Dispersed camping options throughout Sheyenne National Grassland offer self-sufficient campers multiple overnight locations near McLeod, North Dakota. The grassland encompasses approximately 70,000 acres of native prairie and oak forest habitats, with elevations ranging from 1,060 to 1,250 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85°F with cool nights dropping to the 50s, while spring and fall camping seasons bring variable conditions.
What to do
North Country Trail hiking: The NCT crosses directly through the Sheyenne Grasslands with multiple access points. At Hankinson Hills Campground, "There is a hiking trail that circles this small grassland about 5 or 6 miles long," notes one visitor. This segment connects to the broader trail system.
Prairie wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife spotting times across the grasslands. At NCT Colfax Campground, a simple trailside site, visitors report sightings throughout the seasons: "This is a very simple campsite with the picnic table. A bitch, a fire ring and a toilet. It is mostly for people hiking."
Mirror Lake visit: Located 5 miles from the NCT trailhead, this destination makes for a rewarding day trip. "Returned here just for a hike not to camp this time, we love it so much! Only saw 1 other group on the trail, did 5 miles out to Mirror pond, enjoyed lunch there and did the 5 miles back."
What campers like
Solitude and dark skies: The remote nature of campsites near McLeod creates excellent stargazing conditions. At Jorgen's Hollow Campground, "Great stargazing. Clean water and vault toilets. Great access to the NCT. Great signage. Well kept. I enjoyed my stay here."
Oak groves: The mix of grassland and wooded areas creates varied camping environments. One camper at Sheyenne National Grassland shared: "We dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail. It is a quiet and safe, we parked at the trail head."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite the remote location, campgrounds receive regular maintenance. At Jorgen's Hollow Campground, "Decent primitive campground in the Sheyenne grasslands. Decent vault toilets and water pump. NCT access there. Lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk. Sheyenne river nearby."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Some roads and trails can be confusing without proper maps. A visitor advises: "So you're gonna wanna look up a map about this area. Don't just park where the marker is that is not open land that is private. The Dyrt site/app map helped zoom in and find the roads."
Livestock presence: Cattle graze throughout much of the grasslands. "We dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail... There are cows around the prairie which leads to cattle gates along the trail, just a quick flip up of the gate and you are on your way!"
Insects can be intense: Prepare for seasonal bugs, especially in warmer months. At Hankinson Hills Campground, one camper noted: "Well maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade... Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes."
Tips for camping with families
Shorter trail segments: For families with children, choose accessible sections of trails. At Jorgen's Hollow, "3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition," making it approachable for most vehicles with children.
City parks as alternatives: When weather turns challenging, nearby towns offer established camping. Milnor City Park provides "a few parking spots near a small park right inside the town. They're cute. They're nice summer in the shade."
Swimming options: During summer months, look for designated swimming areas. At Dead Colt Creek Rec Area, "The lake is very pretty. The swimming area is very nice. They have full bathrooms with showers."
Tips from RVers
Clearance considerations: While many roads are passable, some require higher clearance vehicles. One RVer notes: "It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler. Just for your info i was also traveling east to west. Definitely a pleasant adventure out here in North Dakota."
Established RV options: For those needing hookups, several campgrounds around McLeod offer RV facilities. At Sandager Park, "Stayed for a few days and thought it was nice. There are two sections, and both now offer water and electricity at the site and a noce bathroom with a shower and dump ststion."
Weather preparedness: North Dakota's open prairie can experience sudden weather changes. "We set up our tent as soon as we got into the boundaries as a thunder and lightening storm began," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of monitoring forecasts.
