping near Mandan, ND
53 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Mandan, North Dakota centers around the Missouri River corridor, with a mix of state parks, recreation areas, and RV parks providing diverse accommodation options. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located 6 miles south of Mandan, serves as the area's premier camping destination with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The park sits at the confluence of the Heart and Missouri Rivers, offering historical significance as both a former military post and the site of a reconstructed Mandan Indian village. Graner Park, situated along the Missouri River south of Mandan, provides additional camping with electric hookups and river access. Harmon Lake Recreation Area north of Mandan offers more primitive camping experiences with both drive-in and boat-in access.
Most campgrounds in the Mandan area operate seasonally from April through October, though Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park maintains year-round availability. North Dakota state parks require entrance permits ($7 daily or $35 annual) in addition to camping fees. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with occasional storms. Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds near Mandan, with Fort Abraham Lincoln providing 2-3 bars on major carriers. Water levels on the Missouri River can fluctuate seasonally, affecting some riverside camping areas and boat ramps.
The camping experiences around Mandan vary significantly by location. State park campgrounds offer more amenities and organized activities, including ranger programs and historical tours. As one visitor noted, "Fort Abraham Lincoln has nice bath houses, plus a playground for kids and naturalist programs with an enthusiastic staff." RV-focused options like Bismarck KOA (15 miles east) provide full hookups and conveniences for travelers. For those seeking more solitude, Sweet Briar Lake (30 miles west on I-94) offers primitive lakeside camping with minimal facilities. Campers report that "the view was peaceful and it was super quiet, with several spots all around the lake and hardly anyone there," making it popular for overnight stays while traveling through the region.
Best Campgrounds near Mandan (53)
1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground
"Great park close to Mandan ND"
"This is a nice park that is worth an overnight to learn about expedition history, native Mandan culture, and more."
from $15 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. General Sibley Park
"Water, trash cans, and bathrooms are close and within walking distance! Outhouse by tents."
"Probably different in the summer, but at end of September was nearly empty. Cost of $14 seemed a steal. The bathroom (with showers) was a short walk from my site (#12). Table and fire pit at site."
3. Bismarck KOA
"Near by restaurants ( not in close walking distance but on the same main road that the campground is on."
"The campsite was well arranged - the quick overnights were toward the front for easy access, but the campers staying for a longer time were tucked away in a wooded area."
4. Sweet Briar Lake
"We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."
"Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."
5. Hillcrest Acres Campground
"It’s fully shaded and near a field for the dog to play in. He walked all the way to the site just to show us how to back our teardrop in to the tent spot - it fit perfectly!"
"I was a little annoyed that we paid $40 to have to pee behind a building…"
6. Harmon Lake Rec Area
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability7. Eagles Park Campground
"Some 20amp are next to a traditional back in site. Others are in a grassy field and can be shared. That is what we chose. The 20 amp runs what we need."
"Only downside no shower facilities and Porta potties are the only available bathrooms site does have running water accessible to fill your camper no dump station."
from $12 / night
Check Availability8. Graner Park
"South of Mandan, ND. Easy access."
"They have a water fill station and the playground is located in the middle of the loop so it's easily accessible to every site on the north loop."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability9. Kimball Bottom
10. Sweet Briar Lake Campsites
"Before you pick a spot close to the freeway is gonna be loud. There's lots of options. Nowhere near the freeway though."
"Very beautiful lake and grounds. There are pit toilets, fir rings and tables. Right next to the restroom."
Drive Time
- 6 min from Bismarck, ND
- 1 hr 39 min from Minot, ND
- 2 hrs 38 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 31 min from Grand Forks, ND
Recent Camping Photos near Mandan, ND
22 Photos of 53 Mandan Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Mandan, ND
182 Reviews of 53 Mandan Campgrounds
- TTamra V.Traveler
Raleigh Reservoir
Excellent place to stay
Will be back!! This one was definitely off the beaten path. We had to go down a couple dirt roads to access it. Good thing we had our GPS set before we got there because there was absolutely no service. But don't let any of that deter you,
- it was beautiful
- I believe there were vault toilets and I do remember there was Electric. Possibly five or six sites.
