Map showing campground location near Fort Ransom, North Dakota

Camper submitted image from Clausen Springs Park Campground

Clausen Springs Park Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Clausen Springs Park Campground sits within the 545-acre Clausen Springs Wildlife Management Area near Kathryn, North Dakota, managed jointly by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the Barnes County Park Board. The campground spans a range of site types, from open prairie settings to wooded nooks tucked down shaded paths, with a stream running through the main camping area and the lake a short walk away. Campers report that even when the campground fills up on weekends, noise levels stay low across most of the property.

The lake gives anglers, kayakers, and swimmers direct access to the water, and electric motorized boats are permitted as well. Hiking trails on-site connect to the North Country National Scenic Trail, and reviewers consistently note the trails are well-maintained. Mosquitoes are heavy at dusk and dawn, so insect protection is worth packing. Sites 1 through 12 and site 55 are reservable; the remaining 57 primitive and 21 electric sites run first-come, first-served.

"Even when the campground is full, it is still quiet," notes Mandy A. Nightly rates run $20 to $25 for electric hookups with water, and tent sites have historically been available for less. The shower house draws repeated praise for cleanliness. Campers looking to explore the broader region can find campgrounds near Fort Ransom to the southeast, or check out Barnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area just half a mile east for a different configuration of the same recreation area.

Reservation Info

10 day limit on length of stay Some are reservation only - some are first come

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Map & DirectionsClausen Springs Park Campground is located in North Dakota near Fort Ransom

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.68216648757905 N
98.04712754364061 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 4 min from Fargo, ND
1 hr 55 min from Bismarck, ND
1 hr 57 min from Grand Forks, ND
3 hrs 21 min from Minot, ND

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Reviews10 Camper Reviews - Clausen Springs Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

10 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the spacious, well-maintained sites and clean facilities offering excellent value at $15-20/night. Many mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere with fishing, trails, and peaceful environment. Heavy mosquitoes at dusk were the main concern.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Robert D.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2022

Pristine campground

Nice place, well kept & only $15 for a tent site. Hot showers too.

Site16

Month of VisitSeptember

Amber F.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

Amazing views and amenities for the perfect low price

This campsite has been one of our favorites that we found while traveling cross country. For only $15 you get nice, hot clean showers and a flush toilet, HUGE campsites that are private and shaded and full of small wildlife (we loved all the frogs at night), a playground for kids, well lit roads and trails, ample vault toilets for convenience and a beautiful lake that is swimmable, ample opportunity to fish and kayak. It's fun for the entire family. The camp hosts were respectful and extremely nice. We will definitely be coming back here.

Month of VisitAugust

david C.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021

Neat place near a small lake

We stayed one night after a long day of driving, there were a lot of people here but some sites are out away from the others. We stayed in the parking lot by the lake and left early the next morning. Good place to stay passing through

Sitelot by lake

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

jordan T.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2021

Amazing!

We arrived around midnight and we decided to camp in our cars in the parking lots since it was so dark, some of the sites were hard to see. It was super secluded. The view was beautiful in the morning and everything was clean. We loved it!

Month of VisitJuly

Jo Outdoors

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Scenic Campground with Unique Sites, Privacy, Lake and Hiking Trails

This rec area/campground is honestly a hidden gem (not trying to be cliché!) The area is very scenic and well kept, with a stream running throughout that feeds into a multi-use lake, unique and expansive campsites, groomed trails, multiple amenities and the laidback solitude and peace of the Midwest prairie/plains. If you choose to, it's easy to have enjoyable personal time and also not feel uneasy or isolated in your experience if you choose to adventure solo.

This campground is family friendly and also still very suitable for those solo stays. The campsites exist within many settings: wooded areas, more community-type settings, open prairies, and secluded nooks far away from the center of everything. Some of these sites are massive and some are quaint and tucked into the trees, down a wooded path. There have usually been multiple sites available when I've camped there towards the end of the week.

Clausen Springs Campground is managed by the NDGF Department and Barnes County Park Board/Wildlife Federation; it is within the Clausen Springs Rec Area/Wildlife Management Area (545 acres.) This campground is about 20 miles out of Valley City, 17 miles off of I-94 and just a few miles off of ND HWY 1. (Very easy to locate, not a ton of gravel and not too far from a rural gas station/convenience store.)

