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Best Campgrounds near Bismarck, ND

137 Reviews

Several parks around Bismarck, North Dakota have good camping options within a short drive of the city. Cross Ranch State Park Campground has trails along the Missouri River where you can hike during the day and return to camp at night. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground puts you close to historical sites including General Custer's house and old military barracks that you can walk to from your campsite. Summer brings warm weather that's good for swimming and boating, while winter camping requires serious cold-weather gear as temperatures drop well below freezing. The roads to most camping areas stay in good shape except after heavy rain or snow. Bears aren't common, but raccoons and other small animals will get into your coolers if you leave them out. Families often pick the Bismarck KOA for its swimming pool and dog park when they want more amenities. Sweet Briar Lake has bigger campsites with more space between neighbors. Both tent and RV campers can find spots that work for them at most local campgrounds. Picking up all trash and minimizing your impact helps keep these camping areas in good shape for everyone.

Map showing campgrounds near Bismarck, North DakotaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Sweet Briar Lake Campsites

Sweet Briar Lake Campsites

21 min away

Mitchell Lake

Mitchell Lake

44 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Bismarck, North Dakota (44)

    1. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-6340

    $15 - $85 / night

    "Planning a hike to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota motivated me to learn more about the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of the U.S. national parks."

    "Close to Mandan and Bismarck (State Capitol)"

    2. General Sibley Park

    14 Reviews
    Bismarck, SD
    5 miles
    Website

    "Close to Bismarck and all it has to offer."

    "This campground is super close to Bismarck but far enough south of town to feel like you are in the middle of the woods. The sites are all spacious and all have small to large areas of grass."

    3. Bismarck KOA

    14 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 222-2662

    "However, this could easily be a destination park if you want to stay in the area and check out Bismarck. The campground (CG) is about a mile off I-94 and easy to find."

    "Near by restaurants ( not in close walking distance but on the same main road that the campground is on."

    4. Hillcrest Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 255-4334

    "It’s fully shaded and near a field for the dog to play in. He walked all the way to the site just to show us how to back our teardrop in to the tent spot - it fit perfectly!"

    "We are traveling cross country, and needed a place to stop in Bismarck, there was only on review on this app so far, but it was a good one, so we went ahead and called."

    5. Graner Park

    4 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $10 - $20 / night

    "They have a water fill station and the playground is located in the middle of the loop so it's easily accessible to every site on the north loop."

    "Has electric and primitive both priced decent has nice tree coverage and is next to the river and has some spot where you can go in the river at"

    6. Harmon Lake Rec Area

    6 Reviews
    Mandan, ND
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $10 - $20 / night

    7. Kimball Bottom

    2 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 255-0015

    8. A Prairie Breeze RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Bismarck, ND
    11 miles
    +1 (701) 224-8215

    "It's about 15 minutes to Bismarck, so a good place for restocking. Nothing at the exit -- you have to go 10 minutes or so down the highway for gas and groceries."

    9. Eagles Park Campground

    1 Review
    Mandan, ND
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 222-6455

    $12 / night

    "This is an interesting tiny campground run by the city of Bismarck. In a a Friday in July, we are one of four campers here. There a few 50 amp sites and several posts with 20 amp."

    10. Sweet Briar Lake

    15 Reviews
    Center, ND
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 667-3363

    $25 - $100 / night

    "We’re traveling thru North Dakota to Montana & just needed a place to rest overnight. The very few campgrounds around were all full & it was looking like we were staying at Walmart."

    "Gorgeous lake/reservoir, fish were jumping all night. Drove in with our 34' bus and had no issue finding a nice level spot with a fire ring and picnic table. Good seperation between spots."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bismarck, ND

21 Photos of 44 Bismarck Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bismarck, ND

137 Reviews of 44 Bismarck Campgrounds

  • Tiffany L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Mckenzie Slough State Game Management Area

    Nice quiet stop

    It’s a pretty flat square parking lot that does the trick for a quick stop to rest. It’s about 2 miles off the highway and about a mile down gravel road. It was quiet and no one was there but I imagine it may get busier during hunting season as hunting is allowed there. Bigger rigs may have a harder time parking there

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    Really nice campground!

    Really nice campground. A bit out of town from Mandan& Bismark. Nice spot. Lots of historical stuff on the fort. Campground has lots of trees but also feels breezy and open. It’s right on the Heart river where it then meets the Missouri River. Good hiking trails from the campground, which is always a bonus. We would return.

  • L
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sakakawea Park

    Beautiful campground near Knife River Historic Site

    We visited the Knife River Historic Site and had planned to drive the 25 miles north to the COE campground. We stopped here on a whim to check it out. It is in a very nice setting. The sites are huge and the bathrooms are clean and nice. The dump station is actually in town near the bank. Very quiet and can’t be beat for $20 water and electric.

  • Tabitha S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Nineteen26 Campground and Lodge

    Great overnight stop on our way out West!

