Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Valley City, ND

Faust Park's primitive camping area offers free accommodation for pets and their owners along the Sheyenne River. This well-maintained Barnes County site permits camping for up to 10 consecutive days with dogs welcome throughout the grounds. Mel Rieman Recreation Area also welcomes pets while providing more amenities including electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations. The local general store at Mel Rieman serves as a convenient stop for pet supplies and ice cream. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Valley City area maintain standard leash requirements while providing ample space for dog walking. Moon Lake campground features multiple stone fire rings and picnic tables with space for pets to explore, though the dust from nearby gravel roads can be considerable for animals with respiratory sensitivities.

Dogs enjoy swimming access at most Valley City campgrounds, with Lake Ashtabula offering excellent water recreation opportunities for pets. The North Country Trail provides hiking access for leashed dogs with connections near several campgrounds including Baldhill Dam. Campers report varied experiences with local wildlife—farm dogs occasionally visit Moon Lake campsites and can be both friendly and somewhat bothersome while cooking or packing. During summer months, the bugs can be intense for both humans and pets, so appropriate insect repellent is recommended. Most campgrounds maintain reasonable quiet hours and have minimal restrictions on barking, though common courtesy is expected. Valley City's Tourist Park offers in-town camping with pets allowed, though reviews consistently note this is best for quick overnight stays rather than extended camping with animals.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Valley City, North Dakota (40)

    1. Moon Lake

    11 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    9 miles

    "I parked right next to the lake and watched the ducks. The overnight was very quiet and dark, perfect for sleeping. There are trees surrounding the little campground."

    "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."

    2. Faust Park

    9 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    6 miles
    Website

    "This park is maintained and managed by the Barnes County Wildlife Club and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Camping is free and allowed for a maximum of 10 consecutive days."

    "About 8 miles from i94 (3-4 miles of gravel road) this is nice clean camping area close to the river. We have a eurovan and parked in the parking lot - no specific camping spots were marked."

    3. Mel Rieman Rec

    7 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-2970

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise."

    "Most of the campsites have a beautiful view of the lake. The access roads are asphalt. Security comes around regularly. We had a wonderful experience."

    4. Eggerts Landing

    8 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-2970

    $20 - $26 / night

    "The website instructions say to take exit 292 off I 94 but our RV GPS and Google Maps showed exit 294, which is probably a new exit."

    "The sites are pretty level clean somewhat close to one another but with the underbrush and trees you are very secluded. Situated on lake Ashtabula about 12 miles north of Valley City."

    5. Moon Lake

    5 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    9 miles
    Website

    "Nice spot by a lake, with three stone fire rings and a couple picnic tables. We got the spot surrounded by trees on three sides which was nice, the rest are open."

    "A quiet place away from the crazy of everyday life right now."

    6. Clausen Springs Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 404-3078

    $20 - $25 / night

    "The area is very scenic and well kept, with a stream running throughout that feeds into a multi-use lake, unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and"

    "We stayed one night after a long day of driving, there were a lot of people here but some sites are out away from the others. We stayed in the parking lot by the lake and left early the next morning."

    7. West Ashtabula Crossing

    4 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-2970

    $20 - $26 / night

    "This is a remote site along the North Country Trail. It's well maintained, has personalized benches around a custom fire pit. There's a pit toilet hiding in the woods next to it."

    "We were confused because across the lake we could see at least 10 tents set up. I also thought $26 was a little steep to stay the night.

    The camp ground had many trees though, which i love."

    8. Tourist Park

    3 Reviews
    Valley City, ND
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-3294

    9. COE Baldhill Dam Ashtabula Crossing

    2 Reviews
    John Paul Hammerschmidt Lake, AR
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 845-2970

    10. Little Yellowstone County Park

    7 Reviews
    Fort Ransom, ND
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 762-4450

    $25 / night

    "Got a great spot near the stream. Playground was nice & neat to see some of the secluded tenting spots on our walk - they look awesome!"

