21 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Fox Run RV Park accommodates pets in both tent and RV camping areas with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Blacktail Dam also welcomes pets on its lakefront campsites where each site shares electrical connections with neighboring spots. Campers report that the dam's facilities remain clean even during busy holiday weekends. Most campgrounds in the area feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though pet waste stations are limited, requiring campers to bring their own disposal bags.
The Missouri River access points provide excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months. Snowden Bridge offers pet-friendly tent and RV camping with picnic tables and fire rings directly along the riverbank, making it ideal for fishing trips with canine companions. Fort Buford State Historic Site permits pets in its primitive camping area with tables and fire rings at no charge, though visitors should register at the Confluence Visitor Center upon arrival. Kota Ray Dam attracts families with pets seeking fishing opportunities, but campers note that many sites feature uneven terrain that can make RV leveling challenging, particularly in larger units. Water access may be limited at certain campgrounds during early spring before facilities fully open for the season.
"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."
"Close access to Lake Sakakawea, within walking distance."
from $15 - $70 / night
Check Availability"All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor."
"Nobody has pulled in around us. Nothing better than free camping with solitude these days! We camped here in a 35 ft 5th wheel. Lots of great history with the old forts (Buford and Union) nearby."
"Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean. The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife."
"We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Along with a few other species in this little lake. Fun place to go for the weekend far enough out of town to feel like a getaway."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Off the beaten path but on our way to see the sights so convenient. 7 spots across from the park. 30/50 amp electric with water and dump. Water was not turned on when we were here."
"Great fishing access, wooded and close to town. Have seen great wildlife, excellent summer stargazing. Not a very big spot and only two camp sites close to the vault toilet."
ScoutA cheaper alternative to TRNP’s Juniper Campground. This campground offers beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands. Additionally, you can access the Maah Daah Hey Trail and explore the Badlands from here. The campground is well kept and is typically pretty quiet. There are no showers, but there is toilets and accessible drinking water.
GuideLewis and Clark didn’t seem like much, but as soon as we got settled in the 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. Most campgrounds could care less, they assume you know the deal. I commend the staff at this place, it’s what true North Dakota’s do for each other.
We also had plenty of space in our campsites and the area is super clean. The trails and the beach were quite exciting as the nights that were clear had the Aurora borealis in the background. So beautiful.
LegendI have already posted my review for the Theodore Roosevelt South campground - Cottonwood. I won't repeat myself too much. Believe it or not, but I would put the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park even ahead of Yosemite.
The trees and the canopy in the Juniper campground is really cool. Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean.
The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife. Never have I been so close to so many animals in the wild. I saw a lot of wildlife in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but not as much as I did here.
I never thought I would ever want to visit North Dakota. Honestly, I cant wait to go back. This place will blow your expectations, especially if you take an adventure on a hike or two. In the North unit, I highly suggest stopping at the River Bend Overlook and hiking down to the CCC shelter for some amazing views. Then drive to the end of the road and take a quick hike to Sperati Point.
LegendThe National Park North Unit and Campground(CG) is easy to find off US-85. We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located. We pulled up to the information and sign-in board for this first come, first serve CG at about 11:30 AM Mountain Time(interesting that when we got to the north unit area, our phones went back to central time, and after a quick Google search, we found out that the north unit runs on central time). A gentleman let us know that he had just pulled in and grabbed a campsite near the entrance/exit and that we’d probably only fit in site 8(this CG is all dry camping) as the perimeter campsites, both back-ins and pull-throughs, were too short for us. The other longer sites were already taken. We proceeded to pull through site 8, which is a long, quarter moon-shaped asphalt site. We maneuvered around to stay away from tree branches and stay on the pad. The picnic table and stand-up barbecue were on the driver’s side, but since the sites are nicely spaced out, this was not a problem. We then filled out our registration envelope, placed $14 cash(Access Pass discount) in the folder, put the tab on our post, and deposited the envelope in the registration area. We could have also written a check or used a credit card to pay. We got on and off 1 bar on Verizon. We did have a good shot north for Starlink. They have a vaulted toilet and flush toilet building along with potable water at the dump station. There are about a half dozen sites for longer rigs, such as 32, 42, and 43, 49, with 5 being the best site. We had our two dogs with us, and there was plenty of room to walk them around the CG. There was plenty of bison poop in the CG, but we didn't see any during our two-night stay. Watford City is 17 miles north and has your major amenities. We enjoyed using this CG as a base to explore the North Unit.
