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Considering that less than one million people call North Dakota home, the state is all about enjoying the outdoors. With gorgeous lakes, rivers, badlands, and wide-open spaces, North Dakota is made for roadtripping. The state has five National Park Service sites, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, beloved by those who make the trek to visit.
But North Dakota’s state parks highlight both the natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the state. Given its deep Native American history, Scandinavian immigrant roots, and a vibrant arts scene, camping in North Dakota’s state parks provides the opportunity to appreciate both the abundant outdoors and the charming towns of this underrated state. State park campgrounds generally have limited amenities, but they are clean and well run, and most have electric hookups.
Reservations
Reservations can be made online at travel.parkrecnd.com or by calling 800-807-4723. Reservations can be made up to 95 days in advance.
Campsite sizes
All campgrounds accommodate big rigs, although site sizes vary. Once you’re in the reservation system, you enter details about RV type, length, width, and slide-outs before selecting a site. For general information about site sizes, it’s best to call the campground directly.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible sites are searchable and bookable through the reservation system. A valid disability placard or license plate must be visible.
Hookups
Full and partial hookups are available and searchable on the reservation system. Only three campgrounds offer full hookups, but all of the state park campgrounds have some sites equipped with 50-amp electric and water.
Connectivity
A few North Dakota state parks offer WiFi. The reservation system allows filtering searches by WiFi under “Amenity & Lifestyle” options. If connectivity is a priority, contact the campground directly to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 days within a 30 day period.
Additional facilities
All state park campgrounds have a dump station, potable water, and picnic areas. Most have convenience stores.
The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department’s reservation website is user friendly and allows you to filter searches by a detailed list of “Amenity & Lifestyle Options,” plus by “Activities” and “Atmosphere” (for example, quiet or family friendly).
Cost
“Modern Plus” campsites (full hookups) are $30 per night; “Modern” campsites (partial hookups) are $25 per night; and “Primitive” campsites (no hookups) are $17 per night.
Additional Fees:
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $9
Change fee: $10 (except when extending stay)
Cancellation fee until 7 days prior to arrival: $10
Cancellations within 7 days of arrival forfeit the first night’s fee.
The Park Entrance fee, in addition to camping fees, is $7 per vehicle. An annual vehicle entrance permit is available for $35 and can be booked online at travel.parkrecnd.com/campgrounds-and-rv-parks/all/North-Dakota-Parks-and-Recreation/permits.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed, as long as they’re kept on a leash. Many parks offer off-leash areas and dog parks. Of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 6 people or immediate family, and 1 vehicle.
- Check-in time: 4 p.m. Check-out time: 3 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Contact the park directly for any restrictions.
- Generator use: Allowed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Campfires: Allowed only in designated fire rings, following local restrictions.
- Drone use: Allowed following Federal Aviation Administration requirements and state laws.
Featured Campgrounds
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
4480 Fort Lincoln Road, Mandan, ND 58554
History buffs and roadschooling families won’t want to miss the oldest state park in North Dakota. Established in 1907, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park displays the history of the Native American Mandan Tribe, Lewis and Clark’s expedition, and the U.S. Army troops who were stationed here. Step back in time through reconstructed buildings, exhibits, informative signs, walking trails, and commanding views of the Missouri River. The campground offers spacious and shady sites close to the river, most with partial hookups. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is conveniently located close to the city of Bismarck, yet remains steeped in history and natural beauty.
Lake Sakakawea State Park
720 Park Avenue, Pick City, ND 58545
This stunning North Dakota state park is surrounded by miles of lakeshore on one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the country. Water sports like swimming, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and pier fishing are popular here. On land, you can enjoy peaceful nature trails, shady picnic areas, stunning sunsets, and panoramic views of the lake. The campground has more than 150 sites with partial hookups and 42 more primitive sites. Large rigs can be accommodated. The campground is open, but sites are spaced widely apart. Other plusses, like its convenience store, visitor center, playgrounds, and strong cell service, may convince you to extend your stay at Lake Sakakawea State Park.
Sully Creek State Park
1465 36th Street, Medora, ND 58645
Located just a few miles from the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this state park makes for a convenient home base. Compared to the nearby national park campgrounds, Sully Creek offers showers, central water, a dump station, some cell service (call ahead to verify carrier coverage), and miles of dog-friendly hiking trails. Plus, spots can be booked in advance to avoid the uncertainty of first come, first served. Campers still get to experience breathtaking views of the surrounding badlands in spacious sites, as well as the convenience of being close to the charming Old Western town of Medora. Note that this park is only open seasonally, from May through September.
North Dakota state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Beaver Lake State Park
Cross Ranch State Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Fort Ransom State Park
Fort Stevenson State Park
Grahams Island State Park
Icelandic State Park
Lake Sakakawea State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lewis & Clark State Park
Little Missouri State Park
Sully Creek State Park
Turtle River State Park
For more information on North Dakota state park campgrounds, visit parkrec.nd.gov/stay/camping.
