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Best Tent Camping near McLeod, ND

87 Reviews

The rural landscape surrounding McLeod, North Dakota offers several tent camping options within driving distance, with most sites concentrated in small county and city parks. Arthur Park, located about 50 miles northwest of McLeod, provides dedicated tent-only camping areas within a well-maintained community park setting. Closer options include Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park and Mooreton City Park, both offering basic tent campsites with minimal amenities. For those seeking more primitive tent camping experiences, Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite across the Minnesota border provides boat-in access for backcountry tent camping along the river.

Most tent campgrounds in the McLeod area feature basic amenities with varying levels of services. Arthur Park provides drinking water, toilet facilities, and picnic tables, making it suitable for family tent camping. Campers should note that reservations are required by calling the city office on weekdays. The park allows fires and welcomes pets, though firewood is not provided. In contrast, Brushvale Bridge offers truly primitive tent camping with no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water. The camping season generally runs from April to October, with most sites closing during North Dakota's harsh winter months.

Tent campers visiting Arthur Park appreciate its unique setting within a community green space. According to one visitor, the park features "a lovely sheltered grassy spot to set up tents" and access to water at the picnic shelter. The park's location adjacent to the Northern Cass Pass Bike Trail makes it particularly appealing for cyclists seeking tent-only camping as a base for weekend rides. While basic in amenities, the park's well-maintained grounds, community orchard, and proximity to recreational facilities create a pleasant environment for tent camping. Groups particularly benefit from this setting, with reviewers noting it works well for scout troops or family gatherings seeking walk-in tent sites with some conveniences but without RV traffic or hookups.

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Best Tent Sites Near McLeod, North Dakota (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near McLeod, ND

1 Photos of 4 McLeod Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near McLeod, ND

87 Reviews of 4 McLeod Campgrounds

  • N
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Quiet and scenic

    National forest campground. First come first served only with no attendant. There’s on manual pump well and two vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring and most had nice level places to park. 3 miles of gravel road to the campground but the road was smooth and in good condition.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Nice experience by the Sheyenne River and Grasslands

    This is a year round multi-use state park along the forest-lined Sheyenne River and near the Sheyenne National Grasslands. There are miles of trails through all kinds of habititats from forest to prairie to riparian shores and the water trail. In winter there is great cross country skiing and snowshoeing and summer of course has camping, canoeing, hiking, and nature watching. This seems to be a big park for horse campers and they are well set up for that with corrals and designated horse campgrounds. There is a standard campground for car camping, campers and RVs with the usual amenities, then there is the so-called "primitive" campground which is for tents only, either in drive in tent campsites, or at walk-in tent sites that are very spacious and right on the river! Very nice. The "primitive" tent area has quiet rules including no use of generators, so we like that. The tent area did not have its own water source though, so you do have to walk across the river bridge to the main campground to get water. Also, while there were no problems about flooding on our trip, the sites are in a lowland area adjacent to the river floodplain so could be a concern at times of heavy rain. Other options, should you want to go for historic lodging or "glamping", there is the option to reserve a covered wagon or pioneer cabin to stay in, or a fully equipped really amazingly cool yurt with a loft that could host a large family or group. If you like hiking or canoeing or horseback riding or nature exploring, there are alot of good options here for the summer camper. Things are quieter right now as there as fewer campers due to  covid, they are also a little short staffed and the grounds look a tad bit rough around the edges and in need of a bit of maintanence. Also, the park was established on the grounds on an old fort which seems to have had some historic controversy, and the main park entrance sign was burned in a recent protest event so be aware of that when you are trying to find the park. And, while staying at the park, visit the exhibits in the visitor's center to learn more about the history of the area and the old fort so you can put all this into respectful context.

  • Katie L.
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Hankinson Hills Campground

    Beautiful stay in the grasslands

    Well maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade. Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two. Can hear trains running by every so often. Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes.

  • Dan C.
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Fort Ransom State Park Campground

    Hiking trails and river for canoeing/kayaking/fishing

    Stayed at a site in the open field near to the road.  (last site available) only down side was that you got to feel the ND winds (10-30mph+) all the time.....   Next time will stay on the other side of the river at their "primitive" campsites.  those sites are all in the trees and secluded.  Also has walk-in tent sites.  Plenty of local hiking trails right from the campsite.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2024

    Hankinson Hills Campground

    Great place to overnight

    There are gorgeous sites well spaced and lots of shade. Trails to bike ride around. No motorized vehicles allowed so it's quiet. Road in was good gravel. Picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. $10 / night. Great find.

  • Glenda D.
    Apr. 9, 2021

    Wagner Park

    Nice area but privacy is limited

    This park has a lot of camping spaces but privacy within the campground is limited. It’s located right off I94 just outside of Barnesville. Across the highway is a softball field and play area that overlooks Whiskey Creek. The Whiskey Creek area provides a very pretty view with a low waterfall and small walking bridge. Many of the RV sites in the campground have full hookups and there is a line of sites on the north side that are tent-only sites. This would be a great spot to have a family reunion if you have a family of campers!

  • Always C.
    May. 27, 2021

    Hankinson City Park

    Small town park

    4 grass spots with 30 amp electric picnic table and trash cans. Dump station at the pay box but no water. Found a business that let us fill our tanks. Bathroom across from the sites. Quiet park very nicely kept. Laundry mat across the street. Would stay here again.