GuideAll camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor. They have a water station, dump station, showers that could use some attention, they have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans. We stayed over the 4th so it was very busy but still enjoyable (coming from a family that prefers our solitude). There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas. There is a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds. It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though. All in all, the campground was nice and I would stay again!
LegendFree 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.
TravelerNice campground, with restrooms/showers, playground, amphitheater, picnic tables. Pull through sites, tents sites, cabins. Close access to Lake Sakakawea, within walking distance.
RangerGreat experience at this campground. Toilets, water, trash/recycling. Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings. Stunning views and wildlife experiences. Not a good park for walking dogs.
ScoutMy wife and I come here a couple of times every summer. It’s a great place to brings the dogs. There are plenty of trails and the dogs love swimming in the lake.
The bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned every night and the park staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a theater area with educational presentations for the kids. Also, there is an ice cream truck that comes through the campground at night.
Campgrounds around Williston, North Dakota offer diverse terrain for outdoor enthusiasts with options along the Missouri River, at area lakes, and near historic sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring camping season generally begins in mid-April when facilities start opening for the season. Several pet-friendly locations provide accommodations for campers traveling with four-legged companions.
Wildlife viewing at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Juniper Campground, located in the North Unit, provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities right from your campsite. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were," notes Jillian C., who visited during Memorial Day weekend. The campground rarely fills completely, even during holidays.
Fishing at area lakes: Kota Ray Dam offers productive fishing opportunities throughout the season. "Perch are hot right now. Along with a few other species in this little lake. Fun place to go for the weekend far enough out of town to feel like a getaway," says Kori P. The dam is particularly known for good fishing during late spring and summer months.
Historical exploration: Fort Buford State Historic Site provides both camping and educational experiences. "Amazing place to learn about history of North Dakota. This is where Sitting Bull and his son surrendered and Lewis and Clark Trading Post. They do demonstrations on old time trades," explains Tonya T. The historical site offers free primitive camping with tables and fire rings.
Peaceful lake settings: Blacktail Dam provides lakefront camping that appeals to families. "All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water," says Leah N., who stayed during July 4th. The campground features electric hookups shared between neighboring sites.
Budget-friendly options: CCC Campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers affordable camping at $10 per night. "A cheaper alternative to TRNP's Juniper Campground. This campground offers beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands," reports Brittny A. The campground rarely reaches capacity according to campers, making it reliable for last-minute trips.
River access: Snowden Bridge provides camping directly on the Missouri River. "This is my go to for overnights and day trips. Right along the Missouri River. Great fishing access, wooded and close to town," says Stacey N. The smaller campground has only two sites near the vault toilet, offering a more intimate setting.
Limited water access in spring: Many area campgrounds have seasonal water systems that aren't operational until later in spring. Teresa T. notes about Blacktail Dam: "I'm here in April so I would have been the only camper had I stayed. But the bathrooms aren't open and the water is not on yet."
Site conditions vary widely: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger units. At Kota Ray Dam, Kerry K. reports: "Picked a site online from the website. Looked like a nice long back in by the lake. Turns out it had a big hump in the middle of it and the power was on the wrong side and too far away to reach."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Williston: Fox Run RV Park welcomes pets and offers full-service sites with water, electric and sewer hookups. Jesse S. describes it as "beautiful" and mentions staying there while working in the area. The park accommodates both tent and RV campers with pets.
Swimming options: Kota Ray Dam features a swimming beach that works well for children. "The swimming beach is pretty decent, the campsites aren't too terrible," notes Leah N. "It's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards."
Playgrounds available: Several pet-friendly campgrounds in Williston area include playground facilities. At Blacktail Dam, Leah N. mentions "they have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans."
Educational programs: Juniper Campground at Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers ranger-led educational sessions during summer months. "Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings," reports Cable A. Another camper, Lee L., adds that their "kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs."
Leveling challenges: Many campsites in the Williston area require careful leveling. At Kota Ray Dam, Leah N. notes "I wish some of them were just a bit more level," while Kerry K. mentions encountering "a big hump in the middle" of his site that complicated setup.
Electric-only hookups: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Williston offer electric hookups but limited water or sewer connections. At Kota Ray Dam, campers report "only electric at sites, no water hookups," requiring self-contained units to arrive with full water tanks.
Small town conveniences: First Responders Park in Alexander offers proximity to town amenities. "Bar and a restaurant a short walking distance away. Post office and city hall across the street," notes a camper who stayed there. "Lion's club has Hamburger Saturday in the park," providing camping visitors an easy meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Williston, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Williston, ND is Lewis & Clark State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Williston, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 dog-friendly camping locations near Williston, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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