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Best North Dakota Campgrounds and Camping Areas

1,180 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

North Dakota offers diverse camping options ranging from established campgrounds in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to dispersed sites in the grasslands. Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground within the national park provide tent and RV sites without hookups, while private campgrounds like Red Trail and Medora Campground offer full-service amenities with electricity, water, and sewer connections. The state park system maintains several mixed-use campgrounds including Fort Abraham Lincoln, Lake Metigoshe, and Turtle River, which feature both primitive tent sites and developed RV areas with hookups. Most state parks also offer cabin rentals for those seeking shelter from North Dakota's variable weather conditions. Camping in North Dakota provides unique opportunities to experience both the rugged badlands and serene prairie landscapes throughout the state.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences across the state, with most campgrounds operating from May through September. "We camped here for four days on Memorial weekend. The sights are level and easy to park," noted one visitor about their experience at a North Dakota campground. Winter camping is available at select locations including Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Lake Metigoshe State Park, though services may be limited during colder months. Summer reservations are recommended for popular destinations, especially at Theodore Roosevelt National Park campgrounds, which can fill quickly during peak season. Many campgrounds provide potable water and vault toilets, though shower facilities are primarily available at developed state park and private campgrounds rather than federal recreation areas.

Campers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere found at many North Dakota camping areas. Several reviewers specifically mentioned the quiet setting and natural beauty as standout features of their camping experiences. The eastern portion of the state offers more wooded campgrounds near lakes and rivers, while the western badlands region provides dramatic landscape views with less shade coverage. Campgrounds near Medora serve as popular base camps for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, though they tend to be busier during summer months. Rural city parks throughout the state offer affordable overnight options with basic amenities, often charging minimal fees between $10-25 per night for electric hookups. These municipal campgrounds typically provide convenient access to small-town services while maintaining a quiet environment away from highway and rail noise that affects some locations.

Best Camping Sites in North Dakota (386)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    73 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $20 - $60 / night

    "I visited this campground for 1 night while driving across North Dakota. It's super easy to access from I-94, but you feel like you're a million miles away from the interstate."

    "Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."

    2. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    66 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "It was easy to come from Medora, North Dakota to the site, but it appears that you only get an entrance and exit on the Medora side."

    "The road in was fairly flat, and basically right off the highway. You can have the option of lots of privacy as well. Most of the sites are quite a distance away from each other."

    3. Medora Campground

    46 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "There's a picnic table, but it was very hot outside without shade. There's a great creek within walking distance that you can cool off in and let the dogs run around."

    "Great location right outside the park. Utilities all worked well. Beautiful walk down to the Little Missouri River."

    4. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    33 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $30 / night

    "Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean. The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife."

    "We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located."

    5. Rough Rider State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND

    $15 - $30 / night

    "It was right next to an equestrian area, so some horses being trained and whinnying just next door."

    "We had total privacy, a fire pit that you could see the bluff from, trees all around, and the only thing you heard were horses from the horse camp area."

    6. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-6340

    $15 - $70 / night

    "We were right next to comfort station which was well maintained. Kid Park was new and close to our site. There was lots of bike and walking trails."

    "The rangers regularly patrol the CG and there’s firewood plus ice for sale near the camp host site. There are plenty of trails to explore either by walking or biking."

    7. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    24 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $20 / night

    "General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway)."

    "Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"

    8. Lindenwood Campground

    23 Reviews
    Fargo, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 232-3987

    $30 / night

    "North dakota. It is right on the Red River, which flows North. It is the only major river to flow into canada and out through the hudson bay. It's a very nice campground. The pavement is pretty pock."

    "Lindenwood Park is a very nice campground with an abundance of shelters, children’s play areas, and walking/hiking trails."

    9. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bottineau, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 263-4651

    $15 - $150 / night

    "This State Park is in North Dakota near the Canadian border. With a very large body of water that has many amenities from fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding."

    "This campground tucked away in the turtle mountains next to Lake Metigoshie is definitely worth the visit! The campground is located in a state park so rules do apply."

    10. Turtle River State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Larimore, ND
    Website
    +1 (701) 594-4445

    $15 - $125 / night

    "looking to get away from the flat land of North Dakota? This park is where to be. Lots of great trails with some awesome views."

