Best Tent Camping near Underwood, ND

Tent camping opportunities around Underwood, North Dakota include several established campgrounds within driving distance. Morning Star Campground near Riverdale offers tent sites with electric hookups and picnic tables, while Sweet Briar Lake Campsites provides more primitive accommodations. Lake Holmes and Steinke Bay also accommodate tent campers looking for alternatives near Lake Sakakawea.

Most tent sites in the Underwood region feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Sweet Briar Lake Campsites provides fire pits but lacks drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. Campers should pack in water supplies and be prepared for basic conditions. Morning Star Campground operates seasonally from May 1 to September 30, offering electric hookups but without water connections. Rice Lake County Park provides vault toilets and allows fires but requires boat access to reach the camping area. Limited cellular coverage exists at more remote locations.

The tent camping experience near Underwood offers quiet surroundings and lake access at several sites. A review mentioned that Sweet Briar Lake Campsites was "a nice surprise right off 94" with "lovely shade and totally quiet and dark" conditions, making it convenient for road-trippers seeking peaceful overnight stays. Fire rings at select campgrounds allow for traditional camping experiences when seasonal fire restrictions aren't in place. Douglas Creek Bay and other lakeside tent sites provide water views with minimal development. Tent campers particularly appreciate the simplicity of areas like Sweet Briar Lake, where according to feedback, campers can "pick your own spot, whatever is open" with free camping available. Most tent areas lack advanced reservations systems, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best Tent Sites Near Underwood, North Dakota (10)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Underwood, ND

147 Reviews of 10 Underwood Campgrounds


  • Daniel S.
    Oct. 14, 2017

    Butte City Park

    Wow was it cold...and snowy

    So we decided to do some camping in North Dakota the last week of november into decmeber. It was cold and we got caught in a snow storm. We survived it was ridiculous and hard core if i do say so myself. We did have a fishing tent with a wood stove..Because it was winter there were no amenities. But in the summer it would be a pretty sweet campground. But in the winter there was no one here and we got set up for the cold. I love camping in the winter but this was pushing our luck a little bit

    Cheers!

  • Cullen C.
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Primitive Campground

    Great place for a weekend getaway

    Stayed one night in one of the numerous walk-in primitive sites. I reserved the site online, and received great help and flexibility from the park rangers when I needed to change the reservation date due to poor weather. There are multiple drive-in tent sites along the road to the walk-in sites. There were a few people camped in the drive in sites, but we had the walk-in section all to ourselves. The camp hosts provided wagons in the parking area for easy transport of camping supplies. I highly recommend staying in a site along the river for a great water view right from your site. The tall cottonwood trees provide great seclusion, and we didn’t hear anyone all night. There is a pit toilet next to the parking area, but we opted to drive to the ranger station/help desk for running sinks and toilets. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Highly recommend staying here!

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 8, 2018

    Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground

    Beautiful park - fantastic place to explore with children

    What a great park for families! That was my first thought. It just looks like a great place for kids to play. There's a playground, wide open spaces, easy trails, a river, and remnants of the fort and an Indian village. There's a paved bike path that you can take from the campground all the way to Bismarck (10+ miles). Or you can ride over to the cavalry and infantry areas of the fort and to the Indian village.

    There is a separate $7/day entrance fee in addition to the camping fee. We chose a primitive site (no water, no electric) because those sites are along the river, and the fee was $17. Sites with electricity and water are $25. There are also a couple tipis for $35 and two cabins for $60. There is a clean shower facility plus other restrooms. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there's a dump station. We have camped at so many Forest Service sites that all these amenities make it feel like glamping!

    My only complaint is that there is no path from the primitive sites to a restroom other than the road. It would have been nice if there were a few paths between sites. No one wants to take a long route to a restroom in the middle of the night. And cutting through an occupied site is poor camping etiquette.

  • Tim
    Sep. 7, 2020

    COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

    Nice spot for a rest on our drive across country.

    Nice spot. Had site 117 on loop 4. “Primitive” site. Mostly quiet and peaceful. Group of RVs had the end of the loop and had generators going, but steady wind blowing that way kept the noise down. Acceptable pit toilet. Lovely easy walk down a path to the river with sandy banks. Clean, well kept sites w picnic tables and fire rings. Very windy so definitely glad to be here protected below the dam and not up next to the reservoir!

  • Stephanie S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Sweet Briar Lake

    Great, spacious campsites right off the freeway

    This place was great! Only stayed here one night passing through on our way back to MN. Very well maintained and clean, huge campsites that are well spaced from others. There are campsites all around the lake/park, some in their own little private nook. Great sunset and the bugs were minimal too. Very surprised that a place as nice as this one is free. The freeway is somewhat close just across the lake and can be heard, but it didn't bother us at all. Campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are scattered around the lake, and there are water spigots too. Happy we found this place!

  • C
    Aug. 30, 2020

    Sweet Briar Lake

    Scenic spot right off the highway

    Multiple places to pull off and set up around a scenic lake. A few minutes off the highway on well maintained roads- you can’t ask for a better spot than this on a road trip! Water pump at the first boat ramp you pass, pit toilets scattered around, picnic shelters, fire rings, and picnic tables, dumpsters. No fee. The spot marked on this map is under a cell tower, but there are plenty of spots when you drive around the lake.

  • Heather W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Eagles Park Campground

    Great spot just north of Bismarck

    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. Some 20amp are next to a traditional back in site. Others are in a grassy field and can be shared. That is what we chose. The 20 amp runs what we need. None of the sores have water or sewer and there is no dump station. However, there is a spigot with water. We filled our fresh tank before arriving. There are picnic tables and fire rings scattered throughout. It seems you could park out pitch a tent any where. There are 2 well maintained portolets and a dumpster. The location is right on the Missouri River and close to a state historic site. We originally booked 2 nights then decided to stay longer. For $12 per night, what is not to love!!

  • Z
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Cross Ranch State Park Campground

    Cross Ranch Tipi

    Great experience camping in an authentic Tipi. The Tipi has a wood floor and cots, with plenty of room. It kept us and our things dry during a rainstorm. Only downside is the size and shape of it don't allow any warmth to be retained, so be sure to have clothing/sleeping bags appropriate for the nighttime temperatures. There is a short, flat walk from the parking area to the Tipi site. Great views of the Missouri River, straight out from the Tipi "door".

  • D
    Aug. 3, 2022

    Wolf Creek Campground

    Right on the lake great views

    Came here driving back to Arizona from Wisconsin. This campground has some of the best views of the lake. Some tree cover and the price is right it's a small camping area but we'll looked after. Most all the sites are level with well mowed grass to park on. Most of the sites at picnic tables.


Guide to Underwood

Tent camping near Underwood, North Dakota offers a chance to immerse yourself in the serene landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds available, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Lake Holmes is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy fishing and nature walks, surrounded by the beauty of Turtle Lake.
  • Steinke Bay provides access to stunning views and opportunities for birdwatching, making it a great choice for nature enthusiasts.
  • Brekken is located near Turtle Lake and offers a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Tent Camping Amenities

Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • At Douglas Creek Bay, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking, perfect for those looking to engage with the water.
  • Lake Shore Park is ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding nature trails, providing a great way to connect with the outdoors.
  • Rice Lake County Park offers a peaceful setting for picnicking and enjoying the scenic views, making it a great spot for a relaxing day outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Underwood, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Underwood, ND is Morning Star Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Underwood, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Underwood, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.