Tent camping near Towner, North Dakota centers around several rural lakes and forested areas in the north-central region. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,400-1,600 feet above sea level, creating moderate summer temperatures that typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season. The area receives approximately 17 inches of annual rainfall, with most precipitation occurring between May and September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Buffalo Lodge Lake offers accessible fishing with a convenient shoreline for casting. According to a camper, "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 about going any deeper than my knees."
Trail exploration: Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground provides extensive trail access for hikers and equestrians alike. One visitor noted, "16 miles of trails one which goes to Strawberry Lake Campground. AMAZING trails. Non-potable water, toilets and campfire rings. Little to no cell reception (We had 1 bar)."
Scenic viewpoints: The Turtle Mountain region offers several elevated vantage points for photography and wildlife observation. Located near Pelican Sandy Recreation Area, these spots provide panoramic views of the prairie landscape with minimal light pollution for stargazing. A visitor mentioned, "We did one of the trails and there were more. Inexpensive."
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: The best tent camping near Towner, North Dakota often means having minimal neighbors during non-peak times. One camper at Buffalo Lodge Lake shared, "We stayed Sunday through Tuesday, which was very peaceful for a small campground. I couldn't imagine this place on an actual weekend since there are no 'reserved' camper spots, you can pull up and park anywhere."
Clean facilities: Despite basic amenities, some campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Pelican Sandy Recreation Area, a visitor reported, "Clean vault toilet. No water. Fishing pier. On the lake and pretty."
Genuine solitude: Many tent sites around Towner provide truly quiet camping experiences even on holiday weekends. A camper at Pelican Sandy noted, "Very well maintained site. Rustic and quiet. I was there over memorial day weekend and there were two campers and no traffic. Definitely a vibe I like."
What you should know
Limited water access: Most tent camping areas near Towner have restricted drinking water facilities. Campers should pack sufficient water for their stay, especially at sites like Firemans Memorial Park which has drinking water but limited additional water amenities.
Seasonal water conditions: Water quality in area lakes varies significantly throughout the season. At Buffalo Lodge Lake, algae blooms can affect swimming during warmer months.
Facility maintenance schedules: Toilet facilities at some campgrounds have infrequent maintenance. A Buffalo Lodge Lake visitor cautioned, "I was forewarned about the toilets, there are 2 and only get dumped twice a year (beginning & end), good thing we have a camper."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water recreation alternatives: When lake algae levels are high, consider bringing inflatable pools or water toys that don't require lake entry. These provide cooling options when swimming conditions aren't ideal.
Select sites with shade: During summer months when temperatures can exceed 85°F, prioritize camping sites with tree cover. At Twisted Oaks Equestrian Campground, "Spots are okay next to trees but not really shaded," so arriving early to secure better locations is recommended.
Plan for limited connectivity: Most tent camping sites near Towner have minimal cell reception. At Twisted Oaks, visitors report "Little to no cell reception" with typically just one bar of service. Download offline maps and entertainment before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Self-contained setups recommended: For RV camping near Towner, bring fully self-contained systems. At most sites like Buffalo Lodge Lake, facilities are minimal with one camper noting, "good thing we have a camper" when discussing limited toilet maintenance.
Uneven parking surfaces: Be prepared for natural, ungraded parking areas that may not accommodate larger rigs. Leveling blocks are essential for comfortable camping throughout the region.
Weekday arrival advantages: For optimal site selection, one Buffalo Lodge Lake visitor recommended Sunday through Tuesday stays, noting significantly fewer campers compared to weekends when no-reservation policies can mean limited availability.