    "Campground was set up a little funny but not hard to locate site once driving around about 3 minutes. Pretty wooded area in hell hole North Dakota."

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Recent Reviews in North Dakota

1180 Reviews of 386 North Dakota Campgrounds

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 7, 2026

    Danzig Dam 10 miles northwest of New Salem, ND.

    Nice free little camping/fishing spot near I-94 exit 127 west of Mandan, ND

    This is a nice little campground with 3 or 4  camp sites and a large parking lot where bigger rigs can set up. There are other fairly level spots also available but there are no fire rings or picnic tables like the regular sites have. The regular sites are fairly small but some are pull thru so there is room for decent sized rigs. Those camp sites are shaded by trees. There are trash barrels near the camp sites and there is one vault toilet. There is a nice boat ramp with a large level parking lot for boat trailers or campers. The lake has decent walleye, northern pike, perch and bullhead fishing but it is shallow and gets pretty weedy near shore during the summer. There are some short easy hiking trails around the lake but check for ticks when you get back to your camp site. Morton County Park Board maintains the campground and keeps things mowed pretty nice however the toilet was in need of cleaning which is why I only gave it 4 stars. The county campgrounds are no fee except for 2 very popular spots nearer to Mandan and camp sites are first come first served with no time limit that I'm aware of. The 2 times I have camped there it was very quiet but it does often fill up on summer weekends because it is so small. The campground is on a good gravel road about 4 miles north of interstate 94 exit 127 and about 10 miles from the town of New Salem which has 2 truck stops that have food and some of the cheapest fuel prices between Mandan and Dickinson.

  • dThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 6, 2026

    Chahinkapa Park

    Quick stop for the night

    This was good spot for the night, we could see animals from our spot. It was quiet, only one other RV here. They do have cute camper cabins . They have water, bathrooms and shower. Quick walk up the road was a golf course with restaurant. We would stay again

  • aThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 3, 2026

    Willowood City

    Little mayville

    Open spots , first come first serve, big shower and bathroom to use . Beautiful garden to lounge in . Park across the street .

  • Stacey C.
    Aug. 3, 2026

    Boots Campground

    Awful experience

    Absolutely disgusted by our entire experience at this campground- BEWARE!! We rented one of the cabins for$700 for 2 nights- only to arrive to filth, grime and a dead mouse stuck to the kitchen floor- obviously had not been cleaned in AWHILE. We made multiple attempts to contact the host with zero response and then slept in our camper because the bedding was questionable at best. Do not stay here under any circumstances.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 3, 2026

    Lake Tschida Downstream

    Shady and private

    There are nice shady spots and nice spots for group camping. However, there is no water or showers. Right on the river though!

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 2, 2026

    Fort Buford State Historic Site

    Very basic free campground next to the Fort Buford Historic Site.

    Free camping at a state historic site. Campers who check in at the Confluence Visitor Center can access sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and trash cans. Sites are shaded or open, and the campground rarely fills up. Cell service is available. Nearby, Confluence Access provides another option along the same stretch of river. History is the main draw here, with Fort Buford and Fort Union both within reach, making this a good fit for history-focused travelers passing through western North Dakota. It was pouring rain the first night I arrived so I spent the night in the Confluence Visitor Center parking lot. I spent 2 more nights in the campground and only 2 other campers showed up while I was there. There is plenty of room for any size camper. I attended the Fort Union Frontier Days Rendezvous at the fort a few miles away which was very interesting.

  • DThe Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 31, 2026

    Jamestown ND Dam

    Free camp

    There was a road down to the lake but it was raining and the road look muddy so I parked at the trailhead. There are two trail heads. One has a picnic table. The office has a restroom and the entrance was not locked at night. Very quiet. It’s a few miles off the freeway and you have to want to get there. I liked it.

  • RThe Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 30, 2026

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Bison Everywhere

    I didn’t want to leave. I still miss waking up to see a bison or two in the morning light. Be sure to use a flashlight at night or you might smack directly into one. Not a good idea! We had site 69, which had afternoon shade. It is near the restroom which had running water and a dishwashing sink.

  • LThe Dyrt Pro User
    Jul. 30, 2026

    Icelandic State Park Campground

    Great ND State Park

    Once again this state park is very nice. On a lake with a beach and swimming area, large play areas and walking trails. Has a large dog park that both my dogs enjoyed. Very clean with easy access in and out of spots (we have a 35' 5th wheel). 