    "Nice campground, we camped near the brook. Got there later in the evening and left early in the morning to start a hiking trip."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Valley City, ND

161 Reviews of 40 Valley City Campgrounds


  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Pelican Point Landing

    Poorly behaved campers

    Have to give this a low review from the experience we had while staying the night of July 6th. It was a full campground and might of been nice with the exception of several groups staying at the campground. Teens staying up till 3pm being loud and racing around on a golf cart. Intoxicated adults taking lap after lap around the campground in the back of a pickup yelling and swearing at campers that didn't wave back to them. Another group in the campground setting off fireworks until midnight. Zero attempts by camp host to quiet these individuals. Our group of Scouts were besides themselves and have no desire to ever camp in North Dakota again. Other wise this might have been a nice place to stay.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Eggerts Landing

    Good Privacy Between Most Sites

    The website instructions say to take exit 292 off I 94 but our RV GPS and Google Maps showed exit 294, which is probably a new exit. Coming from the east, exit 294 was the better option, but either exit would work as they both will lead to the turn to take you down to Eggerts Landing plus other COE areas as identified on the signs. The campground(CG) area was easy to find and we got potable water at the dump station conveniently located as we entered the CG area. The RV sites here are all 30 AMP electric and we proceeded to back-in spot 20, which was easy to back into off the turn. Site 20 is plenty long and we really liked the privacy between sites due to the vegetation and trees. This CG has a lot of mature trees so satellite would not be an option for most sites. We got 2 bars on Verizon and 2 on T-Mobile. The sites in the front of the CG are more open where you could get a satellite signal. The sites at the far end of the CG are more private with little trails weaving around. There are no sites that are truly on the lake, but several have paths to the water. There are trash cans smartly placed around the CG plus water spigots and vault toilets. Towards the front of the back loop, there’s a shower house. There is also a fishing pier near the CG area entrance. There’s a camp host, but they were only working weekends when we were there in September. However, park rangers patrolled the CG. This COE is about 15 minutes north of Valley City where amenities can be found. Check out Babb's Coffee House in Jamestown. Great place to have lunch after visiting the tourist spots in Jamestown and the coffee is very good too. If you are looking for gifts made in North Dakota, check out the Dakota Store, also in Jamestown, which is a great place to shop. We enjoyed our 3-night stay during the midweek.

  • Jo Outdoors The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2021

    Faust Park

    Primitive camping at Faust Park, Barnes County, N.D.

    This park is maintained and managed by the Barnes County Wildlife Club and North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Camping is free and allowed for a maximum of 10 consecutive days. There is plenty of open lawn within this park area which can definitely fit multiple tents and the parking lot/gravel driveway can accommodate travel trailers/RVs/Vans.

    It is a well-maintained, simple, camping area offering a picnic table, fire ring/pit, built-in charcoal grill, waste receptacles and a vault toilet. (As of early October the county was able to erect a picnic shelter) There is also some informative signage covering the local history, and that of the the river and land. (Not as far back in time as it should though.)

    The Sheyenne River runs along one side of this camp area - There is a kayak/canoe in/out access area here and access points for fishing along with a bridge. If you are filtering H20 yourself, you have access to flowing river water for drinking!

    Quite isolated and quiet here, people may periodically stop by to fish, drop in a kayak, run their dogs or stretch their legs. Overall it’s a secluded and peaceful area. There are train tracks that run along the river in close proximity; they usually don't "toot" more than a time or two as they pass the crossing. I can't say how many in a night. 

    There are plenty of areas to enjoy the sun, but also large, mature trees for plenty of shade as well. Pretty decent area to have access to camp at for FREE that feels like you're "beyond getting what you paid for!"

    - Faust Park is also about 4 miles SW from the Mel Rieman Rec Area/Campgrounds (COE) which has a swimming area, playground, showers & bathroom facilities, drinking water, garbages, grills, and a bar/small grill/ice cream shop & water sports rentals on site. This is all very seasonal of course.

    -Faust Park is located along a maintained gravel road, less than a ½ mile off of the River Road and about 6 miles outside of Valley City. There is a farmstead on the other side of the river/wooded area, otherwise no other nearby neighbors. It is also 6 or so miles up off of I-94 if folks approach it from that direction.

