Within Fort Ransom State Park along the Sheyenne River, this year-round campground accommodates both RVs up to 70 feet and tent campers across different camping areas. The main campground sits in open terrain near the road, while primitive sites occupy wooded areas across the river bridge. Walk-in tent sites provide direct river access, though campers note the steep, muddy bank when reaching the water.
The campground splits into distinct zones that create different experiences. Sites in the open field face North Dakota's persistent winds, as one camper discovered when staying in "the last site available." The primitive area offers more shelter, with sites "all in the trees and secluded" according to visitors. However, tent campers in the primitive section must walk to the main campground for water access. The layout accommodates horse camping with designated corrals, and the North Country Trail passes directly through the grounds.
"While the bank its self was quite steep and muddy the water felt amazing," notes Brittany about river access from primitive sites. The park maintains nearly 20 miles of hiking trails, offers canoe and kayak rentals, and operates a camp store with firewood delivery. Sites lack water and sewer hookups, and reviews mention the grounds can appear rough around the edges during staffing shortages.
Book ahead during summer months when canoe rentals and riverside sites fill quickly.
Description
Nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley, about 65 miles southeast of Jamestown, Fort Ransom State Park is a 950-acre recreation area amid rolling grasslands and mixed woods. Once the site of an 1860s military encampment, the location now offers year-round outdoor recreation, from hiking, fishing, and paddling, to bird watching, horseback riding and camping. In summer, the park rents canoes and provides shuttles to the launch point, for spending leisurely days paddling down the river. In winter, its a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park’s most noted event is the annual Sodbuster Days, which celebrates the farming and homesteading days of the late 1800s with arts, music, food and a rodeo.
The campground at Fort Ransom State Park offers 80 RV, tent and equestrian campsites near the banks of the Sheyenne River. Modern RV sites, with electric and water hookups, are mostly pull-through, while primitive tent sites are mostly walk-in. A few group sites, both modern and primitive, are located near the outdoor amphitheater. The main camp area features flush toilets, showers, a playground, and a dump station. A canoe launch and fishing pier are located nearby. The primitive tent sites and equestrian camp area only offers vault toilets; the latter also has horse corrals. Other amenities include a visitor center, picnic shelters, and a dog park. Campsites are $17–$25/night.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundFort Ransom State Park Campground is located in North Dakota
Address
5981 Walt Hjelle Parkway
Fort Ransom, ND 58033
Coordinates
46.54421551 N
97.93018042 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/16/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/18/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/16/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from Fargo, ND
- 2 hrs 7 min from Grand Forks, ND
- 2 hrs 18 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 23 min from St. Cloud, MN
