Best Tent Camping in North Dakota

Recent Tent Reviews in North Dakota

849 Reviews of 47 North Dakota Campgrounds

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 29, 2024

  Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

  Convenient to the highway

  General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening. 

  Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved. 

  Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them. 

  Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

  It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).

• R

  Ryan P.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

  Amazing

  This place is amazing.

• c

  cindy

  Guide

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Moon Lake

  Pretty spot. Very quiet.

  A long, very dusty gravel road got us to this spot. By the time we left, our car and camper looked like 2 dirt piles. That said, the spot was very peaceful with a ton of birds. There is a pit toilet there which was locked. It had a sign telling you how to break in, in the case of emergencies. Never have seen such a sign before. Well, I needed to use it, broke in using a screwdriver, and Ohmygod. It’s going to take awhile to get that out of my head. Do not open up the pit toilet, no matter the emergency.

• 

  James B.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 10, 2024

  Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

  Overnight after Theodore Roosevelt National Park

  Found this site close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Road in is pretty good, any right should be able to make it. There are several sites in the camping area, some could fit big rigs. Smaller rigs can get into any of the other sites. Despite being near the Interstate, it was really quiet at night. Great Verizon signal on this location. Starlink had some of the fastest connections we have seen.

• 

  Kelley E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  East Bay Campground

  Campground Ruined by the Owners' Negligence and Unapologetic Attitude

  While East Bay Campground boasts a stunning location on Devil’s Lake, the owners’ shocking disregard for guest concerns and lack of basic hospitality make this a place to avoid. Our experience was a nightmare due to the owner's negligence, resulting in serious damage to our property that they refused to apologize for or rectify. 

  Upon arrival, we noticed a large tree limb hanging over our camper. We immediately reported it, concerned that it could fall and cause damage. The office reassured us, but no one came to address it. That night, the limb fell and punctured a hole in our roof. 

  When we informed the owner, Bill, his response was nothing short of appalling. Instead of offering any help, showing concern, or even apologizing, he dismissed us, repeatedly telling us to"just patch it up" and actively discouraging us from filing a claim. 

  It took three days of persistence to obtain the necessary insurance information—still with no apology or acknowledgment of their responsibility. Another reviewer had a similar experience, reporting,"we sustained major damage to our roof from trees. When I reported this to the office, they were'sorry' but offered nothing else"(RV Life Review).

   Bill’s behavior reflected a complete lack of concern, remorse, or responsibility, which was deeply disturbing, especially considering the damage could have been easily prevented. This was more than just bad customer service—it was an utter failure to demonstrate even the most basic principles of hospitality or human decency. 

  The campground itself lacks the attention to detail expected of a well-run facility. The shower curtains in every bathroom were 2-3 inches too narrow, leaving a gap leaving anyone taking a shower exposed. Fire ring was bent, broken and unusable. When we rented a boat and reported the anchor rope was frayed and unusable, they promised it would be replaced. But, just like with the tree limb, nothing was done. 

  If you stay here, be prepared to have excellent insurance and no expectations of any help, because the owners clearly don’t care. 

  Bill and Val only seem to offer hospitality to guests who require nothing from them and request nothing that their time or attention is needed to address with respect and kindess.  

  Based on our experience, they will treat you like a nuisance the moment you raise a concern. For your peace of mind, I recommend finding another campground. The beautiful views are simply not worth enduring owners who show no responsibility for their guests or property.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 8, 2024

  COE Lake Sakakawea Downstream Campground

  Very good CoE campground

  General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups. 

  Site Quality: All sites appeared level and had a decent amount of separation between sites. There are some trees to provide shade to some sites. 

  Bath/Shower House: Loops One and Two have more modern bathhouses; each with two sinks, two stalls, and two showers. They were clean. Note that the lights are motion-detected; if you are in a stall too long, the light will go out! Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones. There is also a bathhouse with two all-in-one (shower, toilet, sink) each for men and women. 

