Best Tent Camping near McLeod, ND

Recent Tent Reviews near McLeod, North Dakota

82 Reviews of 4 McLeod Campgrounds

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  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.

• R

  Robert D.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 26, 2022

  Clausen Springs Park Campground

  Pristine campground

  Nice place, well kept & only $15 for a tent site. Hot showers too.

• 

  Dan C.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Susan M.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 17, 2020

  Lindenwood Campground

  It’s like sleeping under a highway.

  Lindenwood is a pretty park but you are right off of 94 and the bridge that crosses the Red River from Minnesota to North Dakota. All we heard were cars and trucks all night long. Hardly slept. But it is a nice park to visit during the day.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 25, 2024

  Kidder Recreation Area

  It is small and designed for tent campers

  There's a short row of camp spots in the sun for campers. Seems like a good portion of it is full of people who are here all the time. The rest of the campers are in the back of their truck, which i'm not opposed to, but they're in pretty tough shape and very old. I will say this is one of the least safe places. I have felt in North Dakota.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 21, 2024

  Brewer Lake Rec Area

  Very nice county campground

  This is a well maintained well cared for well laid out county campground. A number of sites kind of exposed to the sun but hookups and bathrooms available. Tiny Lake for fishing and a beach for swimming. And good for North Dakota there's a large tree claim th at helps keep the wind off of you. I barely have Verizon service so if I was going to try to work I would probably have to use my satellite system but other than that it's adorable I wish it had more hiking.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 26, 2023

  Dead Colt Creek Rec Area

  It is a very pretty campground

  The lake is very pretty. The swimming area is very nice. They have full bathrooms with showers. A number of different camp sites to be at. Campsites are a little close but I think they're trying to save nicer spots for tents.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 31, 2020

  Arthur Park

  simple tenting in town park

  This camp ground is not so much a campground as it is a city park which has a section where tenting is allowed. There are bathrooms available, and a lovely sheltered  grassy spot to set up tents, and a place to grill and get water  at the picnic shelter, but in terms of other camping amenities there really arent any, so in similar conditions I might give a 3-star rating. However,  I am giving this camping spot a 4-star rating simply because it is located within a really sweet little town park that is beautifully kept, lovely grounds, nice playground and ballfields nearby, picnic shelter, pretty gardens and a very unique educational community  orchard that features a whole variety of different grapes, berries, apples, and more. (see link here: http://www.arthurnd.us/orchard/

  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. There are no RV sites or anything like hookups or anything like that, just tenting. You need to call the city office on a weekday to make reservations.

   It is also located by the trailhead of the North Cass Pass Bike Trail which goes north to Hunter, ND see link here:  https://www.traillink.com/trail/northern-cass-pass/  so this might be a good place to camp if you want to do a weekend bike trip.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 12, 2024

  Silver Lake Rec Area

  Mostly perm campers

  But they are very nice and friendly and I ended up with the best spot ever as it is right on the water and under the only few trees available. There is actually 3 campgrounds and they surround the lake. Some of the nicest tent spots I've seen. Small Frisbee golf course and not much formal hiking but you can boat on this lake and lots of fishing from the shore. Poor cell service but lots of open sky and the sat service is killing it today.

• 

  Lynn G.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 1, 2017

  Fort Ransom State Park Campground

  Time travel to the pioneer days

  Very green park with alot of history, including a preserved farm about early white settlers. We met some people who were staying here with their horses - how fun! Wide open green spaces, lovely. We didn’t explore much of the park unfortunately. We really wished we had rented a canoe or kayak (from the park) but it was a holiday weekend so they were all gone by the time we sauntered out of the tent near noon.

  Yay: basic cafe, easy canoeing, nature center, educational, easy hikes.

  Nay: campsites are not private or shady, only a few are next to the water.

  Surprise: the camp staff were especially great with lots of stories to entertain the preschooler and grandma!

• 

  Glenda D.

  Ranger

  

  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!

• 

  Jo Outdoors

  Ranger

  

  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)

• 

  Jeff B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 15, 2019

  Lindenwood Campground

  Urban camping

  Camped here due to my son having a swim meet in Fargo and we were going to tack on camping in Glacier National Park after this. So decided to camp in Fargo. This camp is in a public park next to the river. The park is big and appears to be well utilized by the public. We stayed in the B loop which is by the river. The A loop is basically a parking lot next to the bath house, and it seems like there was very little room between campers/ really packed them in there- would suffice for a night passing through. The B loop sites were also small with little room between neighbors and nothing in between sites, no trees. On the weekend there were people cutting through our site to fish the river which made us a bit nervous since we had our two kids with us and also worried about theft. There was significant noise from the nearby interstate (trucks, cars, and frequent sirens from police) and bright lights shining which made it hard for us to sleep.

  The bathrooms and showers were adequate and fairly clean. Saw the occasional local homeless person come utilize the facility which also made us nervous. Nothing ever happened but could be safety issue with children.

