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Best Campgrounds near Williston, ND

109 Reviews

Campgrounds near Williston, North Dakota range from basic to full-service facilities, with several options along Lake Sakakawea and the Missouri River. Lewis & Clark State Park, located near Riverdale, offers tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals with access to water recreation. Fox Run RV Park provides full hookup sites for RVs closer to Williston city limits. Kota Ray Dam and Blacktail Dam maintain developed campgrounds with picnic areas and varying levels of amenities for both tent and RV campers. The region includes both state park lands and county-managed recreation areas suitable for overnight stays.

Most campgrounds in the Williston area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Lewis & Clark State Park remains open year-round but with reduced services during winter months. Buffalo Trails Campground specifically operates from May 1 to October 15, while Williams County Trenton Lake Recreation Area is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Drinking water access varies significantly between locations, with many sites offering potable water during warm months only. Campers should check current conditions before arriving as weather can impact accessibility. A visitor commented that Lewis & Clark State Park has "restrooms/showers, playground, amphitheater, picnic tables" and "pull-through sites, tent sites, cabins" with "close access to Lake Sakakawea, within walking distance."

The camping experience around Williston features notable outdoor recreation opportunities centered on water activities. Lakefront campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews, particularly those providing boat launches and fishing access. Several developed campgrounds in the area allow fires in designated rings and include basic amenities like toilets and trash service. The presence of park rangers at some locations enhances the camping experience, as one camper noted about Lewis & Clark State Park: "Park rangers checked on us. They did patrols all the time around and were super friendly! We had one storm while we were there and they gave us the emergency plan as fast as they could." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several campgrounds, with bison sightings possible at locations farther from town. RV campers have multiple options for full-service hookups, while tent campers can find more primitive sites at locations like Fort Buford State Historic Site.

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Best Camping Sites Near Williston, North Dakota (41)

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Recent Camping Photos near Williston, ND

27 Photos of 41 Williston Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Williston, ND

109 Reviews of 41 Williston Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Small Campground but Simple

    This campground is in the north unit of the park. It has 50 primitive sites available on first come first serve basis. We were here on Labor Day weekend and campground was full for the first time in 2 years. Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house . The drinking of the water at the fill station is discouraged due to high levels of fluoride. While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    If it was reservable, it would be 3 stars

    The absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts. We got here at about 1pm on a Sunday thinking there shouldn't be a problem, yet there were probably only about 4 spots left and only 1 we could fit in. A lot of spots already had tags on them but not one bit of equipment set in place. Assuming it was someone that came in much earlier just to tag a spot...that needs to be addressed. There's quite a few "drinking water" spigots marked on the map but when you get to them there is a sign with a drinking glass and a red slash through it. The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so dont come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water. The other spigots marked as unsafe have really high fluoride content and feels like slime. But we were told its safe to shower in. Im sorry but I dont trust that at all. If you shouldn't drink it bc of the high fluoride then you shouldn't shower in it. You'll just absorb it through your skin. We're in spot 30 and its pretty spacious but not private at all. Most spots really have no privacy at all. So if that's what you're looking for then look else where. We got barked at by the neighbors' dogs every time we walked out. Very pretty setting but in my opinion its way too crowded. Also not sure if its just the area or time of year but there's just billions of flies all over all the time. Makes being outside miserable. Also my husband got stung by a yellow jacket. I think there's a nest in the picnic table. The grill was full of charcoals and a chunk of burnt wood. It just seems like the sites are not ever checked or taken care of. The only work I've seen done is trash collection. There's an rv dump at least but not sure what much you'll need to dump since there's only one spigot at the bathroom you can fill a jug at.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    Great Inexpensive Campground

    This campground is only about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Rosevelt National Park. There are plenty of pit toilets, potable water, and electric. The views from the park are amazing! Sites are big and each has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The road in (1 mile) is well maintained. Highly recommend!!

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Small free camping trailhead

    This is a pretty spot with 3 boondocking sights with picnic tables, 2 have canopies over them. Parking for hiking. One spot that is a loop turn around. I have a 2500 crew cab and 21' trailer parked without a problem. Could accommodate a little bigger trailer.

    There is steady road noise from I-85. A fair amount of large trucks passing most of the time.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Summit Campground

    Free camp spot with just a few sites and a vault toilet. Near the main road, so quite a bit of road noise and late arrivals/passersby. Okay cell service, but great with a booster. Hiking trail nearby to stretch the legs or exercise the dog.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Watford City Tourist Park

    Camp within the City

    This little spot is within the town of Watford City… ambitiously named

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park

    Nice park, but ..

    Sites were nice with water and electric hookups. Decently spread out. Unfortunately, camp hosts were ghosts. Supposedly 4 hosts. Walked by 2 of them and they were off duty. I was too tired to locate the others. Ranger at check in said the host(s) would come by to sell firewood. Never saw one. No campfire 😞.