  Activities: Fishing is very popular here. There are also two short hiking trails (part of the Lewis and Clark and North Country trails). Loops One and Two have playgrounds; the one in Loop Two appears more modern so if you have kiddos who like playgrounds, I would recommend this loop. There is an amphitheater between Loops Two and Three but I’m not sure it has been used in a while as it looked a bit overgrown. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. 

  We initially checked out the nearby state park but for less than half the price (with our senior discount), this campground was a better fit for us. The only downside was the number of yellow jackets that chased us inside our van to eat dinner!

• 

  Lisa M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 7, 2024

  Lake Sakakawea State Park Campground

  Beautiful setting and great hiking

  We spent two nights here as one of the days the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour with gusts to 70. Pretty impressive site to see across the lake. We stayed in the Sanish campground and liked it because it seemed to be enclosed by more trees to help block the wind. Spaces were nicely spread apart. We arrived in 1 October and they had shut off the water so the bathrooms and showers were not functioning. Space was pretty level. Great hike along the shoreline Trail, and also apparently north country Trail, and here that goes all the way across to Vermont. 

• 

  Lisa M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 4, 2024

  Surrey RV Park

  Small but clean

  We stayed here for one night in October. They had already turned off the water for the winter so there was only electric available. I think there was eight or nine spaces with four that were pull through. There also looked to be a dump station, but we didn’t use it. Nice hiking trail behind the local cemetery. Reason I didn’t give it five stars is because there was quite a bit of road traffic and train noise. We paid $25 for the night and you can either leave cash or a check in the dropbox or I believe you can also go to the City Hall during the week.

• 

  Lisa M.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 3, 2024

  Michigan City Park Campground

  A great little find

  Great little find in a small cute town called Michigan. There are four sites that have electric and several sites for tent camping or dry camping. Right next to a little golf course that we played. Campground was great. Level spots but golf course left a little to be desired. The greens were Astroturf, which were a little hard. Everything was kind of on the honor system as you can see in the golf sign. You can stay there for free, but I thought it was nice to leave a little cash to help with the electric bill.

• 

  Eric A.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 30, 2024

  Sweet Briar Lake

  Good for free

  Just off I94 this location has multiple campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, a few pit toilets and picnic tables all along a lake. Depending on the wind direction you will hear highway noise, but it appears to be well maintained and not busy during the weekday. Great one night spot for thru travelers

• B

  Bella S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 29, 2024

  Leistikow City Park

  Park is beautiful but utility hookups are horrendous!

  Good: green, lots of trees, big dog park, adjacent city park and trail, cute town. Bad: hook-ups are awful—they are behind your RV spot, shared with the RV behind you; shared power pedestals so only one gets 50amp, whoever gets there first; the 20amp breaker was useless; sewer connections are 90° angle and 1/2” off ground so almost impossible to use sewer elbow and they have sewer flies; water is a pex tube coming out of the ground, shared, and had a unremovable fitting that did not allow me to connect my pressure regulator. Some sites have utilities on the COMPLETE OPPOSITE side of standard RV connections requiring two additional sewer hoses and extra power cord. Ridiculous.

• 

  Buck G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 25, 2024

  Northgate Dam Rec Center

  Quite and relaxing

  Easy access plenty of space. Good Quiet and relaxing

• D

  Darlene

  Guide

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

  So Many Great Spots

  Easy access on a gravel road all the way to the top of the bluff. We opted to park at one of the first few pull out spots but saw several campers all along the road up to and on the bluff itself. We had great Verizon service.

• 

  Tanner G.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 22, 2024

  Strawberry Lake Campgrounds

  Quiet place, bring $15 cash

  I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes

• 

  Ioan P.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Hillsboro Campground and RV Park

  Only if you have to!

  Nobody here. Anvelops only. $ 40 per night. Truck stop in vicinity, and the smell from diesel fuel ⛽️ is horrible !