  There was rental bikes and canoes which was fun for the kids, as well as fishing- only caught one catfish but was fun anyway. There was firewood for sale and snacks available for purchase if needed.

  Cost was a bit steep at $30 - we use a tent. Most people were in campers. Each site had water and electric though which was convenient. Not high in our list to return to but met our needs and we had a good time overall.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 24, 2018

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  A remote camp with trails right there

  .Built 3 years ago, Jorgen’s Hollow is a new campground that is in the Sheyenne Grasslands. Half the sites are for people with horses and half are for those without. During my 2 night stay, most sites were empty. If it fills up, there is a campground just down the roads a piece. 

  Sites are very different. Choose one in the shade or sun. Some have more space than others. There is a central hand pump for water. Vault restrooms are at each end. The North Country Trail goes right through camp. Hike (or ride your horse) it into the grasslands or the other way to join more trails. 

  There is no fee to camp here until the fall of 2018. We couldn’t pass up 2 free nights in a quiet and remote setting. Getting up early and out onto the trail in the cool morning let us relax as the day warmed up. A midnight walk let all the stars strut their stuff.

  Thrre are horses and riders who camp here so be aware they added some noises to keep my dog interested. You might consider bringing your own water - the water from the pump has particulates in it. This is also a “pack it in, pack it out place” for now. Bring your trash out with you.

  This place is a beautiful find!

• 

  Andy H.

  Scout

  

  May. 20, 2020

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Nice little little campground

  Nice clean campground and hiking trails are taken care of. The sunsets are beautiful

• 

  Rachel O.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2020

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Campground Perfect for an NCT Section Hike

  Lots of campsites here and not many of them being used this Memorial Day weekend (thank you, COVID-19). This allowed for a pretty distanced visit and relatively quiet experience in the middle of the country. If it was full, it could have been loud. Horses are also welcome here, so there are some horse noises that may be startling if not expected (clanking metal, etc). Great stargazing. Clean water and vault toilets. Great access to the NCT. Great signage. Well kept. I enjoyed my stay here.

• R

  Riding with S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 21, 2020

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Clean, quiet, inexpensive

  Camped one night in late August 2020. Paid$10. Clean, quiet campground with picnic table& iron fire ring/grill at each site. Partial shade. Friendly campers. Hand pump well water. Easy trail, but didn’t see much wildlife. Lots of flies. I would stay here again. See my video review on YouTube. Riding with Stymie

• N

  Nick

  Traveler

  

  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.

• D

  Dillon M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 4, 2021

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  All quiet, on the tall grass prairie

  Not sure what it’s like on weekends, but arrived on a Tuesday in August; I was the second camper to arrive. First come, first serve. Very minimalist and lovely. Potable water is available, and hiking trails are nearby. Like I said in the title, all quiet, and wonderful looking over the tall grass prairie. Abundant flowers and butterflies. Even a couple prairie chickens. What a wonderful night. Not the greatest campground ever, but in my book, really a 4.5 rather than a 4 star

• L

  Layne W.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• D

  Don C.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 3, 2022

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Relaxing

  Arrived after dark picked a site and in the morning was happily surprised to find it had some trees surrounding it. In the evening the best part was listening to the trees in the breeze. it's pretty well dispersed camping with bushes for the most part separating the sites. the toilets are clean. There's a nice four Mile easy trail that comes out of the campsite area. I visited on weekday they're only five campers when I showed up and by the time I left there were zero campers.

• k

  kurt L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 21, 2022

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Quick getaway

  Only 50 miles from Fargo. Place all to myself on a Sunday night. Clean nice toilets and nice camping spots.

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 1, 2023

  Jorgen's Hollow Campground

  Great campsite

  Nice and relatively private spots with lots of hiking nearby. Definitely headed back again

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 11, 2024

  Milnor City Park

  Small but functional

  We might be back to this campground, assuming we don't have cell service where we're going. Calling a campground is a stretch. It's a few parking spots near a small park right inside the town. They're cute. They're nice summer in the shade. And I think milner's a pretty town.

• 

  Greg D.

  Scout

  

  May. 25, 2024

  Sandager Park

  Nice city park.

  Parked in a shaded spot. Very quiet and well kept. Used Roverpass.com to reserve the spot. Very pleased

• 

  Teresa T.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Sandager Park

  Very nice park

  Stayed for a few days and thought it was nice. There are two sections and one offers full services and the other just electric service but better shade. The park is well used by the community as there were softball games nightly and the pool was full.

• 

  Brendon K.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 19, 2020

  Hankinson Hills Campground

  Quiet, almost

  Showed up on a Thursday night, and I am the sole camper in the entire place. Nicely set up, and seems well cared for. Only problem: there are cows everywhere. You go though cow pastures to get to the campground and they are just sitting at the fence line mooing. Hopefully they shut up soon so I can get some sleep.