Walhalla serves as a gateway to the Pembina Gorge, North Dakota's largest uninterrupted woodland area spanning approximately 12,500 acres. Located in Pembina County, the region sits at an average elevation of 1,050 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with overnight lows sometimes dipping into the 40s even during peak season, making layered clothing essential for campers year-round.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: The Pembina Gorge area offers public paleontology digs during summer months, where visitors can participate in supervised fossil hunting. Icelandic State Park Campground provides a comfortable base camp within 20 miles. According to Trevor A., "This is an awesome space with quite a lot to do. There is an amazing museum across the road and many historical buildings on the property."
OHV trail exploration: The Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area features extensive off-highway vehicle trails winding through rugged terrain. Stay at Walhalla Riverside City Park for direct access. Teresa T. notes, "The park is nice has lots of trees. There are two camping areas and a tent area each camping area has hookups."
Golf outings: The Walhalla Country Club provides a scenic 9-hole course just minutes from town. A reviewer mentioned, "There is a beautiful golf course located between the town and the gorge as well," making it an ideal activity for those seeking a break from hiking and water sports.
Winter activities: For those camping during colder months, the FrostFire section of Pembina Gorge offers both downhill and cross-country skiing options. Equipment rental is available on-site, along with a warming house and café.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers consistently praise the exceptional maintenance of facilities. At Fort Daer, one reviewer noted, "The toilets are very clean. There's a shower in-between the Men's and Women's toilets." Highlighting a practical feature, they added, "There's an outlet in the shower for hair dryers, charging power stations, etc."
Water recreation access: Multiple boat launches and fishing spots make water activities convenient. According to a Fort Daer visitor, it offers a "Small camp area near the Red river with good fishing. Small town of Pembina, ND within 2 minutes for supplies." The proximity to water access points makes these campgrounds popular during summer months.
Nature observation opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystem supports wildlife viewing and bird watching. As Janet R. observed about Icelandic State Park Campground, "This is a small quiet state park in northeast North Dakota that offers a nature preserve with rare plants and birds in a bur oak-basswood stand with spring fed fens around it."
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: Many campgrounds in the area have open layouts with minimal separation between campsites. A reviewer at Icelandic State Park noted, "I didn't love our campsite, it was small and not very private. I liked the look of the primitive campsites so I think that's what I would book in the future if I didn't need any power."
Seasonal operation restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region operate from late May through September, though availability varies. Leistikow City Park in nearby Grafton operates from May to October, with Ashley I. commenting, "Kinda cool that there's a campground just plopped in the middle of a city park."
Leveling equipment needs: Sites can be uneven, requiring preparation. A camper at Icelandic State Park advised, "Some sites are quite uneven so be sure to have lots leveling equipment if you aren't familiar with your site."
Reservation recommendations: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially during summer holidays. One camper warned, "We were there on a weekend, and the place was fully booked— it's clearly a popular destination, so reserve ahead."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, choose sites near play areas for convenience. Reviewer Stacy B. noted about Icelandic State Park, "Playgrounds is great for the kids, bike/hiking trails are very nice. Beach is great for those hot summer days, they also have an ice cream shop down by the beach."
Swimming options: Schumacher Park in nearby Drayton offers shaded sites and summer swimming access. Teresa T. described it as "Pleasantly surprised the park is cute. It has lots of trees it has water and electric hookups in a lot of the spots."
Ranger programs: Several area campgrounds offer educational activities led by park rangers. According to Jeff L., "Nice parks for the kids and ranger activities at night on the weekends. Fun little hikes and a nice beach area."
Hammock-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with appropriately spaced trees for setting up hammocks. One camper at Icelandic State Park observed, "Lots of trees perfectly spaced for hammocks and to hang clotheslines!"
Tips from RVers
Utility placement challenges: RVers should check hookup locations before reserving sites. At Leistikow City Park, Bella S. warned, "Hook-ups are awful—they are behind your RV spot, shared with the RV behind you; shared power pedestals so only one gets 50amp, whoever gets there first."
Dump station availability: Not all dog friendly campgrounds near Walhalla offer sewer hookups, but most have dump stations. A reviewer at Riverside City Park noted, "Well kept clean quiet campground no sewer buy does a dump station."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs should verify site dimensions before arrival. According to one camper, "There are 4 sites(10-14) that are large enough for the biggest RV. 9 sites are for smaller campers. Large sites have concrete pads and grass surroundings."
Power needs: Check amperage availability if you have specific requirements. A Leistikow Park visitor cautioned, "The 20amp breaker was useless; sewer connections are 90° angle and 1/2" off ground so almost impossible to use sewer elbow."
