3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located along the Missouri River near Mandan, North Dakota, has upscale glamping accommodations that blend outdoor adventure with modern comforts. The park houses tipis for rent at $35 per night, offering a unique sleeping experience along the riverfront with scenic views. Cross Ranch State Park Campground, about 45 minutes north, includes both yurt and glamping options with electric hookups, drinking water, and picnic tables at each site. The parks maintain clean shower facilities and restrooms for glamping guests, with Fort Abraham Lincoln providing what one visitor called "the cleanest bathrooms I have seen, with an awesome shower."
Visitors at these glamping sites can explore significant historical attractions, including the reconstructed Mandan Indian Village, General Custer's home, and military blockhouses overlooking the Missouri River. The parks feature extensive hiking and biking trails, with a paved path connecting Fort Abraham Lincoln to Mandan and Bismarck. Fishing opportunities abound along the river, with bald eagle sightings possible from riverfront accommodations. During summer months, ranger programs provide educational experiences about the area's rich military and indigenous history. One reviewer noted, "We walked the 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!" Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when weather permits, with year-round accessibility at Fort Abraham Lincoln.
"Had an electric and water site. Bathhouse was clean with nice showers. Fishing, biking/hiking, and visiting the historic sites are things to do here."
"This is a nice park that is worth an overnight to learn about expedition history, native Mandan culture, and more."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $70 / night
"Bathhouse was nice and updated and clean. Site was mostly level. Near by restaurants ( not in close walking distance but on the same main road that the campground is on."
"Each site has a picnic table and fire pit."
"Nothing at the exit -- you have to go 10 minutes or so down the highway for gas and groceries. Laundry was small, but just $1.25/$1.00 for wash and dry."
"It's a nice little Park was $40 a night full hookups nice Wi-Fi laundry showers I haven't seen what the showers look like yet but it's pretty spaced out I'll pull throughs I love that we're here for two"
"Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm."
"Lots of hiking paths available and major views of the Missouri River. Option to camp in the on site tepee."
"There are a lot more trails then show on the map so happy exploring. While you are right next to the river, can't really see it from most of the RV campsites."
from $25 - $135 / night
"Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites."
from $15 / night
"The downstream is a great thing place away from the noise. Stay during week and there is chance you have the place to yourself. Most spots are shaded but a few are out in the open."
"Off the main road there is the office with a dumping and filling station, showers that were very clean, flushable toilets and sites with electricity."
from $14 - $55 / night
"Only downside is the proximity to a small airport with a 24hr rotating beacon, rail line across the street, and road intersection with rumble strips."
GuideNice spot. Most sites have a ton of shade trees. Our site #102 was perfect for anyone who doesn’t need electrical hookups. Plenty of space and shade.
GuideThe campground is very well maintained with beautiful roomy sites. The facilities were very clean and well taken care of. It is very dog friendly and has a great walking path beside the river. We enjoyed seeing the Fort and Custer’s home there. We’d highly recommend it.
TravelerWe were there in early June and it was not crowded. Park was well-kept and everything was as advertised. You are a little ways outside of the town, though. The river(s) are right there and it’s a very nice walk. Lots of dogs with the various campers but they all seemed well-behaved. We used the dump station on our way out and headed east. Good stop for us in Mandan…
GuideClean, accommodating, well-marked, family-friendly and plenty of amenities! Our only complaint is that we didn’t stay long enough!
ScoutIt's a nice little Park was $40 a night full hookups nice Wi-Fi laundry showers I haven't seen what the showers look like yet but it's pretty spaced out I'll pull throughs I love that we're here for two days and I'd recommend it it's I believe 240 a month I mean a week and over 700 for a month but they're closing on November 1st so this is definitely nearing the end of their season and it was a self-check in cash or check only and the lady was very friendly everything works just fine it's clean
TravelerWe needed a site for a night in the middle of a trip. This was it. Typical KOA. Clean, close to major roads. Easy to find. Easy to book online. Most of the sites are pull throughs in trees. It appeared that big rig spots were mostly back in. The bathrooms, which we utilize frequently since we are in a 15 foot Aliner, were well lit, clean, and the showers were hot!