  • D
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Eggerts Landing

    Excellent Campground

    Well maintained COE campground with a great little swimming beach for kids and a modern playground. Easy access, clean bathrooms, men’s and woman’s have 2 showers each and a family bathroom with one shower. The sites are pretty level clean somewhat close to one another but with the underbrush and trees you are very secluded. Situated on lake Ashtabula about 12 miles north of Valley City. We would definitely stay again for a lone weekend or 4 days just to relax.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2021

    Tourist Park

    Could do in a pinch

    Right on the road so you will definitely hear road noise. Spaces are close together with no privacy between them. It appeared that some food trucks (not open when we were there) had permanent or semi-permanent spaces. The bathroom was decent but the shower looked sketchy. No one was on-site to talk with. Might be good for passing through; in the small city of Valley City (the city of bridges), you can do a walking tour or go to Chataqua Park for a picnic. We were passing through. I basically concur with the earlier review but gave it the benefit of the doubt that it would be ok for passing through – I’ve seen worse.

  • kelly N.
    May. 24, 2023

    Jamestown Campground

    Wonderful park

    This is the second time we’ve stopped at this park. Very well maintained- great bathroom facilities- dog park- playground and a tunnel of trees to meander through.

  • M
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Mel Rieman Rec

    Beautiful site, with good amenities

    Stopped here on our way through North Dakota, perfect site with flushable bathrooms, good water and a beautiful sunrise.

  • Jo Outdoors The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2021

    Clausen Springs Park Campground

    Scenic Campground with Unique Sites, Privacy, Lake and Hiking Trails

    This rec area/campground is honestly a hidden gem (not trying to be cliché!) The area is very scenic and well kept, with a stream running throughout that feeds into a multi-use lake, unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and peace of the Midwest prairie/plains. If you choose to, it's easy to have enjoyable personal time and also not feel uneasy or isolated in your experience if you choose to adventure solo.

    This campground is family friendly and also still very suitable for those solo stays. The campsites exist within many settings: wooded areas, more community-type settings, open prairies, and secluded nooks far away from the center of everything. Some of these sites are massive and some are quaint and tucked into the trees, down a wooded path. There have usually been multiple sites available when I've camped there towards the end of the week. 

    Clausen Springs Campground is managed by the NDGF Department and Barnes County Park Board/Wildlife Federation; it is within the Clausen Springs Rec Area/Wildlife Management Area (545 acres.) This campground is about 20 miles out of Valley City, 17 miles off of I-94 and just a few miles off of ND HWY 1. (Very easy to locate, not a ton of gravel and not too far from a rural gas station/convenience store.)

    The hiking trails are my favorite; they are well-maintained and interconnect with the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT.) The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boat access for electric motored boats or kayaks/canoes. There is also a playground for the kids.

    The RVs or TTs have access to electric hookups and dumpsites. We all have have access to rural drinking water, shower houses/bathrooms (very well-kept IMO,) picnic tables, and fire rings. Also present are a ball diamond and horseshoe pit. (There is also a historic aspect to this area and there are some pieces of interpretative information available.)

    You are allowed an RV or Camper plus a tent ( or solely two tents) per site (max 8 people) $20/night for electric sites, $15/night for primitive. Also important to note that  sites 1-12, and 55 are reserve-able, all the rest are first come, first serve. There are 21 electrical sites and 57 primitive. 

     (I also realize I posted mainly photos of many of the sizeable, more open/exposed campsites; there are so many that are completely shaded and tucked into the trees as well! I will try to get photos in the future)

  • J
    May. 29, 2021

    Sheyenne National Grassland

    Unique Oak Haven

    My first and not going to be the last campout here. Beautiful sites,trails,very friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination. It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler. Just for your info i was also traveling east to west. Definitely a pleasant adventure out here in North Dakota. I have to say a little paradise can be found here. I am doing the dispersed camping right in the oak valley next to the 1212. John


Guide to Valley City

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Valley City, North Dakota, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Tips for camping with dogs near Valley City

  • At Clausen Springs Park Campground, pets are welcome, and the spacious sites provide plenty of room for your dog to roam and explore.
  • Eggerts Landing offers a wooded environment that gives your pet a chance to enjoy nature while you relax by the lake.
  • Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, as Mel Rieman Rec does not have water hookups at the sites.

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • Little Yellowstone County Park features electric hookups and picnic tables, making it easy to set up a comfortable space for you and your pet.
  • At Faust Park, you can enjoy a free camping experience with basic amenities, perfect for a quick getaway with your dog.
  • West Ashtabula Crossing provides a reservable site option, ensuring you have a spot ready for your arrival with your pet.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Valley City

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Valley City, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Valley City, ND is Moon Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Valley City, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Valley City, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.