Dispersed camping opportunities exist within the Sheyenne National Grassland approximately 40 miles southwest of West Fargo, offering a more remote experience than established campgrounds. The grassland encompasses over 70,000 acres of rolling prairie and oak savanna with elevations ranging between 1,100-1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime hours but can drop into the 50s at night, requiring proper layering for comfort.
What to do
Hiking through prairie ecosystems: The Sheyenne National Grassland features several trail systems including the North Country Trail. "We hiked the 3 miles into Jorgens Hallow, the actual campground on the Grassland. There we refilled our water, used the vault toilets and continued on our way on the NCT across the grasslands," notes one visitor who enjoyed backpacking through the area.
Swimming in natural settings: Buffalo River State Park offers swimming opportunities during warmer months. "There is a swimming pond close to the campground and some open area to play lawn games. Would go back here!" shares a camper who found the park refreshing during summer visits.
Kayaking access: At Lindenwood Campground, water activities are easily accessible. One camper mentions: "Clean, lots of paved trails, easy access to kayak, only thing missing is a place to swim!" The Red River provides multiple points for putting in kayaks or canoes.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Many campers appreciate the nighttime views at Jorgen's Hollow Campground. A visitor notes: "Great stargazing. Clean water and vault toilets. Great access to the NCT. Great signage. Well kept. I enjoyed my stay here." The remote location minimizes light pollution.
Wildlife encounters: The natural settings around West Fargo provide excellent wildlife viewing. "Lots of woodpeckers to see and coyotes calling at dusk. Sheyenne river nearby," explains a camper at Jorgen's Hollow, highlighting the diverse fauna in the region.
Well-maintained facilities: Buffalo River State Park Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Spectacularly well-maintained campground along the Buffalo River in western Minnesota, half an hour east of Fargo, ND. Very clean bathhouse (appears new) with flush toilets, hot showers and a dish-washing station," notes one satisfied visitor.
What you should know
Traffic noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Red River Valley Fairgrounds, one camper reports: "Interstate 94 runs by it and nearby trains run all night with horns blaring. There was also someone setting off fireworks in the area where I was camping, and the debris was hitting my camper."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. "The campsite was spacious and nicely kept. There was a water filling station and toilets and showers near by. It was great. Tons of mosquitos though make sure you have spray," advises a Buffalo River State Park visitor about summer conditions.
Walk-in fishing traffic: Public parks sometimes have non-camping visitors. A Lindenwood camper observed: "On the weekend there were people cutting through our site to fish the river which made us a bit nervous since we had our two kids with us and also worried about theft."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, Brewer Lake Rec Area offers both water recreation and child-friendly areas. "Tiny Lake for fishing and a beach for swimming. And good for North Dakota there's a large tree claim that helps keep the wind off of you," explains a visitor to this dog-friendly campground near West Fargo.
Space considerations: At Lindenwood Campground, site selection matters for families. "2 great playgrounds nearby for the kiddos. We were on site B9 and it was spacious. However the road noise from the freeway was pretty loud," notes a family camper who found the amenities suitable for children.
Educational opportunities: Buffalo River State Park offers nature learning experiences. "Several looping hiking trails start in and around the campground, so you can put together a hike from 15 minutes to two hours. Ours was about an hour, half in the prairie and half along the river," explains a visitor who found the terrain manageable for family exploration.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Lindenwood, experienced RVers recommend: "Let me start off by saying, this is a picturesque park and campground located in the heart of Fargo with plenty of trails and paths to go around! Would recommend staying in the B lot, spots are spaced apart more, facing the river, and are further away from the Interstate."
Small town conveniences: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near West Fargo offer proximity to services. At Buffalo RV Park, one RVer reports: "Clean, easy booking online, full hookups and less than 10 minutes from 94. 8 sites total. Stayed at site 1 for $25. Great big fire pit but street light is right next to the site and bugs were biting."
Hookup variations: RVers should note different electrical services available. At Wagner Park, a camper advises: "Electric sites share a pedestal between two sites, so think about which side you want to be on when you reserve on RA."
