Dispersed camping opportunities span throughout Sheyenne National Grassland near McLeod, North Dakota. The grassland encompasses approximately 70,000 acres of prairie ecosystem at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperatures vary dramatically, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows plunging below 0°F, creating different camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hike to Mirror Lake: The North Country Trail offers a 10-mile round-trip hike to Mirror Lake from some trailheads. "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. Great activity for a sunny but chilly April Sunday!" according to a visitor at Sheyenne National Grassland.
Explore oak valleys: Several secluded camping spots can be found in oak-filled valleys that provide shade and habitat diversity. One camper noted, "I am doing the dispersed camping right in the oak valley next to the 1212. I have to say a little paradise can be found here," after visiting Sheyenne National Grassland.
Wildlife observation: Prairie wildlife includes deer, small mammals, birds, and coyotes. "Heard some coyotes late at night," shared one camper about their overnight experience.
What campers like
Varied terrain: The grassland features a mix of open prairie and wooded areas unlike typical camping destinations. A visitor to NCT Colfax Campground described it as "a very simple campsite with the picnic table. A bitch, a fire ring and a toilet. It is mostly for people hiking the north country trail but guessing anybody that wanted to walk in and use it could."
Minimal crowds: Even during peak season, the grassland remains relatively uncrowded. "Only saw 1 other group on the trail," reported one hiker who returned specifically for day hiking.
Free camping options: Dispersed camping throughout the grassland provides no-cost alternatives to established campgrounds. "Overall, lovely and cost effective option for a hike and camp," according to one visitor camping along the North Country Trail.
What you should know
Vehicle clearance requirements: Forest service roads may require vehicles with adequate ground clearance, especially after rain. One visitor to Sheyenne National Grassland advised, "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."
Map resources: Detailed maps help locate appropriate camping areas and navigable roads. "The Dyrt site/app map helped zoom in and find the roads. Also this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/maps-guides. If it is during the week, you can stop by the Ranger office and probably pick up a map," recommended a camper.
Livestock presence: Cattle roam freely throughout the grassland. "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! I recommend selecting an area where the cows are not currently in," advised one North Country Trail hiker.
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes: Multiple trail segments offer family-friendly distances. "We also hiked a trail and saw so many different plants," mentioned a family who camped in the grassland.
Plant identification: The grassland provides opportunities for children to learn about prairie ecosystems. One camper at Sheyenne National Grassland noted, "We went camping in the Grasslands with my family last fall, we enjoyed it so much, we went back for a second time the following weekend."
Overnight options: Families can choose between established campgrounds and dispersed camping. "Oldest son and I hiked into the east side of the Sheyenne Grasslands on the NCT. We had parked at the Ekre trailhead, deciding to hike past the Ekre campsite," shared one parent about their family camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation: Large RVs should exercise caution on forest service roads. One RV camper at Sheyenne National Grassland reported, "Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination. It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler."
Direction recommendations: Some routes are more accessible when traveled in specific directions. The same RVer noted, "Just for your info i was also traveling east to west" when sharing their experience navigating the forest service roads with a large rig.
Established facilities: RVers seeking more amenities can use designated campgrounds within the grassland. "There we refilled our water, used the vault toilets and continued on our way on the NCT across the grasslands," mentioned a visitor describing facilities at Jorgens Hallow campground.