The hiking trails are my favorite; they are well-maintained and interconnect with the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT.) The lake provides swimming, fishing, and boat access for electric motored boats or kayaks/canoes. There is also a playground for the kids.

The RVs or TTs have access to electric hookups and dumpsites. We all have have access to rural drinking water, shower houses/bathrooms (very well-kept IMO,) picnic tables, and fire rings. Also present are a ball diamond and horseshoe pit. (There is also a historic aspect to this area and there are some pieces of interpretative information available.)

You are allowed an RV or Camper plus a tent ( or solely two tents) per site (max 8 people) $20/night for electric sites, $15/night for primitive. Also important to note that sites 1-12, and 55 are reserve-able, all the rest are first come, first serve. There are 21 electrical sites and 57 primitive.

(I also realize I posted mainly photos of many of the sizeable, more open/exposed campsites; there are so many that are completely shaded and tucked into the trees as well! I will try to get photos in the future)

Month of VisitJune

(34) View All

Lauren

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Remote Campground

We loved this campground! Granted we were there on a Monday but were one of 4 sites occupied so very quiet and private. There are lots of sites available but many of them are still very private. We stayed at site 41a which was up on a hill with nice views of the water and land in the distance and a very large site. Only downside is the many mosquitoes at dusk and dawn so come prepared!

(6) View All

Isabelle

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2020

Quiet and small

We stopped here on our cross country raid trip for one night. It was the perfect place for an overnight. Beautiful sunset over the hills and lake and perfect grill setup for dinner. LOTS OF BUGS! Bugs went away a little after twilight but it was bad!

(5) View All

Ason S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 9, 2020

Great campgrounds!

Our first time here & it was great! Hubby had been here as a kid, so we wanted to start our 2020 camping here. Found our favorite site & love that the stream runs in the back of all main sites! Short walk to the lake, nice little trails, small playground. Friendly staff; Scott is awesome! We will visit again!

(4) View All

Jesse B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2019

Great campground and swimming area

Campground is well kept with spacious sites. Nice walking trails and great beach for swimming.

Mandy A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 26, 2018

Family Favorite

I camp here often with my family. Even when the campground is full, it is still quiet. Lots of area to walk. My kids live fishing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Clausen Springs?

Clausen Springs offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities that are popular with families. There's a beach area for swimming during warmer months. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the well-maintained walking trails that wind through the scenic landscape. The campground is surrounded by natural beauty, making it perfect for wildlife viewing and photography, especially during sunset when views over the hills and lake are spectacular. Children can enjoy the small playground, while the stream that runs through the campground adds to the tranquil atmosphere and provides additional exploration opportunities.

What amenities are available at Clausen Springs Campground in North Dakota?

Clausen Springs Campground offers a range of amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. The campground features spacious, shaded sites with many offering privacy and unique views. Basic facilities include clean flush toilets and hot showers. Each campsite comes equipped with a grill setup for cooking. A playground is available for children. The campground is well-lit at night for safety. The area is well-maintained with groomed trails for walking and hiking. Water access includes both a stream running through the campground and the nearby lake with a beach area. Tent sites are available for $15 per night.

How do I make reservations at Clausen Springs Recreation Area?

Clausen Springs Recreation Area appears to operate primarily on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has numerous sites available, including more secluded options. Fees are approximately $15 per night for tent camping. For the most current reservation information and policies, it's advisable to contact the Barnes County Park District directly. The campground can get busy during peak season, but even at full capacity, campers report it remains relatively quiet. If arriving late, be aware that finding your site in the dark can be challenging, as some visitors have opted to initially park in the lot by the lake when arriving after nightfall.

What do visitor reviews say about Clausen Springs Recreation in Kathryn?

Clausen Springs Recreation in Kathryn is consistently praised for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. The campground offers exceptional value, with spacious, private sites that remain quiet even when fully occupied. Many visitors highlight the scenic views, particularly the sunset over the hills and lake. The unique layout with a stream running behind the main sites adds to its charm. Families particularly enjoy the fishing opportunities, swimming beach, and playground. While the location offers wonderful solitude and Midwestern peace, some visitors note there can be bugs during certain times, particularly around twilight.

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