Map showing campground location near Bismarck, North Dakota

Camper submitted image from Kimball Bottom

Kimball Bottom

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting along the Missouri River within the Oaha Recreation Area south of Bismarck, Kimball Bottom is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and allows stays of up to 14 days at no charge. The campground has a large gravel parking area for RVs alongside grass tent sites, with picnic tables, toilets, and campfires permitted. Pets are welcome, and cell service is available. Anglers and boaters use the area heavily, and vehicle traffic heading to nearby fishing and boat docks continues until around 1 a.m. on summer nights, so light sleepers should factor that in. Nearby alternatives include Little Heart Schmidt Bottoms roughly 1.6 miles to the northwest.

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Map & DirectionsKimball Bottom is located in North Dakota near Bismarck

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.67900023 N
100.73300097 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/13/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/13/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

21 min from Bismarck, ND
1 hr 59 min from Minot, ND
2 hrs 54 min from Fargo, ND
3 hrs 46 min from Grand Forks, ND

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Kimball Bottom

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Benjamin M.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Kimball bottom

I found this yesterday. I’ll check it out fishing spots. It says you can stay for up to 14 days in a row each month for free. They have a large parking lot for RVs as well as grass camp spots for tents.

SiteI stayed in parking lot in my Rv

Month of VisitAugust

Dylan T.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2020

Beautiful Riverfront

Stayed for free, but I really dont think it was supposed to be based on the county website... oops lol but the sheriff that passed by my tent paid us no mind. The sounds of the river were great, but ruined by the sounds of the vehicles going further south to the fishing and boat docks. About 1am is when the vehicles going by stopped until about 7am so that wasn't too fun. I would stay here again, but not in the middle of summer in a tent. It didn't get cold enough to sleep until 2am

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities are available at Kimball Bottoms besides off-roading?

Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area offers several activities beyond off-roading. Fishing is a popular option with access to the river and dedicated fishing spots. The area also provides boat docks for water recreation. Camping is available with both tent sites on grassy areas and RV parking. The riverside location creates opportunities for shoreline activities and enjoying the natural soundscape of flowing water. While off-roading attracts many visitors, the combination of water access and camping makes Kimball Bottoms a versatile recreation destination for various outdoor interests.

How do I get to Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area from Bismarck?

Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area is located south of Bismarck, North Dakota. From Bismarck, you'll need to head south toward the Missouri River. The recreation area is accessible via a road system that leads to both the main parking areas and the camping sections. Visitors can reach the designated RV parking lot as well as the areas that lead further south to the fishing and boat docks. For specific driving directions, it's recommended to use a GPS or mapping application with the destination set as Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area, Bismarck, ND.

What OHV and ATV trails are available at Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area?

Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area is a popular spot for OHV and ATV enthusiasts. The area features trails and riding opportunities that attract off-road vehicle users. While specific trail details aren't outlined, the recreation area does accommodate OHV activity with designated areas for riding. The terrain likely varies, providing different challenges for riders. Visitors using the OHV areas should be mindful of other recreation activities happening in the area, particularly around the camping spots, fishing locations, and boat docks. For the most current information on trail conditions and accessibility, contact the managing authority before your visit.

Is camping free at Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area near Bismarck, ND?

Yes, camping at Kimball Bottoms Recreation Area is free. Visitors can stay for up to 14 consecutive days each month at no cost. The area offers both grassy camping spots suitable for tents and a large parking lot that accommodates RVs. This makes Kimball Bottoms an affordable option for overnight stays near Bismarck. While camping is permitted, it's always advisable to verify current regulations with the county or managing authority before your visit.

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