    Will be back.

Guide to North Dakota

Camping in North Dakota offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to Do

  • Explore Nature: North Dakota is home to beautiful parks like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground, where you can hike and enjoy the diverse landscapes. One visitor said, “Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper mentioned, “There is good off-shore fishing as well as a swim beach with a bathroom.”
  • Historical Sites: Visit historical sites like Fort Stevenson State Park, where one reviewer noted, “While there were very few tent sites available, we had our choice of sites as we were the only tent campers.”

What Campers Like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, “The bathrooms were great, the trails around the lake were great and the food at the marina was OK.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Cross Ranch State Park Campground said, “The spots, well they were close but situated in a way that you weren’t sitting staring at your neighbor.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of park staff. A review from General Sibley Park noted, “The park staff was super friendly, bathrooms were the cleanest I have seen.”

What You Should Know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. One camper shared, “Mosquitos were bad when we were here surprisingly. I was getting bit every second.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sweet Briar Lake, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, “There are not many bathrooms (pit toilets).”
  • Reservation Recommendations: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to book in advance. A camper at Bismarck KOA said, “The campground was packed since it was a Saturday and it was incredibly quiet at night.”

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Harmon Lake Rec Area said, “Great playground that the kids loved! The swimming beach was awesome.”
  • Group Camping: Consider group sites for family gatherings. A visitor at Fort Stevenson State Park mentioned, “They have spots for group camping that you can have 2-3 RVs on or private single camp spots.”
  • Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and activities to keep kids entertained. One camper noted, “The campsites are spacious. There are few great hikes that are kid-friendly.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lake Sakakawea State Park mentioned, “We drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot.”
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups for convenience. One camper at Bismarck KOA said, “Good stop with full hookups.”
  • Quiet Locations: Choose campgrounds that are a bit off the main roads for a peaceful stay. A visitor at COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground noted, “Mostly quiet and peaceful.”

Camping in North Dakota can be a memorable experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in North Dakota for summer visits?

North Dakota offers excellent summer camping options that showcase the state's diverse landscapes. Turtle River State Park Campground is a top choice for those looking to escape North Dakota's flat terrain, offering wooded sites and excellent hiking trails. For stunning prairie views, Sully Creek State Park near Medora provides a scenic base for exploring the badlands. Summer is the ideal time to visit these parks when facilities are fully operational and trails are accessible. Most North Dakota state parks offer amenities like clean restrooms, picnic areas, and recreational opportunities. For the best experience, make reservations well in advance as popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months.

Where can I find lakeside camping in North Dakota?

North Dakota boasts several outstanding lakeside camping destinations. Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground near the Canadian border offers extensive water recreation including fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with equipment rentals available just outside the park. Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground features huge, well-spaced campsites with breathtaking views and proximity to the Garrison Dam and National Fish Hatchery. For a smaller lake experience, Beaver Lake State Park Campground (also known as Red Lake) offers modern camping loops, group sites, tent camping, and cabins with numerous hiking trails. Most lakeside campgrounds in North Dakota provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities with varying levels of amenities.

Are there private campgrounds in North Dakota with full hookups?

Yes, North Dakota offers several private campgrounds with full hookups for RVers seeking more amenities. Roughrider RV Resort provides full hookup sites with modern facilities for a comfortable stay. Medora Campground offers reservable sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, making it convenient for larger RVs and extended stays. Most private campgrounds in North Dakota with full hookups typically include 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections, along with amenities like WiFi, laundry facilities, and shower houses. Prices generally range from $30-$50 per night depending on the season and location. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months when tourism peaks in popular areas like Medora and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park region.

What river camping options are available in North Dakota?

North Dakota offers several river camping destinations that provide scenic views and water recreation opportunities. Sheyenne National Grassland features beautiful riverside campsites with trails and knowledgeable rangers who can help with navigation. This area is suitable for larger rigs, though some caution is needed on certain trails. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground near Mandan offers boat-in access along with drive-in sites, making it perfect for paddlers exploring the Missouri River. Most river campgrounds in North Dakota provide basic amenities like vault toilets and drinking water, though facilities vary by location. For those seeking a more primitive experience, dispersed camping is available in some areas, but always check local regulations before setting up camp.

Keep Exploring

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