- No charge for the first seven days and then $10 after that. What else can you find something like that?
- WATER nearby And more than plenty of room to run your animals. Big rig, friendly for sure. Will definitely be back here on our way up. Make sure you have your maps set because it's hard to find your way out with no service Show Less
- TTanya L.Traveler
Driscoll City Park
Nice, quiet and out of the way.
Just an electrical hook up and nice level flat ground but it's a lovely, well taken care of site and very quiet. There is a box at the front to pay. $10 primitive and $25 for electric. There appears to be a water spigot in the little area that is beside the park but I didn't use it so no idea if it works or is potable or not.
Teresa T.
LegendSweet Briar Lake Campsites
For a free site near the freeway, this place rocks.
Look closely at the map. Before you pick a spot close to the freeway is gonna be loud. There's lots of options. Nowhere near the freeway though. Spots are pretty big fairly exposed to both wind and sun, but also can be private if you search around a little bit. You can also camp right by the water. This place is pretty great. There are toilets around and trash, but that's about it. I'm assuming everything else is on your own.
- Teresa T.Legend
Mckenzie Slough State Game Management Area
Small spot next to a gravel road
If the gate were open, there's adorable places to camp in the back, but if you're parking on the small gravel parking lot right next to the road, you're unprotected from the wind and the sun. Not an issue if it's an overnight. Stop off the freeway, but not really a camping spot more like a sleeping spot.
- Teresa T.Legend
Driscoll City Park
Nice overnight but maybe a bit expensive
Multiple spots, well, design flat level, but no other services.
Timothy J.TravelerRaleigh Reservoir
Well maintained
Nice place to camp and fish very clean I enjoyed my stay,😎👍
- WWill W.
GuideGeneral Sibley Park
Tent camping bless
I camped in my car in the tent camping part. Parked on the grass under the trees! Probably one of the best CGs I’ve been too. Probably different in the summer, but at end of September was nearly empty. Cost of $14 seemed a steal. The bathroom (with showers) was a short walk from my site (#12). Table and fire pit at site. Friendly staff. Great find. Would come back in a heartbeat just stopping through.
- ttraveller 1.Legend
Danzig Dam 10 miles northwest of New Salem, ND.
Delightful little campground
Free. On the water. Vault toilets.
Guide to Mandan
Camping near Mandan, North Dakota centers around the Missouri River watershed, with recreation areas situated at elevations around 1,600-1,700 feet. Seasonal temperatures can swing dramatically from summer highs approaching 90°F to winter lows well below freezing. Most camping options remain open from April through October with limited year-round facilities available.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/north-dakota-fort-abraham-lincoln-state-park] offers significant historical attractions beyond just camping. "We walked on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks. Such a neat park with lots to do!" notes Kristi D. The park features trolley rides that connect key points of interest.
Fishing opportunities: Harmon Lake Recreation Area [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/harmon-lake-rec-area] provides multiple fishing access points. "2 fishing piers, 1 floating fishing dock. You can catch northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout if you're lucky!" according to one camper. The lake maintains an idle speed rule that creates a peaceful fishing environment.
Water activities: Several recreation areas provide water access for swimming and boating. "Paddleboard and kayak rentals" are available at Harmon Lake, where "the swimming beach is nice" with a sand beach and designated swimming area. Graner Park offers direct river access from waterfront electric sites, making it convenient for boaters.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Sweet Briar Lake [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/north-dakota-sweet-briar-lake] receives high marks for site layout. "Very well maintained and clean, huge campsites that are well spaced from others. There are campsites all around the lake/park, some in their own little private nook," reports Stephanie S. The lake features picnic tables and fire rings at most sites.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater to families with dedicated play areas. "A playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village" make Fort Abraham Lincoln appealing to families, according to Mary S. General Sibley Park [https://thedyrt.com/camping/south-dakota/north-dakota-general-sibley-city-park] offers "Frisbee golf course & playground. Nice first stop on our journey!" according to Ason S.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive mentions across multiple locations. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen," notes one camper about Fort Abraham Lincoln. Another visitor at General Sibley Park mentioned, "pit toilets near our site and they were very clean and well maintained," showing attention to cleanliness even at basic facilities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds accept walk-ins, popular sites fill quickly. Hillcrest Acres Campground [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/hillcrest-acres-campground] demonstrates flexibility: "Phoned about 100 miles away and had a reservation in minutes," reports Brian R., though not all campgrounds offer such last-minute availability.
