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Hankinson Hills Campground features a dedicated loop for horse camping separate from the non-horse camping area. Located in Hankinson, North Dakota, this well-maintained campground provides essential facilities for equestrians including water access and multiple vault toilets. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with most spaces offering shade trees. The campground is situated in an original remnant of oak/grass prairies that once covered extensive areas where forest met plains. Horse camping sites are designed to accommodate trailers with ample parking space. The campground maintains a quiet atmosphere with no motorized vehicles allowed. Biting flies and mosquitoes can be abundant during certain seasons, affecting both horses and riders.
The hiking and riding trail that circles this small grassland extends approximately 5-6 miles, offering a complete loop experience for equestrians. Access to the campground requires traveling on good gravel roads that are passable with any rig, including horse trailers. The surrounding area includes grazing land with occasional cattle presence near fence lines. Trail maintenance includes regular mowing to ensure clear paths for riders. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 per night fee. Cell service is surprisingly good for a remote location, allowing campers to stay connected while enjoying the natural setting. The area offers minimal light pollution, creating excellent stargazing opportunities after evening trail rides.
"Beautiful equestrian campground during many seasons. The sites are nice but basic. There is water access at the park. Hiking trails. Well maintained. Horse trails available."
"This is a horse campground with very basic services. Trash, pit toilets, corals but there are well maintained trails that go throughout and streams and small waterfalls."
"There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade."
"The campground is well maintained and the trail had just been mowed. Unfortunately there are stickers and poor tuck found a number of them. We still had fun."
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LegendBeautiful equestrian campground during many seasons. The sites are nice but basic. There is water access at the park. Hiking trails. Well maintained. Horse trails available.
GuideWell maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. There’s a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade. Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two. Can hear trains running by every so often. Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes.
LegendThis is a horse campground with very basic services. Trash, pit toilets, corals but there are well maintained trails that go throughout and streams and small waterfalls. Some of the most interesting hiking on this end of the state. Only 11 or so spots and very little shade and it has been surprisingly busy. I will do as much as I can on the trail system.
LegendI was lucky enough to get a spot far under the trees. It was quite private and even though it was labor day weekend, it was quiet and peaceful. Good cell service, I was able to work on Friday via my hot spot. The campground is well maintained and the trail had just been mowed. Unfortunately there are stickers and poor tuck found a number of them. We still had fun.
LegendThis campground is slightly remote (gravel roads/minimum maintenance type roads) I was in a car, but roads were dry, I could see an issue with needing a 4x4 if rainy. Big RVs/Fancy RV’s beware. Nice spacious sites and there are many multi purpose trails (wheelers too!) nearby.
GuideThere are gorgeous sites well spaced and lots of shade. Trails to bike ride around. No motorized vehicles allowed so it's quiet. Road in was good gravel. Picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. $10 / night. Great find.
RangerWe spent a night there in the fall. It is well off the main road but the dirt road is passable with any rig. The sites are varied, well kept and some will fit larger rigs. It is typical forest service dry camping. There is a hiking trail that circles this small grassland about 5 or 6 miles long.
What is unique about this place is that is an original remnant of the oak/grass prairies that used to cover extensive areas where the forest met the plains. There is grazing in the grassland but it is very quiet and no light pollution. Cell service was actually pretty good.
TravelerShowed up on a Thursday night, and I am the sole camper in the entire place. Nicely set up, and seems well cared for. Only problem: there are cows everywhere. You go though cow pastures to get to the campground and they are just sitting at the fence line mooing. Hopefully they shut up soon so I can get some sleep.
Hankinson Hills Campground in North Dakota offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities approximately 108 miles northwest of Lake City, South Dakota. The campground features separate camping loops for horse riders and non-equestrian visitors. The area represents an original remnant of oak-grass prairie ecosystem that once covered extensive areas where forest transitioned to plains, creating a unique camping environment for horse enthusiasts.
Trail riding opportunities: The Hankinson Hills area provides approximately 5-6 miles of maintained trails circling through oak-grass prairie landscapes. "The hiking and riding trail that circles this small grassland extends approximately 5-6 miles, offering a complete loop experience for equestrians," notes Doug W., who visited Hankinson Hills Campground.
Wildlife observation: Campers can observe native prairie ecosystems and local wildlife while riding or hiking. "What is unique about this place is that is an original remnant of the oak/grass prairies that used to cover extensive areas where the forest met the plains," states Doug W., highlighting the ecological significance of the area.
Biking exploration: The maintained trails surrounding the campground offer opportunities for bicycle exploration through prairie landscapes. Claudia H. mentions, "Trails to bike ride around. No motorized vehicles allowed so it's quiet. Road in was good gravel."
Campsite quality: Horse camping sites at Hankinson Hills provide ample space for trailers and equipment with convenient amenities. Katie L. reports, "Well maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets. There's a loop for horse camping and a loop for non horse camping. Each site has a fire ring and a nice table, most spaces have trees to provide shade."
Privacy and spacing: Sites are arranged to provide adequate separation between camping parties. Teresa T. appreciated the seclusion: "I was lucky enough to get a spot far under the trees. It was quite private and even though it was labor day weekend, it was quiet and peaceful."
Natural surroundings: The preserved oak-grass prairie ecosystem creates a peaceful backdrop for camping. "There is grazing in the grassland but it is very quiet and no light pollution," mentions Doug W. about Hankinson Hills Campground, highlighting the natural characteristics that enhance stargazing opportunities.
Insect considerations: Campers should prepare for seasonal insect activity that can affect both horses and riders. Katie L. notes, "Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes," suggesting that insect repellent is essential equipment during summer months.
Rural sounds: While generally quiet, proximity to agricultural areas means occasional livestock noise. Brendon K. shares this insight about Sica Hollow State Park Campground: "Only problem: there are cows everywhere. You go though cow pastures to get to the campground and they are just sitting at the fence line mooing."
Road conditions: Access roads are maintained but unpaved, requiring appropriate driving considerations. "It is well off the main road but the dirt road is passable with any rig," explains Doug W., providing reassurance about accessibility for horse trailers and camping vehicles.
Work-friendly amenities: The unexpected cell service quality allows for remote work possibilities during extended stays. Teresa T. confirms this benefit: "Good cell service, I was able to work on Friday via my hot spot. The campground is well maintained and the trail had just been mowed."
Ground hazards: Families should check campsites and trails for potential hazards to pets and children. "Unfortunately there are stickers and poor tuck found a number of them," warns Teresa T. from Hankinson Hills Campground, referring to thorny plant material that can be uncomfortable for pets and campers alike.
Cost considerations: Affordable nightly rates make this an economical option for family equestrian camping trips. "Picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. $10/night. Great find," notes Claudia H., highlighting the value proposition of this horse camping destination.
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should carefully select sites that accommodate their vehicle dimensions. Doug W. advises, "The sites are varied, well kept and some will fit larger rigs. It is typical forest service dry camping."
Self-contained camping: RVers should arrive prepared with all necessary supplies as amenities are limited to basic facilities. "Well maintained campground, has water and multiple vault toilets," Katie L. confirms, indicating that while water is available, hookups and other services are not provided at this equestrian camping area near Lake City, South Dakota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake City, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake City, SD is Sica Hollow State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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