Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed offers free horse camping near Towner, North Dakota for equestrians seeking primitive accommodations. Located approximately 17 miles from Towner, this U.S. Forest Service property has unpaved roads accessible for horse trailers during dry conditions. Riders can explore numerous trails through diverse tree species while planning for self-sufficiency with no onsite facilities.
What to do
Trail riding through experimental forest: The network of trails at Denbigh Experimental Forest provides unique riding opportunities through various tree species planted for forestry research. A visitor noted, "Seeing all the different kinds of trees planted in close range was very compelling" with "beautifully maintained trails and a small network of unpaved roads" for exploration on horseback (Emily S., Denbigh Experimental Forest Dispersed).
Water recreation: Equestrians camping at Lake Metigoshe State Park can alternate riding days with water activities. The park offers "fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding" with equipment rentals available just outside the park boundaries. One camper mentioned, "A great place for getting in or on the water. Swimming next to campsites, boat launch site even closer" (Lake Metigoshe State Park Campground).
Wildlife viewing: The Buffalo Lake area provides excellent opportunities for spotting native wildlife while riding. Located within a national wildlife refuge, the area offers "hiking around this area as its in a national wildlife refuge" making it ideal for equestrians interested in birdwatching between trail rides (Duane V., Buffalo Lake Sportsmen).
What campers like
Solitude and space: Horse campers appreciate the lack of crowds at Denbigh. One camper stated, "Best part is it's free, there isn't much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed" making it suitable for those traveling with horses and dogs (macy S.).
Water access for horses: At Lake Metigoshe, riders enjoy easy lake access. A camper mentioned, "The camp is clean. It is very family oriented... the interpretive trail and a nice area to view the lake was right next to my campsite. If you had your own kayak you could definitely drop in from here" making it convenient for watering horses after rides (Jennie S.).
Well-maintained facilities: Buffalo Lake offers basic amenities with "Several formal campsites with tables and fire rings with many dispersed camping sites as well. Several pit toilets available" along with "a boat launch and two docks" that can be used for watering horses (Duane V.).
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Tick season affects horse camping comfort at Denbigh. One visitor warned, "If ticks bother you (in this amount of ticks would bother anyone) I do not recommend coming to this spot. I am not sure when tick season ends but if you are going to go go in when the ticks are dead" (Emily S.).
Accessibility issues: Trail conditions vary throughout the season. A visitor to Denbigh reported, "Overgrown with dense two foot tall grass, could not find a place to park or even turn my little car around" which would make horse trailer access difficult during peak growth periods (Jenny P.).
Varying campsite terrain: At Lake Metigoshe, be prepared for uneven ground. A camper observed, "Campsites were nice & taken care of! Some sites were elevated or lowered with a few stairs; kinda cool!" which requires consideration when parking horse trailers (Ason S.).
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Lake Metigoshe offers interpretive programs ideal for children learning about horses and nature. A visitor noted, "The park service personnel were exceptionally happy, informative and kind. 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" (Jennie S.).
Kid-friendly amenities: Facilities cater to families with "Nice playground between loops" and "Activities set up for families/kids each weekend" making it suitable for equestrian families needing entertainment between rides (Ason S.).
Safety concerns: Be aware of natural hazards when bringing children. A camper at Lake Metigoshe warned, "There is poison ivy here. There was some on my campsite and some on the interpretive trail" requiring vigilance with young riders (Jennie S.).
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Horse camping with living quarters trailers works best at established campgrounds. Lake Metigoshe provides "Full hookups, clean sites and facilities" that accommodate larger rigs common among equestrians (J S.).
Generator restrictions: Plan battery capacity accordingly as some campgrounds restrict generator use. One camper at Lake Metigoshe mentioned, "We were in a tent campground and a camper came and parked and ran a generator for hours" indicating potential conflicts with other campers when using generators (Jackie R.).
