Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Lake City? We've got you covered. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your South Dakota excursion.
Sheyenne National Grassland is located in southeastern North Dakota, comprising 70,180 acres (28,400 ha) of public land amid 64,769 acres (26,211 ha) of privately owned land. It is characterized by sandy soils, originally deposited as the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz. Since that time, wind and rain have shaped the topography into a unique landscape ranging from flat deltaic plains to choppy sand dunes. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chickens in North Dakota as well as several other sensitive species such as the Dakota skipper and Regal Fritillary. It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid, which has been placed on the list of Threatened Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other unique plants found on the grassland include other orchids and ferns. The grassland is managed with prescribed grazing, fire, and mowing. These programs are all managed in cooperation with the local grazing association. Treatment of noxious weeds is also very important and is accomplished through herbicide application, biocontrol, and sheep grazing. Recreation opportunities abound throughout the grassland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, photography, and backpacking. See Activities section below for detailed descriptions. Some points of interest to visit while on the grassland include: Iron Springs creek, the Horseshoe Hills, Old Bridges, Owego Pioneer Cemetery, and an Old Fire Lookout Tower. The grassland is located in eastern Ransom and western Richland counties, about 12 miles (19km) east of the city of Lisbon. The grassland is administered by the Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands from the Supervisor’s office in Bismarck, North Dakota. The local Sheyenne Ranger District office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. Other places of interest in the vicinity of Sheyenne National Grassland include: The town of McLeod, North Dakota. Visitors can learn about the area’s history, including some of the Grassland’s history at the McLeod Museum Complex. The museum complex includes a Presbyterian Church built in 1909, the Soo Line Depot, a homestead house built in the late 1800s, and a one-room school house which operated from 1904-2002. McLeod is located three miles south of Highway 27 on County Road 54 or 149th Avenue SE. The Nature Conservancy operates Brown Ranchthrough their Sheyenne Delta office located just a few miles southwest of McLeod, ND. Some of this land is managed in conjunction with the Sheyenne National Grassland. Explore the Seven Wonders of Ransom County.
Guide
Got there late and left early, so can’t say much about the scenery but it’s a nice little campground. Quiet. Heard some coyotes late at night. Nice tables and fire pit.
TravelerMy first and not going to be the last campout here. Beautiful sites,trails,very friendly and knowledgeable ranger. Took our 40' through the 1212 trail and was quite concerned I had gotten a little bold with following an unknown gps destination. It worked out but was very close as was also pulling a car hauler. Just for your info i was also traveling east to west. Definitely a pleasant adventure out here in North Dakota. I have to say a little paradise can be found here. I am doing the dispersed camping right in the oak valley next to the 1212. John
GuideOldest son and I hiked into the east side of the Sheyenne Grasslands on the NCT. We had parked at the Ekre trailhead, deciding to hike past the Ekre campsite. We set up our tent as soon as we got into the boundaries as a thunder and lightening storm began. The next morning we hiked the 3 miles into Jorgens Hallow, the actual campground on the Grassland. There we refilled our water, used the vault toilets and continued on our way on the NCT across the grasslands.
LegendThe tall grass prairie here is absolutely beautiful, and a rare place to be able to enjoy. There are two established campgrounds here, but dispersed camping is allowed anywhere on the property (with restrictions). It’s a very different kind of camping than I was used to in forests back east. It’s wide open here and cattle roam the land. It’s a great place to experience all the Great Plains has to offer for the outdoor lover.
GuideReturned here just for a hike not to camp this time, we love it so much! Only saw 1 other group on the trail, did 5 miles out to Mirror pond, enjoyed lunch there and did the 5 miles back. Great activity for a sunny but chilly April Sunday!
GuideWe dispersed camped for 1 night while walking along the North Country trail. It is a quiet and safe, we parked at the trail head and intended to hike to mirror lake but didn't make it in that far and found a nice place to stop along the way.
There are cows around the prairie which leads to cattle gates along the trail, just a quick flip up of the gate and you are on your way! I recommend selecting an area where the cows are not currently in. Also, note since there area cows and these are equestrian trails keep your eyes open for any droppings along the trail :)
Overall, lovely and cost effective option for a hike and camp.
ScoutI went camping in the Grasslands with my family last fall, we enjoyed it so much, we went back for a second time the following weekend. Very peaceful at the minimal campground. We also hiked a trail and saw so many different plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake City, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake City, SD is Sheyenne National Grassland with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
