County-managed Nelson Carlson Lake sits along the shoreline in rural North Dakota, offering free camping with lakefront positioning for all sites. The campground provides basic amenities including pit toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and boat ramp access, with three tall flood lights illuminating the central camping area while the end sections remain darker at night.
Campers can expect a first-come, first-serve system that tends to fill during summer months when the lake draws swimmers and boaters. The facility includes dumpsters and allows pets, making it suitable for extended stays. October visitors often find themselves alone at the campground, though summer brings more activity around the swimming and grilling areas. For those exploring the region, camping near Garrison provides additional options within the area.
Description
Another great hot spot to enjoy the summer day is Nelson Carlson. This is a great area to bring your personal water craft and relax. There is an exceptional swim beach with various fire pits, picnic tables, and areas to camp at your leisure. If you’re looking for activities outside of the water, we have a swing set along with a tire swing for the whole family to enjoy!
Limited to 3 Consecutive Days No Reservations (first come, first serve) No Running Water, Electric, or Water Services
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNelson Carlson Lake is located in North Dakota near Garrison
Coordinates
47.92106021293034 N
101.47033695317734 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/17/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Nelson Carlson Lake needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 33 min from Minot, ND
- 1 hr 29 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 31 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 4 hrs 2 min from Fargo, ND





