Valley City, North Dakota sits along the Sheyenne River at an elevation of 1,225 feet with camping options spanning from primitive riverside spots to developed lakeside facilities. Most campgrounds remain open from May through September, with sites typically ranging from $15-27 per night for standard sites. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season with occasional thunderstorms.
What to Do
Kayaking access points: Faust Park offers straightforward river access for paddlers. "There is a kayak/canoe in/out access area here and access points for fishing along with a bridge," notes one visitor. The park permits stays up to 10 consecutive days.
Hiking the North Country Trail: Little Yellowstone County Park serves as a gateway to regional hiking. A camper mentions, "Nice campground, we camped near the brook. Got there later in the evening and left early in the morning to start a hiking trip. Unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy all that the park has to offer, but the staff was friendly and let us park our vehicle there for the weekend while we completed our section hike on the NCT."
Wildlife observation: Moon Lake campground provides excellent birdwatching opportunities. "Gorgeous area! Stopped and immediately found Killdeer, Sandpipers, a muskrat and heard cows in the distance," reports one camper. The small lakeside setting creates natural habitat for numerous bird species.
What Campers Like
Secluded camping spots: Moon Lake offers private nooks for those seeking solitude. "This tiny campground is right next to a lake with a boat ramp and a covered picnic table. In the far left corner (if you're facing the lake) is a little nook surrounded by trees and shrubs. It's perfect for pitching a tent or parking a car or van if you want some privacy," writes one reviewer.
Lakefront sites: Eggerts Landing provides wooded sites with water access. A visitor notes, "The campsites are all relatively private with a secluded feeling, some more than others of course. There is a good amount of brush and trees separating sites. We enjoy that you have access to sites that are right along the lake side, and the trail system that weaves throughout and around the campground is great."
Cost-effective options: Clausen Springs Park Campground offers excellent value. "For only $15 you get nice, hot clean showers and a flush toilet, HUGE campsites that are private and shaded and full of small wildlife (we loved all the frogs at night), a playground for kids, well lit roads and trails, ample vault toilets for convenience and a beautiful lake that is swimmable," explains one satisfied camper.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Mel Rieman Rec and surrounding areas have spotty connectivity. "Do note that cel and wifi access is bad at best. There is a store close by that has access," mentions one camper. Prepare for limited or no service at most campgrounds.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires gravel road travel. One Moon Lake visitor notes, "You're driving on crazy dirt roads to get out there. The bathroom was locked. With all that being said, it was really pretty and it's surrounded by lakes." Another adds, "Make the 'about 10mile' drive off 94, 5 miles of dirt. Nice spot with lake, pavilion and toilet."
Train noise: Faust Park campers should expect train disruptions. "Seemed like a serene spot, but then a train came through, blasting its horn. Probably 10 of them passed through during the night. I typically sleep with earplugs, but I still woke up every time. Also heard coyotes howling for a while, which was more enjoyable," reports one camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming beaches: Little Yellowstone County Park offers creek access popular with children. "Pretty little campground. Electric sites were decently spaced. Lots of awesome primitive sites. My kids spent hours playing in the creek. Lots to explore. Vault toilets were pretty clean. No showers," writes a parent who visited.
Playground facilities: Clausen Springs Park includes child-friendly amenities. A reviewer states, "This campground has been one of our favorites that we found while traveling cross country. For only $15 you get nice, hot clean showers and a flush toilet, HUGE campsites that are private and shaded and full of small wildlife (we loved all the frogs at night), a playground for kids."
Pet accommodations: Most Valley City campgrounds accommodate pets with minimal restrictions. "Spots are secluded and shaded. Beautiful beach for swimming and a nice playground to keep the kids entertained. Spots are gravel so there is no mud to deal with. They also have a great fishing pier," mentions an Eggerts Landing visitor, making it suitable for pet-friendly camping near Valley City.
Tips from RVers
Levelness challenges: Tourist Park in town presents difficulties for large rigs. "The sites are uneven not level not mowed, unkept and hard to level your rig out on," notes one RVer. For more spacious sites, consider campgrounds further from town.
Dump station access: Mel Rieman Rec provides sanitary facilities convenient for RVers. "The campground is clean, quiet, and beautiful. We enjoyed the views of the lake and the rolling hill, the immaculate star gazing, and peacefulness of this camp ground. There is a resort nearby with ice cream, firewood, and souvenirs," writes a visitor.
Electric hookup sites: Moon Lake lacks hookups but has level parking. "There are trash cans, a beach, a lake, and you need to Park on the grass. My 16,000lb bus parked in the grass without issue but it was bone dry when we parked there. The lot is definitely NOT level. Lots of insects, so wear your vetiver," advises one RVer.