  • B
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Good spot for an overnight

    Nice forest service campground with pit toilets. No fee, fire pits, picnic tables, only two of us here on a Sat night in August

  • P
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Trenton Lake Recreation Area

    Very Basic, Looks to be Poorly Staffed

    In the main camping area, about 20 sites with generally level concrete pads, but close together with no screening between sites.  Several campsites had trailers but no occupants.  Camping area is across from the boat ramp to the lake, but does provide decent lake views.  Posted price of "full hook-up" was $35.  Hmmm.  Electricity, yes, but no sewer connection that we could find and (despite faucets) several signs declaring "non-potable water." Scattered picnic tables (no table at many sites).  Bathrooms locked and unavailable.  Some of this might have been sorted by staff members, but no one appeared from the time of our arrival till the time of our departure (pay envelopes and a slot).  Although June 30th, the place had the feeling of not being open for the season.

Guide to Williston

Camping near Williston, North Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the Badlands: The Lewis & Clark State Park is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the scenic views. One camper mentioned, "This is a nice, large campground along the North Shore of Lake Sakakaque, ND. Large spots, fairly level, with gravel pads."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Blacktail Dam, you can enjoy fishing, although swimming is limited. A reviewer noted, "There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas."
  • Hiking Trails: The Juniper Campground offers access to the scenic trails of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. One visitor shared, "The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Lewis & Clark State Park. A happy camper said, "They keep it very well kept. They mow weekly, facilities are very clean."
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy at Magpie Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it’s even more secluded."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Juniper Campground love the wildlife. A visitor noted, "We weren't even here and parked... 15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Blacktail Dam, have limited amenities. A camper pointed out, "They have a water station, dump station, showers that could use some attention."
  • Busy During Holidays: Expect crowds during holidays at places like Blacktail Dam. One reviewer said, "We stayed over the 4th so it was very busy but still enjoyable."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: At Ccc Campground, there are no markets nearby. A camper mentioned, "Potable water is available only by hand-pumping…not so great if you are trying to fill your fresh water tank."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: The Lewis & Clark State Park has a nice playground. One parent shared, "The playgrounds are nice and kept up, the roads (all paved) and RV pads (most gravel) are very nice."
  • Shallow Water for Kids: The beach at Lewis & Clark State Park is shallow, making it great for kids. A reviewer noted, "The water is shallow for a long ways so it's great for kids!"
  • Plan for Fire Restrictions: Be aware of fire bans, especially during dry seasons. One camper at Lewis & Clark State Park mentioned, "We couldn’t cook at all as there was also a fire ban in effect."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should check site sizes at places like Juniper Campground. A visitor advised, "If you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site."
  • Electric Hookups: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups. For example, Ccc Campground lacks electric hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Stay Connected: Cell service can be spotty. One camper at Juniper Campground mentioned, "We did not have cell reception but so travel with Starlink."

Camping near Williston, North Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in and around Williston, ND?

Williston offers several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Fox Run RV Park provides convenient access near town with drive-in sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly amenities. For those willing to travel a bit further, Buffalo Trails Campground offers reservable sites with basic amenities. Other nearby options include Williston Village RV Resort, Fort Buford State Historic Site, and Williams County Trenton Lake Recreation Area. If you're interested in exploring the wider region, Lewis & Clark State Park, Blacktail Dam near Zahl, and American Legion Park near Riverdale provide additional camping opportunities with varying amenities and scenic surroundings.

What amenities do Williston camping sites offer for RV travelers?

RV travelers around Williston can find various amenities to enhance their camping experience. Williston Village RV Resort offers toilets and is big-rig-friendly, making it convenient for larger vehicles. First Responders Park provides 7 spots with 30/50 amp electric hookups, water connections (seasonally available), and a dump station. The park is conveniently located near amenities including a bar and restaurant within walking distance. Many area campgrounds feature pull-through sites, fresh water access, and dump stations. While full hookups aren't universal, several parks offer electric connections and basic amenities that make RV camping comfortable in the Williston region.

What is the best time of year for camping in the Williston area?

The optimal camping season in the Williston area runs from late spring through early fall (May through September). Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, particularly at water-focused destinations like Lewis & Clark State Park, which provides access to Lake Sakakawea for swimming and boating. Brush Lake State Park Campground is especially popular in late July for its warm lake suitable for swimming and water recreation, though flies can be bothersome during this period. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures and fewer crowds, making them excellent for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to North Dakota's harsh conditions, with many facilities closing or offering reduced services.

Are there free or low-cost camping options available near Williston?

Budget-conscious campers can find affordable options near Williston. CCC Campground in Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers a less expensive alternative to other regional campgrounds while still providing beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands. The campground has been recently renovated with new gravel roads and campsites, plus fresh fire pits and barbecues. Juniper Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis with modest fees, especially if you have a National Park pass. While not free, these options provide excellent value with basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, plus access to stunning natural landscapes.

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