• 

  Renee H.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Red Trail Campground

  Busy campground, convenient location

  There are a lot of people coming and going at this busy family operated campground. Sites are fairly close, not much privacy. Bathrooms, showers and laundry on site, all of which were maintained adequately. It is a short walk to downtown Medora. Campground is within the town and across from residences. Upon check-in, a staff member escorts you to your site and directs you where to park. Mixture of grass sites and gravel sites. Cell signal is adequate. Garbage and dump station on site. Small convenience store on property with essentials.

• 

  Catherine L.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

  Great view off the beaten path

  Not far from the park. Great views from the top. We had no issues getting out jeep all the way up, but larger campers would need to find spots lower.

• W

  Wendy C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Red Trail Campground

  Horrible Campground

  We checked in today and were met by rude registration staff followed by a deranged woman employee who screamed commands laced with sarcasm and condescension as I tried to back the camper into our site. When I tried to politely explain that I had backed the camper successfully for years, she suggested I go camp somewhere else. We did leave and landed happily at a much nicer and kinder campground that wasnt covered in fleas. They also made it quite clear that there would be no refund. We visited North Park Campground, no overnight stay.

• 

  kim B.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Red River Valley Fairgrounds

  Big iron show

  Big event, we're lucky to find his space open. campground completely full , thousands of pickups and cars. Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night.

• J

  Jim W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 11, 2024

  Lindenwood Campground

  Well maintained, nice staff

  Lovely campground with sites along the river and in an area closer to the office and showers.   That area is rather tight, but adequate.  

  Good walking trails.

• T

  Thomas R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 8, 2024

  Jan's RV Park and Lodge, LLC

  Most of the amenities

  Power, water, sewer; a bathroom with a shower; good wifi. So those are all good. It’s pretty close to hwy 2 so unavoidable road noise but not too bad; our site #6 needed leveling blocks but got pretty flat; and there’s no shade. Amy the proprietor is super nice and friendly, and the reservation process was seamless. Worked well for our cross country trip

• M

  Mayre J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2024

  Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp

  Buffalo Gap Rd Parking Spot near Campground

  Along Buffalo Gap Rd closer to I-94 area. The land is within Little Missouri National Grassland and there are no signs at this spot saying not to camp. The campground area, fee area, is on the other side of I-94.

• 

  Lucian F.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 7, 2024

  Cando

  Great Fund

  Campground is actually located a few hundred yards away from location shown on the Dyrt site. It is located by the Cando golf course. Hookups as well as primitive. Bathrooms with running water and showers.

• k

  karl

  Guide

  

  Sep. 7, 2024

  North Park Campground

  Quiet and large

  Reasonable rates for FHU.. Quiet shady site. Friendly staff. Bathrooms adequate. Wifi inconsistent. Good verizon signal.

• 

  Greg D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 6, 2024

  Red Trail Campground

  Great location

  This campground is perfectly located for visiting the TRNP, Painted Canyon and the town of Medora has nice offerings for entertainment and western history and way of life. The campground is decent with a small store, nice laundry machines and the restrooms are decent and clean but could use a little sprucing up.

• M

  Mayre J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 5, 2024

  Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

  Lots of space and nice views

  As a tenter or suv camper I drove to the top of the grasslands boondocking area to find others doing the same thing. Even without an actual "spot" I was able to get a nice place on the bluff to spread out, not close to other dudes. Obviously no services here but just piss into the wind. Ominous heavy fog in the morning with low visibilty but a cool spot for sure. Drive, dont roll, down the hill. No need for bug spray but maybe a pair of binoculars to check out the ladies. Big sky, wild horses, and yummy grasshoppers. No west bound access when leaving so take Buffalo Gap Rd or backtrack to Medora. Such a nice town to chill during the hot days, especially at the historic park with covered tables.

• 

  Greg D.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 3, 2024

  Lindenwood Campground

  It’s convenient

  This would be a decent campground if it wasn’t for the other city park visitors in the camping area. It’s supposed to be for registered campers only but they allow non campers to fish the river and they abuse that privilege and park their vehicles in front of campers and some even set up a bbq in vacant campsites. There were a couple of teens selling chips and walking through campsites. We felt uneasy about non campers wandering around Most sites are uneven, it’s ok for a one nighter