Best Campgrounds near Towner, ND

Campgrounds in the Towner area range from basic municipal parks to lakeside recreation areas. The region sits in the Drift Prairie of North Dakota at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F and winter lows can drop well below 0°F. Wind is a constant factor in this prairie landscape, particularly during seasonal transitions in spring and fall.

What to do

Water recreation at Buffalo Lodge Lake: The shoreline provides fishing access and boat launching for visitors. "Very nice campground on the lake. A few shade trees and covered pavilions. Water and electric available but not for RV hookups. Boat ramp and fishing pier," notes Roger B. about Buffalo Lake County Park.

Biking on forest trails: The Denbigh Experimental Forest offers maintained trails through diverse tree plantings. "I took a delightful bike ride with my dogs and we really enjoyed this location. Beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads," reports Emily S. about Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed.

Interpretive walks: Several parks offer educational trails highlighting local ecosystems. "I walked the full Old Oak interpretive trail and the pamphlet that you pick up on the way in to camp was nice to have," shares Jennie S. about her experience at Lake Metigoshe State Park.

What campers like

Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost sites in the region. "Best part is it's free, there isnt much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not," says macy S. about the Denbigh Experimental Forest.

Small town hospitality: Local parks often provide unexpected amenities and friendly welcomes. "I am loving the way these small towns make their parks available to camp in. Most people in town will stop and talk with you," writes Art S. about Granville City Park.

Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained bathrooms as a priority. "Full hookups, clean sites and facilities—nicest public showers we have ever seen!" reports J S. about their stay at Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground.

What you should know

Tick awareness: Certain times of year require extra precautions in wooded areas. "However, to say that we became infested with ticks is damn near an understatement. If ticks bother you (in this amount of ticks would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot," warns Emily S. about Denbigh Experimental Forest.

Variable site configurations: Some campgrounds have a mix of site types and spacing. "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.

Seasonal bathroom availability: Some facilities close during colder months. "We were a bit earlier this year. No electric or bathrooms available yet," notes Marilyn K. about Pierce County Fair Grounds.

Tips for camping with families

Recreational variety: Multiple activity options keep children engaged. "Activities set up for families/kids each weekend. Nice playground between loops too," mentions Ason S. about Lake Metigoshe State Park.

Swimming conditions: Lake conditions vary significantly between locations. "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," shares A M. about Buffalo Lodge Lake.

Snack options: Some parks offer convenient treats for kids. "There was even an Ice cream truck that rolled thru everyday for the kiddos!" mentions Brandi M. about Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground.

Tips from RVers

Space constraints: Some sites have challenging access for larger rigs. "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,'" notes MickandKarla W. about their experience at Roughrider RV Resort.

Utility configurations: Be prepared for shared hookups at some locations. "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," reports MickandKarla W. about their stay at Roughrider.

Seasonal options: Winter travelers should check ahead for available facilities. "The Haven Campground offers full hookups with a picnic table, fire ring and trash can at each site," writes Tia L. about The Haven Campground, one of the options providing reliable year-round amenities near Towner.