TravelerVery nice campground at a good price point.
RangerReally nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan& Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open. It’s right on the Heart river where it then meets the Missouri River. Good hiking trails from the campground, which is always a bonus. We would return.
LegendThis KOA campsite has all the amenities one would expect from a KOA. There are a fair amount of mature shade trees on the property. The staff is friendly the pool and the bathrooms are clean. We see the attached pictures and video for more detail.
North Dakota's Heart River joins the Missouri River at Mandan, creating a diverse landscape for glamping and camping experiences at elevations around 1,600-1,700 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F while winter camping can see temperatures well below freezing. Campgrounds near Mandan offer various levels of accessibility, from paved paths to more remote wilderness experiences.
Explore riverside trails: At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy extensive hiking options. "Great hiking, all sorts of trails for all kinds of exploring. Lots of helpful staff and historic attractions to admire and appreciate," notes Lance M. The park maintains well-groomed paths along the Missouri River.
Water activities: Canoeing and kayaking options provide unique perspectives of the landscape. "We rented a canoe and 2 kayaks and were transported to Washburn and floated/paddled our way to Sanger boat launch. (Approx 9 miles) It took us about 3 hours and it was so beautiful," shares Afton L. about their Cross Ranch experience.
Historical exploration: Visit reconstructed military sites and native villages. One visitor at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground shared, "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."
River access: Many campers appreciate sites with direct water views. At Cross Ranch State Park, a visitor recommends "staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn't hear anyone all night."
Varied accommodation options: Beyond standard campsites, unique sleeping arrangements attract visitors. At Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida), "Nice cabins are available to rent besides campsites," mentions Erica S., providing alternatives to traditional tent or RV camping.
Private camping experiences: Some sites offer more secluded glamping near Mandan, North Dakota. "The downstream is a great thing place away from the noise. Stay during week and there is chance you have the place to yourself," notes a Lake Tschida reviewer. "Most spots are shaded but a few are out in the open."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts facility availability and comfort. At Fort Abraham Lincoln, "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," shares Kristi D.
Site layouts and proximity: Campground designs vary significantly. At Glen Ullin Memorial Park, "Separate RV and tent areas. Very inexpensive. Tent area nice and flat and grassy- perfect," notes one reviewer, though they caution about noise from nearby transportation routes.
Reservation requirements: Some locations require planning ahead while others offer first-come options. At Prairie Breeze RV Park, a reviewer mentioned, "Reservations were taken care of with one call, but none are needed as they also offer 24 hour first-come, first-serve spots, too."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. At Bismarck KOA, "Nice looking amenities, including a small dog park and playground!" mentions Tori K., making it suitable for families with younger children.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning experiences. A Cross Ranch State Park visitor noted "ranger presentations" among the park's offerings, allowing children to connect with local history and natural environments.
Biking opportunities: Many parks offer safe cycling routes for various skill levels. Kyle O. mentions Fort Abraham Lincoln has "Lots of walking/bike trails, playground for kids and places to fish on the river," providing multiple activity options for different age groups.
Hookup configurations: RV sites have varying utility setups. At Prairie Breeze RV Park, a visitor explains, "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. No one on either side during our stay (with no slide outs), so had plenty of room."
Water availability: Water access varies by season and location. One Lake Tschida visitor warns, "Spigot is currently locked due to the water quality not testing at potable. Potable water is found at the main site but I would advise not to drink it as it well water."
Site drainage: Weather can impact site conditions. At Prairie Breeze RV Park, a camper noted, "#21 was underwater after an overnight rain. A pond of about 2-3 inches of water completely surrounded my rig. I looked around and I seemed to be the only one with that much water."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Mandan, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Mandan, ND is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Mandan, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near Mandan, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
