Camping near Mandan, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do:
- Hiking and Exploring History: At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground, you can hike trails that lead to historical sites. One visitor shared, "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri River... Such a neat park with lots to do!"
- Fishing and Water Activities: Sweet Briar Lake is perfect for fishing and enjoying the water. A camper noted, "Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night," making it a great spot for anglers.
- Disc Golf and Playgrounds: General Sibley Park features a disc golf course and a playground. One reviewer mentioned, "There was a playground, disc golf course, boat launch, and other amenities in the park."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen."
- Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Sweet Briar Lake. One camper said, "Loved how spaced the sites are," which adds to the relaxing atmosphere.
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at General Sibley Park. A reviewer noted, "The park staff was super friendly," making the experience more enjoyable.
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes Can Be Bad: If you're camping at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground, be prepared for mosquitoes. One camper warned, "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly."
- Limited Amenities at Some Sites: At Sweet Briar Lake, there are no showers or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "There are not many bathrooms (pit toilets)," so plan accordingly.
- Crowded on Weekends: Cross Ranch State Park Campground can get crowded, especially on weekends. One camper noted, "This campground was CROWDED. Every spot was full."
Tips for camping with families:
- Bring Bug Spray: Given the mosquito situation, especially at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground, it's wise to pack bug spray. A camper suggested, "I got a gazebo shelter so we could enjoy the outdoors without getting bit to death."
- Check for Playground Availability: If you have kids, look for campgrounds with playgrounds like General Sibley Park. One parent mentioned, "The playground was great for keeping the toddler out of the way while setting up camp."
- Plan for Clean Facilities: Families will appreciate the clean restrooms at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The restrooms are clean and the showers are very nice as well."
Tips from RVers:
- Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Bismarck KOA are big rig friendly. One RVer noted, "The campground was packed since it was a Saturday and it was incredibly quiet at night."
- Check for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, A Prairie Breeze RV Park offers them. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are laid out so the poles are shared in the middle, which makes for a bit of a tight fit for big rigs."
- Self-Check-In is Convenient: Many RV parks, including A Prairie Breeze RV Park, offer self-check-in. One camper appreciated, "Reservations were taken care of with one call, but none are needed."
Camping around Mandan, ND, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
