Camping areas near Minot, North Dakota sit at approximately 1,600 feet elevation in the Souris River Valley. The region experiences cold winters with average lows around 0°F and warm summers with highs in the 80s. Several RV parks remain open year-round, though water systems at many campgrounds shut down during winter months, limiting full hookup availability from approximately November through April.
What to do
Hiking and outdoor recreation: Old Settlers Park features a disc golf course and river access. "It has a little pavilion, a playground, 'beach', a couple cute bridges, a big grassy field for stargazing or throwing the ball around, a disc golf course, and of course you're right on the river which is cool. Swimming is allowed at your own risk," notes Stefanie Z. about Old Settlers Park.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Sakakawea offers excellent fishing conditions with marina access. "There is a marina with a fish cleaning station and a store," explains Pam K. about Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground. The park also features multiple swimming beaches and boat rentals.
Local attractions: Visit the North Dakota fish hatchery near Garrison Dam. "National fish hatchery nearby, along with the Garrison dam. Breath taking views from the Elbowwoods loop!" shares Jacey B. about Lake Sakakawea State Park. For wine enthusiasts, Old Settlers Park offers nearby options: "There's a decent North Dakota style winery (sweet fruit wines) a couple miles down the road with a lovely view and even some hikes."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite seasonal limitations. "The bathroom and showers and the laundry room were absolutely spotlessly clean and roomy," reports James and Susan K. about Swenson Valley View RV Park. Similarly, at Old Settlers Park: "I have to mention the bathrooms are replenished and cleaned daily and fully stocked with CHARMIN ULTRA toilet paper which is an absolute luxury at a simple campground."
Spacious sites: RV campgrounds in Minot, North Dakota offer varying site dimensions. "All sites are large. Tent sites are nicest as they are away from road. Tent sites are in separate area from rv sites," explains mary F. about Old Settlers Park. For those seeking riverside camping, "Primitive campsites are very spacious and most having sections of shade during the entire day," according to Patti E. at Lake Sakakawea.
Year-round options: Several RV parks remain operational through winter. "I think there were eight or nine spaces with four that were pull through," notes Lisa M. about Surrey RV Park. For tent campers, Roughrider RV Resort provides affordable non-electric options even in colder months: "It is the nicest campsite we have been to in a while, $15/night for primitive tent camping and pets allowed on leashes."
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Water systems shut down at most parks during colder months. "We stayed here for one night in October. They had already turned off the water for the winter so there was only electric available," explains Lisa M. about Surrey RV Park. Similarly at Lake Sakakawea: "We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning."
Noise considerations: Train tracks and highways create ambient noise at several campgrounds. "Reason I didn't give it five stars is because there was quite a bit of road traffic and train noise," reports Lisa M. about Surrey RV Park. At Old Settlers Park, "there are heavily trafficked train tracks a couple hundred yards away from the campground so if you are a light sleeper or are bothered by trains this might not be the place for you."
Site leveling issues: Concrete pads at many RV parks require adjustment equipment. "Sites are concrete pads, but far from level. Site 1's water is not working, so we had to piggyback off site 2 with our own splitter," shares Chris L. about Minot AFB FamCamp. Swenson Valley View offers "FHU and septic. The short term sites were 60' and more."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "There is a fun playground for the kids and an amazing hiking trail around the entire state park," recommends Ashley B. about Fort Stevenson State Park Campground. The park also offers "multiple swimming beaches on property, playgrounds, an ice cream and general store, and boat rentals available."
Educational opportunities: Explore local historical sites with school-age children. "While you're there check out Fort Stevenson and read the history of the area," suggests Ashley B. The park offers "a very well kept campground with clean bathrooms and showers, well maintained tent, camper, and RV sites, and excellent mountain biking and hiking trails."
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for shorter trails suitable for families. "There are few great hikes that are kid friendly. There is a swimming beach (quite rocky, but large)," notes Emily R. about Fort Stevenson State Park. For families with varied ages, "Great hiking trail around the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail," that provides options for different ability levels.
Tips from RVers
Long-term vs. short-term areas: Some RV parks have designated sections for different stay durations. "The front section feels like a true campground with the exception of the sites are a little close and the rear corner is set up like a gravel rv parking lot and priced accordingly," explains George K. about Roughrider RV Resort. "For long term expect to pay rent plus electricity along with a $100 deposit."
Navigating tight spaces: RV sites at some parks require careful maneuvering. "Not your typical KOA with a pool and big playground. Which I was looking for anyways while working here in the Minot area," notes George K. about Swenson Valley View RV Park. "Over 100 sites, but almost half are taken by the RV dealership because they own the park."
Hook-up access: RV campgrounds in Minot often share utility connections between sites. "In the row we were in, you are definitely stacked in there and you are door to door with another rig," explains MickandKarla W. about Roughrider RV Resort. For better spacing, "try to avoid row 90-96 as they are very tight, you share utilities, and you are door to door with your neighbor."