Weather considerations: Summer heat and mosquitoes can impact comfort levels. "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly. I was getting bit every second, so I got a gazebo shelter so we could enjoy the outdoors without getting bit to death," reports a Fort Abraham Lincoln visitor. Evening temperatures can provide relief but may delay comfortable sleeping hours.
Highway proximity: Several campgrounds are located near major roadways. Sweet Briar Lake is "right off the 94. Is there a little highway noise, yes. Did it bother us? Nope. We were in a huge spot right on a lake!" reports PJ F. This makes these locations convenient for travelers but may impact those seeking complete quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Trail access: Multiple locations offer kid-friendly outdoor exploration. "Lots of walking/bike trails, playground for kids and places to fish on the river," notes Kyle O. about Fort Abraham Lincoln. The park's paved bike path lets families ride "from the campground all the way to Bismarck (10+ miles)."
Entertainment options: Kimball Bottom [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/north-dakota-kimball-bottoms-recreation-area] provides free camping with river access. "They have a large parking lot for RVs as well as grass camp spots for tents," notes Benjamin M., making it budget-friendly for families. The recreation area allows stays up to 14 consecutive days each month.
Educational experiences: Historical sites offer learning opportunities. "We had a whole bunch of fun learning about the camp and General Custard. There is a bunch of history and many happy faces in this area," reports one Fort Abraham Lincoln visitor who added, "If I were to do one thing over, I would have stayed here for more than 4 days. Much to do and see."
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Bismarck KOA [https://thedyrt.com/camping/north-dakota/bismarck-koa] provides full-service options with strategic amenities. "This is one of the nicer KOAs we've stayed in, with a very nice tent area," notes one experienced RVer. The campground offers pull-through sites with utilities placed mid-pad, though satellite reception may be affected by mature trees.
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size, shade, and privacy. Some campgrounds have "sites with electricity and water are $25," while others may be more basic. At Harmon Lake, sites are described as "a field with parking spots" with "no privacy and sites are close to each other," which suits some travelers but not those seeking seclusion.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited year-round options. RVers should check ahead for shoulder season accommodations as weather can change quickly. Prairie Breeze RV Park operates from April to November with self-check-in options for late arrivals, making it convenient for travelers passing through the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find full hookup RV parks in Mandan, ND?
Where can I find full hookup RV parks in Mandan, ND?
For full hookup options near Mandan, Graner Park offers easy access and is located just south of town. Another option is Morton County Fort Rice Campground, which is about 25 miles from Mandan and provides 10 electric sites, potable water, and dump station facilities. The campground also offers amenities like picnic sites, nearby trail access, water access, boat ramps, and a fish cleaning station.
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Mandan, North Dakota?
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Mandan, North Dakota?
RV rental prices in Mandan typically range from $125-$200 per night for smaller trailers and pop-ups, while larger Class C motorhomes average $175-$275 nightly. Class A luxury RVs can cost $250-$400+ per night. Most rentals require a 2-3 night minimum, especially during peak camping season (May-September). Additional costs often include mileage fees ($0.25-$0.75/mile beyond daily allowance), generator usage ($3-$5/hour), and cleaning fees ($50-$150). For the best rates, book 3-6 months in advance, particularly if planning to visit popular destinations like Heart Butte Reservoir or Bismarck KOA.
What are the best campgrounds in Mandan, North Dakota?
What are the best campgrounds in Mandan, North Dakota?
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground is highly rated with multiple 5-star reviews. Located close to Mandan, it offers RV sites nestled in trees, tent camping areas, and clean facilities. The park features historic attractions including Custer's home, blockhouses, and a Mandan Indian Village. For a more secluded option, Sweet Briar Lake is a hidden gem with free camping and beautiful lakeside sites, making it perfect for overnight stays while traveling through the area.
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