    This was a great find and a perfect late-night stop on our way out West! This property has been renovated to restore a 1920’s “tourist camp” into a charming “Magnolia vibe” little campground and motel. The motel has been completely renovated (what we could see from the outside) and the site has a camp store, playground, firewood, bathroom (only one though) and probably close to 12 RV sites with water and electric. Sites were a bit close to one another but that didn’t bother us. Only downside is there are trains coming through a block away several times during the night and the whistle did wake us up twice. Overall, we loved our stay and would stay here again!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Sweet Briar Lake Campsites

    Quiet, pleasant and convenient

    This was a nice surprise right off 94! There are a bunch of sites, not super great signage so I wasn't sure I was in the right place at first, but just follow the map. It was dark so I just drove down a few roads before I found a whole unoccupied area with a picnic table, fire pit, lovely shade and totally quiet and dark (a bit of freeway noise from 94 not far away was all). Safe for the dog to run around, nice paths to go for my own run in the morning. This is a gem if you're looking for a sweet place to stop on a road trip in this area.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Bismarck KOA

    A small KOA campsite with shade trees. This KOA campsite has all the amenities one would expect from a koa. There are shaped

    This KOA campsite has all the amenities one would expect from a KOA. There are a fair amount of mature shade trees on the property. The staff is friendly the pool and the bathrooms are clean. We see the attached pictures and video for more detail.

  • Callie D.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    McClusky City Park

    $20 per night Floods and no grey water disposal!

    This place is a joke. It’s difficult to find if you’re not from the area. There whole park floods at night throughout the rainy seasons so don’t plan on tent camping here or all your stuff will get ruined. There is no place to dump grey water. There are no public restrooms. And, did I mention it’s $20 per night? The local store has outrageous prices and everything is spoiled already for some reason so it goes bad within a couple of days even though the expiration dates are still weeks or a month out. This is outrageous! I definitely recommend that you keep looking. Don’t waste time or money in this town. They clearly don’t want anyone here because they aren’t even trying to do better.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Mitchell Lake

    One night stay over

    Lots of room, grills, dumpster and cleanest porta potty I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t have asked for a better over night. Little far from 94. Also, town has a gas station. About 2 miles from site.

    Was here on a Monday night and no one else was here but the neighbor cows.

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Nelson Lake

    free camping along lake

    Take the road past the boat ramp and you will come across several grassy areas with a garbage can and sometimes a fire ring.

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

Where are the best campgrounds near Bismarck, ND?

Bismarck offers several excellent camping options nearby. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground is a clean, well-maintained campground with tent areas and multiple camper pads. Located in the heart of the historic fort, it offers ranger programs and historic sites like Block houses and General Custer's home. General Sibley Park is another top choice, featuring spacious sites with grassy areas, a disc golf course, playground, and amphitheater. It's close enough to Bismarck for convenience but feels secluded. Other notable options include Eagles Park Campground (a small city-run campground), Hillcrest Acres Campground (under new ownership with improved amenities), and Cross Ranch State Park for those seeking a more natural setting.

Is free camping available near Bismarck, North Dakota?

Yes, free camping is available near Bismarck! Sweet Briar Lake is a surprisingly high-quality free campground located just outside the city. Despite being free, it offers impressive amenities and is perfect for overnight stays when traveling through the area. The lake provides a beautiful setting without any camping fees. Primitive Campground also offers free camping opportunities with basic facilities. For budget-conscious campers who don't mind paying a minimal fee, General Sibley Park offers non-electric sites for only $12, making it nearly free. When using free sites, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, as these areas often have limited maintenance. Most free camping spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early during peak season.

Can I go winter camping near Bismarck, ND?

Winter camping is possible near Bismarck, but options are limited as many campgrounds close for the season. Cross Ranch State Park Campground offers year-round camping with heated yurts that provide a comfortable winter camping experience. The park maintains some winter trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Harmon Lake Rec Area also permits winter camping with primitive sites available. Be prepared for extreme cold temperatures in North Dakota winters (often well below zero), bring appropriate cold-weather gear, and check ahead for road closures. Most campgrounds with water systems shut down pipes during winter months, so you'll need to bring your own water supply. Always call ahead to confirm winter availability and current conditions.

What RV camping options are available along the river near Bismarck?

Several RV-friendly campgrounds line the Missouri River near Bismarck. A Prairie Breeze RV Park offers well-maintained full hookup sites about 15 minutes from downtown. The sites share utility poles in the middle, which may create tight fits for larger RVs with slideouts. Kimball Bottom provides riverside camping with big-rig friendly sites and basic amenities including toilets. Other river options include Graner Park, which offers RV sites with river access, and Eagles Park Campground, which features some 50-amp sites plus 20-amp connections in a grassy field area. Most riverfront campgrounds provide easy water access for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities while still being convenient to Bismarck's amenities.

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