Looking for the best options for tent camping near Minot? Finding a place to camp in North Dakota with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Minot campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Buffalo Lodge Lake is a county park with picnic shelters, picnic tables, camping area and fishing pier. Also located at the park is a historical marker depicting the travels of early trader Francois-Antoine Larocque who passed through this area in 1805.
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
Ranger
We spent two nights here as one of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake. We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind. Spaces were nicely spread apart. We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning. Space was pretty level. Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont. 
Ranger
We stayed here for one night in October. They had already turned off the water for the winter so there was only electric available. I think there was eight or nine spaces with four that were pull through. There also looked to be a dump station, but we didn’t use it. Nice hiking trail behind the local cemetery. Reason I didn’t give it five stars is because there was quite a bit of road traffic and train noise. We paid $25 for the night and you can either leave cash or a check in the dropbox or I believe you can also go to the City Hall during the week.
Legend
We followed our GPS to the campground (CG). There were no signs for this CG off of US-2/US-52 at the turn. Check-in was quick and we proceeded to a very tight pull through site 95 with FHUs. What we were initially concerned about was threading our truck and 5th wheel through two trees that make this a pull through. Other reviewers had labeled this site a“back out.” We also saw that to dump our rear black tank we would need more than 25’ of sewer hose and, unfortunately, we needed to dump for this overnighter. We couldn’t maneuver the rig to get our black tank connectors more in the center. If we pulled up any further we wouldn't have been able to get our bedroom slide out because of the two trees. We went back up to the office and expressed our concerns and asked for another site. One of the office workers got rude with us and said the only other site available was 93. We made an attempt to get into this site but there was a sewer system obstacle that presented an issue getting into the site along with how far forward the rig right next to us was parked. Back at the office, we said we'd just take our original site and make it work. The worker let us know her co-worker told us to pull in the wrong way and we could clear the sewer obstacle. We weren't comfortable trying to make the tight turn with the way the other rig was parked in the next site. The other person at the office also said they have a dump station where we could dump. As we had reserved a FHU site, we were not happy with this option. We went ahead and pulled back into site 95 and set up. When we hooked up water we found that the water hose 2-way splitter we shared with the site next to us would not open all the way. Not wanting to deal with the office anymore, we filled our freshwater tank and used our water pump. We got 3 bars on Verizon. This CG has a lot of site options from crammed together to nicely spaced with good yards. There are also tent sites. Along with the different site configurations, there are full timers, transient workers, seasonal, and short stay. In the row we were in, you are definitely stacked in there and you are door to door with another rig. If you decide to stay here try to avoid row 90-96 as they are very tight, you share utilities, and you are door to door with your neighbor. Needless to say, we will not be back.
Scout
We were on site 35 and it was not fit for a camper. Very Hilly and goose droppings everywhere. Will not camp there again with our camper. We ended up leaving it unleveled while camping.
Scout
There is a small convenience store and bar, basketball courts, boat ramp, fishing docks, and walking paths. Animals welcome on leash
ScoutBest part is it’s free, there isn’t much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not.
Traveler
After advice from friends, we decided to test this place out since it is near Minot. We stayed Sunday through Tuesday, which was very peaceful for a small campground. I couldn't imagine this place on an actual weekend since there are no "reserved" camper spots, you can pull up and park anywhere.
I was forewarned about the toilets, there are 2 and only get dumped twice a year (beginning & end), good thing we have a camper. LOL!
I wanted to go swim but there was so much algae in the water after you wade out that I'd be afraid to get caught in them. Plus, the baby crawdads clinging to my legs made me think twice about going any deeper than my knees.
ScoutWe had a magical stay in our tent. The place is well kept and tucked away with beautiful sites next to the river.
Scout
All sites are along the lake. There are dumpsters, a boat ramp, picnic tables, two pit toilets and fire pits. The middle section of the campground has three tall flood lights that light up the middle section. The two ends are fairly dark. There was no traffic at night. We had the place to ourselves in October.
RangerThis is our first visit here, North Dakota does a great job with their state parks campgrounds. Our 3rd SP visited on this trip ( Lake Metigoshe & Sully Creek were the others).
Huge, well spaced campsites. Pretty much in immaculate condition. The park was busy, hardly any vacant spots but still very quiet. Plenty of folks had their boats, & plenty of room to park them. Very scenic area.
We've been to plenty of state parks across the USA. Looks like North Dakota might have the best ones.
