Tent camping options near Underwood, North Dakota provide access to several recreational lakes and the Missouri River system. The area sits within the glaciated Missouri Plateau region, characterized by rolling hills and river valleys with elevations ranging between 1,700-2,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping months of June through August, with nighttime lows dropping to 50-60°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rice Lake County Park offers primitive tent camping with access to a small fishing lake. According to Sherry P., "The lake is small just northern pike. There are few campsites that are free. No water or electric hookups. For a weekend getaway close to Minot this may be the spot."
Hiking trails: Cross Ranch State Park's Sanger Campground provides tent sites with access to prairie hiking paths. The park features multiple trails ranging from 0.8-16 miles in length, traversing river bottomland and native prairie ecosystems. Trails are generally rated easy to moderate with minimal elevation gain.
Paddling routes: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for canoes and kayaks. Lake Shore Park provides tent camping with direct access to Lake Sakakawea for paddlers. Launch points are typically unimproved gravel or dirt entries. Water conditions on Lake Sakakawea can change quickly with wind shifts.
What campers like
Quiet environment: Sweet Briar Lake Campsites receives high marks for its peaceful atmosphere. Saleana S. reports: "This place was so peaceful, quite and relaxing. One of my favorite so far. Free camping. Pick your own spot, whatever is open."
Convenient location: Campers appreciate sites with easy highway access for overnight stays. Kate H. notes about Sweet Briar Lake: "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... This is a gem if you're looking for a sweet place to stop on a road trip in this area."
Dark skies: The limited light pollution in the Underwood region creates opportunities for stargazing. Kate H. describes Sweet Briar Lake as "totally quiet and dark (a bit of freeway noise from 94 not far away was all)," making it ideal for night sky observation. The area averages 200+ clear nights annually.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping sites near Underwood operate with minimal amenities. Danzig Dam provides vault toilets but lacks drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. The dam is located approximately 45 miles southwest of Underwood.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the region operate with weather-dependent seasons. Camping areas typically open by mid-May and close by late September or early October depending on conditions. Morning Star Campground near Riverdale specifically operates May 1 to September 30.
Reservation systems: Many tent camping locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis without advance booking options. Sanger Campground at Cross Ranch State Park is one of the few locations accepting reservations, with sites bookable up to 95 days in advance through the North Dakota Parks website.
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Brekken offers designated swimming areas appropriate for children. The recreation area features a gradually sloping shoreline with sandy bottom areas for safer water access. The swimming area is unguarded with no lifeguard services.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Kate H. mentions Sweet Briar Lake was "Safe for the dog to run around, nice paths to go for my own run in the morning." The area hosts white-tailed deer, various songbirds, and occasionally bald eagles near water bodies.
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms develop quickly in this region. Pack rain gear and secure tent stakes properly, as the area experiences average wind speeds of 10-12 mph with higher gusts during storm fronts. Temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours are not uncommon.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Morning Star Campground offers electric hookups for tent campers wanting electricity access but lacks water connections. Power is typically 20-amp service suitable for charging devices and running small appliances, but insufficient for air conditioning units.
Road access considerations: Several campgrounds have unpaved access roads that become difficult after rain. Douglas Creek Bay has dirt access roads that can be challenging for vehicles without adequate clearance. Allow extra travel time during wet conditions, as speed must be reduced to prevent sliding.
Cell service coverage: Connectivity varies significantly between camping locations. Sites closer to Interstate 94 maintain better service, while those near Lake Sakakawea often have limited or no cellular reception. Download offline maps before traveling to remote camping areas.
