Best Campgrounds near Bismarck, ND

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Bismarck. Bismarck is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bismarck camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Bismarck, North Dakota (44)

    1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    103 Photos
    119 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    Located on the grassy plains near the confluence of the Missouri and Heart rivers, Fort Abraham Lincoln is North Dakota’s oldest state park. Established in 1907 to commemorate a 1700s US Army outpost, the park offers a look at America’s early years, as well as even longer ago when the Mandan peoples called this area home. The park is located about 7 miles south of the town of Mandan, and about 200 miles east of Fargo. In addition to its historical significance, the park is also noted for its diverse, high prairie landscape and exceptional views. More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are available for summer and winter roaming among the park’s prairies, woods, and shrublands.

    Abraham Lincoln State Park offers more than 100 tent and RV campsites, in addition to camping cabins and Cheyenne tipis. Most sites are open and grassy, and equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and fire pits; pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Amenities in the campground include both flush and vault toilets, showers, water faucets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, Wifi service, and a dump station. There are also corrals available for horse campers. Additional park features include a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, and an outdoor amphitheater. Dogs must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round; sites are $17–$25/night; tipis are $35/night, and cabins $60/night; reservations accepted.

    There are plenty of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, but the main attractions are the park’s historical area and Mandan village. The historical area has replicas of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s home, as well as a barracks building, stables and blockhouses. Tours are available during summer months. The Mandan On-a-Slant Village—named so for the sloping ground it rests on—features several “Earthlodges” constructed in similar fashion to those used by the native peoples for homes and meeting places. A trolley runs through the park with stops at both historic locations, in addition to going to the nearby town of Mandan.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $85 / night

    2. General Sibley Park

    14 Reviews
    42 Photos
    56 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    This recreation area is part of Lake Oahe

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market

    3. Bismarck KOA

    12 Reviews
    29 Photos
    15 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    4. Sweet Briar Lake

    15 Reviews
    32 Photos
    69 Saves
    Center, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $100 / night

    5. Hillcrest Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    20 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    6. Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    7 Photos
    11 Saves
    Mandan, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $10 - $20 / night

    7. Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    34 Photos
    56 Saves
    Hensler, North Dakota

    If you’ve ever wondered what North Dakota may have been like at the time of the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition, look no further than this 590-acre park, just an hour’s drive north of Bismark. Cross Ranch State Park is a natural area featuring rolling prairies, cottonwood glens, and marshy river bottoms, situated along some of the last free-flowing, undeveloped shoreline of the Missouri River. Visitors to Cross Ranch have plenty of opportunities to lounge under shady trees and picnic along the river, wander some of the many paths and nature trails, both in the park and the adjacent Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, or take to the river for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

    Cross Ranch State Park offers 65 tent and RV sites in two camp areas. RV sites are either back-in or pull-through, provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate large vehicles/trailers; tent sites are either drive-in or walk-in. The park also offers several group sites, yurts and fully-equipped cabins, as well as a Cheyenne-style tipi. Campground facilities include flush and vault toilets, showers, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A dump station is located in the upper camp area, and a boat launch in the lower camp area. Wifi service is available. Dogs are welcome in the park, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $17–$25/night; tipi, yurts and cabins are $35–$125/night.

    Visitors to Cross Ranch are invited to explore the area by land and water. More than 16 miles of hiking and biking trails, both in the park and the adjacent preserve, are available for exploring the area’s woods, prairies, and riverbanks, as well as observing the local birds and wildlife. You can pick up a trail map at the park’s visitor center and head out on self-guided nature walks ranging from 2 to 5.5 miles. Some trails are also open for winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. For a different perspective, go for a float on the Missouri River. Rent a canoe or kayak (or bring your own) and paddle around the park area, or take a shuttle (fee required) to the town of Washburn, then float 9 miles down the river, back to the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    8. Graner Park

    4 Reviews
    15 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota

    Graner Park features 75 electrical camping sites, primitive camping, 3 children's playgrounds, and direct access to the Missouri River. Experience the great outdoors with the amenities of picnic shelters, paved access, toilets, and portable water available on site.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $20 / night

    9. A Prairie Breeze RV Park

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    3 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    10. Kimball Bottom

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    4 Saves
    Bismarck, North Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
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Recent Reviews near Bismarck, ND

116 Reviews of 44 Bismarck Campgrounds



Guide to Bismarck

Camping near Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring History: Check out the trails at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We walked the on a slant village, the forts overlooking the Missouri river and of course General Custer's house and the barracks."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Cross Ranch State Park Campground, you can enjoy clean water access for swimming and fishing. A reviewer noted, "Clean water access to the river for swimming, dogs, fishing."
  • Relaxing by the Lake: Sweet Briar Lake is perfect for a quiet day by the water. One camper mentioned, "The lake and the wildlife it was just relaxing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Sweet Briar Lake. One review highlighted, "Loved how spaced the sites are."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. A visitor at General Sibley Park noted, "The park staff was super friendly."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. A camper at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Harmon Lake Rec Area, have fewer amenities. A review mentioned, "It was basically a parking lot, but did have some green space."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Graner Park said, "Oh boy does this site fill up fast."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Hillcrest Acres Campground has a small playground that keeps kids entertained.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A family at Cross Ranch State Park Campground enjoyed renting canoes and kayaking.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family along. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "This is one of the nicer KOAs we’ve stayed in, with a very nice tent area."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Make sure to verify if the campground has electric and water hookups. A reviewer at A Prairie Breeze RV Park noted, "The FHU site worked for me."
  • Reservations: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Bismarck KOA mentioned, "Reservations were taken care of with one call."
  • Space for Big Rigs: If you're traveling with a large RV, check the layout of the campground. A camper at A Prairie Breeze RV Park said, "The sites are laid out so the poles are shared in the middle, which makes for a bit of a tight fit for big rigs."

Camping around Bismarck, ND, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Bismarck, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Bismarck, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 44 campgrounds and RV parks near Bismarck, ND and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Bismarck, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bismarck, ND is Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bismarck, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Bismarck, ND.

  • What parks are near Bismarck, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Bismarck, ND that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.