  • Jo Outdoors The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Clausen Springs Park Campground

    Scenic Campground with Unique Sites, Privacy, Lake and Hiking Trails

    This rec area/campground is honestly a hidden gem (not trying to be cliché!) The area is very scenic and well kept, with a stream running throughout that feeds into a multi-use lake, unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and peace of the Midwest prairie/plains. If you choose to, it's easy to have enjoyable personal time and also not feel uneasy or isolated in your experience if you choose to adventure solo.

    This campground is family friendly and also still very suitable for those solo stays. The campsites exist within many settings: wooded areas, more community-type settings, open prairies, and secluded nooks far away from the center of everything. Some of these sites are massive and some are quaint and tucked into the trees, down a wooded path. There have usually been multiple sites available when I've camped there towards the end of the week. 

    Clausen Springs Campground is managed by the NDGF Department and Barnes County Park Board/Wildlife Federation; it is within the Clausen Springs Rec Area/Wildlife Management Area (545 acres.) This campground is about 20 miles out of Valley City, 17 miles off of I-94 and just a few miles off of ND HWY 1. (Very easy to locate, not a ton of gravel and not too far from a rural gas station/convenience store.)

    The hiking trails are my favorite; they are well-maintained and interconnect with the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT.) The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boat access for electric motored boats or kayaks/canoes. There is also a playground for the kids.

    The RVs or TTs have access to electric hookups and dumpsites. We all have have access to rural drinking water, shower houses/bathrooms (very well-kept IMO,) picnic tables, and fire rings. Also present are a ball diamond and horseshoe pit. (There is also a historic aspect to this area and there are some pieces of interpretative information available.)

    You are allowed an RV or Camper plus a tent ( or solely two tents) per site (max 8 people) $20/night for electric sites, $15/night for primitive. Also important to note that  sites 1-12, and 55 are reserve-able, all the rest are first come, first serve. There are 21 electrical sites and 57 primitive. 

     (I also realize I posted mainly photos of many of the sizeable, more open/exposed campsites; there are so many that are completely shaded and tucked into the trees as well! I will try to get photos in the future)

  • L
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Jorgen's Hollow Campground

    Grasslands camping

    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.

Guide to McLeod

Tent camping options around McLeod, North Dakota are concentrated in small parks within a 50-mile radius. The terrain in this region features prairie landscape with agricultural fields and sparse tree coverage, creating open camping environments with limited natural shade. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature fluctuations requiring adaptable gear.

What to do

River activities at Brushvale: Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite provides direct access to the Red River for paddling and fishing. According to a camper: "This campground is really for the folks on the Red River. There is virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground."

Cycling excursions from Arthur: Arthur Park serves as an excellent base for cyclists looking to explore the Northern Cass Pass Bike Trail. The trail extends north to Hunter, ND and connects multiple small towns, making Arthur Park ideal for weekend cycling trips.

Educational orchard visits: The community orchard in Arthur features educational opportunities with various fruit trees and plants. One visitor notes the park contains "a very unique educational community orchard that features a whole variety of different grapes, berries, apples, and more."

What campers like

Community park integration: Arthur Park offers tent camping within a broader community space. A camper describes it as "a city park which has a section where tenting is allowed," noting that it's "beautifully kept, lovely grounds, nice playground and ballfields nearby, picnic shelter, pretty gardens."

Budget-friendly options: Most primitive tent sites in the McLeod area are either free or low-cost. Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite offers free camping with minimal facilities, making it suitable for experienced campers with appropriate gear.

Group camping potential: The layout at Arthur Park accommodates larger groups effectively. A reviewer mentioned: "This would be a nice place for a scout troup or youth group to have an overnight, or for a family reunion to set up."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most campgrounds near McLeod offer minimal amenities. At Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite, a visitor reports: "No spots, no services. Just a place to park and in between two fairly busy roads."

Reservation requirements: For Arthur Park, advance planning is necessary. A camper advises: "You need to call the city office on a weekday to make reservations."

Campground accessibility: Some listed campgrounds may have limited maintenance or unclear access. Regarding Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park, a visitor warns: "When you suggest an edit, it doesn't leave any place to explain so figured I would do A. Review to provide some information. There are technically 2 campgrounds in windmere...but neither seem to actually be at least R.V camping."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park is located across from the local school with access to the football field, potentially providing recreational space for children despite limited formal camping facilities.

Multi-activity parks: Arthur Park provides diverse amenities beyond camping. A visitor explains it includes "bathrooms available, and a lovely sheltered grassy spot to set up tents, and a place to grill and get water at the picnic shelter."

Water availability planning: Most tent sites have limited or no potable water. Families should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day, particularly for sites like Brushvale Bridge where no facilities exist.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Mooreton City Park and similar small community parks in the area typically cannot accommodate larger RVs. These parks are generally suited only for tent camping or possibly small vans.

Location verification: Always call ahead to confirm camping status. One RVer noted about Wyndemere: "I'll put up some pictures to help explain, but I wouldn't stay in either place...there's no entrance or anything for an R.V. So I don't think either are actually open."

Limited hookups: None of the tent campgrounds near McLeod offer electric, water, or sewer connections. RVers requiring hookups should look to larger established campgrounds in Fargo or other regional cities approximately 70-90 miles away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near McLeod, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near McLeod, ND is Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near McLeod, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near McLeod, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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