Legend
I love county and city parks. They are always such a great value. This one does not disappoint. Nice electric and water hookups (no sanitation services). Sites are all large. Tent sites are nicest as they are away from road. Tent sites are in separate area from rv sites. Expect road and rail noise at both.
TravelerGravel
Ranger
Oddly enough, this place is not bad at all for a short overnight visit or if just want to visit The Magic City for a few days.
We stayed 1 overnight.
There are a bunch of sites, but understand, the dealership does use many for parking their RV inventory.
We did not have a reservation so I can’t say if we had had a reservation, how many sites would be offered. As our visit was on a Sunday, Labor Day weekend arrival, there were 3 back-in sites available in the short term area - all sites in the Park are $50/night with FHU and septic. The short term sites were 60’ and more. For us there were only 1 site with 30/50 amp and 2 with 30amp that were still available.
The bathroom and showers and the laundry room were absolutely spotlessly clean and roomy.
Guide
Great spot to stop and sleep for the night. Only open bathroom is a port-o-potty, however, they are well maintained. There are water spigots around outside, and multiple RV electric hook ups ($20 a day).
Traveler
Came here driving back to Arizona from Wisconsin. This campground has some of the best views of the lake. Some tree cover and the price is right it's a small camping area but we'll looked after. Most all the sites are level with well mowed grass to park on. Most of the sites at picnic tables.
GuideI will definitely be returning here on my next trip through the area. The only issue that I had was the noise from the construction across the river.
Scout
Its nice, secluded from the wind for the most part. Boat ramp is nice. Its the closest to hwy52 but you need to take gravel to get there.
GuideExtremely affordable sites, with water and electric. Dump available. Only 6 sites total. Sites are concrete pads, but far from level. Site 1’s water is not working, so we had to piggyback off or site 2 with our own splitter.
The park is relatively quite, but is used some early mornings for Unit PT and during the day for other unit and small group activities.
TravelerCampground is nice with pads, electric and water hookups. The campground is close to the park. No showers, but I recommend going to the base gym. Close to the BX and Commissary. Very quite area.
TravelerThe lake is small just northern pike. There is few campsites that are free. No water or electric hookups. For a weekend getaway close to Minot this may be the spot. There are some homes around the lake.
Traveler
No hiking paths. Water is filthy- no swimming (dogs or other). Nowhere to take the dogs for shaded walks or off leash play. Lots of cockleburs everywhere.
There are several playgrounds if you have small kids (we don’t). There is a bar, if you are a drinker (we aren’t). There are kayaks if you don’t mind the slimy water (we do).
I think this place is more for hanging out with friends and glamping and drinking. We are campers, so it’s just not for us.
GuideWe arrived to a most perfect little spot and view of the water. We were fortunate in the regard of having no neighbors, but the faces we did meet including nearby campers in other lots, the camp host, and maintenance person were wonderful! We had an excellent an experience in this little piece of paradise.
GuideA large lake dropped into the canyon formations of the northern grasslands area of the country. Here the farm lands transition into more pocketed hills and canyons and here you’ll find this beautiful, clean and kept campsite off the main highways. Quiet and wind swept, cool and tranquil; it’s a nice Chang rod pace from the scenes of the highways.
RangerJust as an update. Very nice campground some sites have shade different times of day. No problem getting our 37 ft 5er in the park. Oh do not turn in the first park gate! Go on passed it to the faded sign and turn left to the park. Water spigot just past the white building. 30/50 service.
ScoutGreat view right by the water. Nice and quiet. The outhouse toilets we're not the best. There were an insane amount of flies there. You get attacked by a hoard of flies by just opening in the door.
TravelerI really enjoyed my stay at this campground. I had a large tent and brought my dog. I chose to stay with electricity and water since I had my pup. I had a very clear view of the water and the place was very clean. The sites were spaced out well enough where my neighbors weren't too close to me and I hardly heard any of them throughout the day or night. I stay for 4 days and had a wonderful experience. Highly recommend.
ScoutI love this campground, it was like a breath of fresh air after getting lost in northeast north dakota and not seeing a soul for hours and sleeping on the side of the highway, driving up to Roughrider was like seeing an oasis in the desert. It is the nicest campsite we have been to in a while, $15/ night for primitive tent camping and pets allowed on leashes. The showers got hot INSTANTLY. We were welcomed so warmly after freezing in the car all night. 1000/10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Minot, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Minot, ND is Rice Lake County Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Minot, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Minot, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
