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Activities

Established Camping

Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem

Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem is located near Jamestown, ND, featuring flat terrain with open spaces and scattered trees. The area experiences temperatures ranging from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Jamestown Reservoir and the National Buffalo Museum, offering opportunities for water activities and wildlife viewing.

Description

US Army Corps of Engineers

Arkansas River - Terry Lock and Dam

This recreation area is part of Pipestem Lake

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Location

Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located just 4 miles north of Jamestown this area is easily accessed from US Highway 52 and 281.

Coordinates

46.96954198453146 N
98.77090223379277 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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 7, 2024

Nice spot with pretty views

This is a nice enough campground with pretty views of the lake. It really is dry though with no water and pit toilets. You just pick a spot of grass and that's it. There are miles and miles of trails which is very cool and nice views of the water and overall, well maintained and for me, in April, it was quiet.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2023

Parkhurst Campground

Campground was nice and there is a nice trail. Warning this trail is used for cross country meets. Besides some porta potties being set up on the side of the campground there was no indication of this event happening until the buses started rolling in. There was no where for the buses or spectators to park besides the camping lots and participants and spectators used the campground bathrooms and walked onto sites being used by campers.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem by Renee H., August 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem by Renee H., August 27, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2021

Affordable Prairie Campground with Great Trail System & Water Access

The first thing I think of when I think of Parkhurst Campground/Pipestem Lake rec area are the trails. This area encompasses about 140 acres and contains the 5.5 mile North Ridge Trail, 8 mile Pipestem Creek Trail, and equine trails. The first two are geared towards mountain biking, and hiking. Very pretty prairie hiking as well as lush, wooded tracts. There's easy access to these trails from the campgrounds and they are also very well maintained by the county. There are families who have ATVs with also, as there is some separate land they can have access too.

Parkhurst's campgrounds are tidy and well-kept. There are also typically plenty of regulars camping there who are pretty happy to help if you have questions. This is an Army Corps of Engineers/ County ran campground within a rec area; it's located alongside the Pipestem Creek/Lake. There is a $10/night fee on an honor system, where upon arrival you select your campsite and then fill out a slip and submit your payment at the campground entrance. There are no reservations and it is first some first serve. (Every time we have stayed here there have been plenty of sites available, but I cannot speak for traditionally busy, holiday weekends)

This is a primitive campground that has access to picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, waste receptacles, non-potable water, a dump station, shelters, boat docks and ramps, lake/reservoir beaches for swimming, as well as mountain biking, hiking and equine trails. If you needed water on the spot, there is is non-potable water access as well as river/lake water if you filter it yourself.  A neighboring farm which you'll drive by sells firewood, as well as several places within Jamestown. Since there is an equine trail there is of course an equine area with corrals, tether lines, and space for trailers.

The sites here aren't labeled specifically, so you have to gauge your equipment, vehicles, and how much space you'd typically be taking up. It allows for some flexibility and I haven't seen groups overflowing. Parkhurst is quite expansive in that the northern most end starts at a bit higher elevation, and the southern-most end is a bit lower, and along the lakeside. This is a pretty open campground, across a large large area with dividing roads and trees throughout. Even though spots aren’t secluded typically, and there isn’t site division by trees, we still haven’t been forced to come into contact or interact with neighbors and the rest of the campground.(I mention this knowing that it is something some folks really take into consideration.) Though not a wooded campground, there is still a lot of shade, and the breezes really help with some bug control.

Parkhurst is off of HWY 281 and about 5 miles from the outskirts of Jamestown, a quick and easy drive. When you are navigating to Parkhurst/Pipestem Reservoir area there is south end rec area entrance and then also the campground entrance on the north end, where you would come across the registration area as you head south. Pipestem creek/lake connects from the south to the James River/Jamestown Reservoir which is on the outside of Jamestown. (Plenty of options for groceries, gas, dining, hardware stores etc.)

We really like staying here, whether in a tent or camper. The trails are addicting, personally! If you are camping with a couple groups, it's pretty easy to find neighboring/close campsites as well.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem by Jo Outdoors , July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem by Jo Outdoors , July 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem by Jo Outdoors , July 1, 2021
  • (15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Parkhurst Campground - Pipestem?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.