Camping spots near Wahpeton, North Dakota predominantly operate from April through November, with most campground facilities closing during the winter months. The region sits in the flat Red River Valley at approximately 968 feet elevation, making the area prone to seasonal mosquito activity, particularly in June and July. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, creating chilly morning conditions for tent campers.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The National Grasslands near Hankinson Hills Campground provide excellent wildlife viewing. "What is unique about this place is that is an original remnant of the oak/grass prairies that used to cover extensive areas where the forest met the plains," explains one camper. The area includes a 5-6 mile hiking trail circling the grasslands.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation during summer months. Buffalo River State Park Campground features "a swimming pond close to the campground and some open area to play lawn games," according to one visitor. Another camper notes the swimming area is "wonderful! Less chlorine than you'd ever get exposed to in a public pool."
Golfing access: Some campgrounds provide convenient access to local golf courses. At Chahinkapa Park, one camper recommends, "There is a golf course so be sure to bring the clubs!" Most sites are within 15-20 minutes of at least one public golf course, making it easy to incorporate a round into your camping trip.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Campgrounds in the region are consistently praised for their tranquility. At Hankinson City Park, campers find a "quiet park very nicely kept" with convenient amenities including "4 grass spots with 30 amp electric picnic table and trash cans."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds provide well-spaced sites. One visitor to Maplewood State Park Campground commented, "The sites with electrical hook up are less private, but it's a family camping site so it's very friendly. The sites without any hookups are more private and secluded, great for tent camping."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean amenities. Buffalo River State Park receives particular praise with one camper noting it's "the best kept state park I have seen" with "not a scrap of trash, the restrooms clean and well stocked. You don't have a pothole in site- heck not even a weed on the road."
What you should know
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have reported water issues. Bring extra drinking water as a precaution, especially during hot summer months.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. Aber Park Campground offers reasonable cell service, while at Hankinson Hills "cell service was actually pretty good," according to one visitor. However, many rural sites have limited or no connectivity.
Insects and pests: Summer camping requires insect preparation. One Hankinson Hills visitor mentioned "abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes" as the "only downside" to an otherwise pleasant stay. Another Maplewood State Park hiker noted "we quickly found ticks crawling up our leg" on grass trails.
Limited services: Many smaller campgrounds have minimal facilities. The primitive Brushvale Bridge Primitive Canoe Campsite has "virtually nothing here. Accept some flat ground," according to one camper who added "No spots, no services. Just a place to park and in between two fairly busy roads."
Tips for camping with families
Accommodations for kids: Several campgrounds offer amenities specifically appealing to children. Chahinkapa Park features "a zoo which is nice for the kids," notes one visitor. The park includes fire pits and grills, making meal preparation convenient for families.
Safety considerations: Some camping areas feel more secure than others. At Kidder Recreation Area, one camper reported "this is one of the least safe places I have felt in North Dakota," noting the presence of many long-term campers in "pretty tough shape and very old" vehicles.
Location planning: Choose campgrounds based on activity access. Welles Memorial Park offers "nice access to town and bike trails and across the street and some trails down by the river," making it convenient for families needing multiple activities within walking distance.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Welles Memorial Park, RVers should note that "the campsites are integrated into the fairgrounds which is different but nice. Very little shade for most of the sites," according to a recent visitor. This lack of shade makes summer camping potentially uncomfortable without proper cooling equipment.
Hookup availability: While several campgrounds offer electric hookups, full-service sites with water and sewer connections are limited. Hankinson City Park provides electric, sewer and water hookups but has "no water at the dump station," requiring RVers to "find a business that let us fill our tanks."
Access road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigation on gravel or rural roads. At Hankinson Hills Campground, visitors report the access road is "well off the main road but the dirt road is passable with any rig," making it accessible even for larger RVs despite its remote location.
