Camping is a timeless activity that families and friends have been able to enjoy for ages. Luckily for us North Dakotans, we have some pretty sweet places to camp in North Dakota. They are located in some of the most naturally breathtaking areas, and this particular campground is no different. Pitch a tent at Cottonwood Campground in North Dakota and you’ll be blown away by how amazing it is.
The Cottonwood Campground is located in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, North Dakota.
The 76 campsites spread throughout this campground are tucked away in a valley between the rugged hills of the badlands. Cottonwood trees surround each campsite and provide a secluded spot to relax and just enjoy nature.
Don't be surprised if a few visitors pass through the campsites. Wild bison and horse herds as well as smaller critters like prairie dogs are very common in the area.
At night you can gaze up through the cottonwoods to see a starry sky like no other. In a place like this park, there is little to no light pollution to ruin a sky as incredible as this.
The Cottonwood Campground is open year-round and is not far from the town of Medora, meaning you can be close to restaurants and other amenities while still being out far enough that you can enjoy nature at its best.
The Cottonwood Campground in North Dakota has both reservable and walk-in/pull-up sites that don’t require reservations. For more information on the campsites available and how to make reservations, visit the National Parks Services website.
What do you think the most beautiful campground in North Dakota is? Tell us about your favorite camping experience. There are so many more camping opportunities in ND that you don’t want to miss, be sure to check out some of these rustic camping spots in North Dakota!
North Dakota is one of those places that just never seems to run out of amazing wonders to behold, trails to hike, parks to explore, or campgrounds to enjoy. Considering there are comparatively few visitors to our little corner of the world, it's not hard to get away from it all and really get away. For example, if you're looking for your new favorite campground, I've found a great contender: the East Totten Trail Campground seems to have it all, and it makes for an awesome vacation escape. This remote campground in North Dakota seems to have it all - and I'm sure you'll love it.
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Welcome to East Totten Trail Campground, which just so happens to be the only campground located on beautiful Lake Audubon.
The water is cool, clean, and crystal-clear - perfect for boating, fishing, and all-around lounging about. It is THE best place to kick back and relax.
So, why not spend a night (or three)? I think yes.
There are 30 beautiful campsites available, some of which have electric hookups, concrete and/or gravel, and fire rings.
The location of the campground right on the lake makes it a beloved place among the outdoorsy; it's away from it all, amazingly quiet, and ridiculously beautiful.
...definitely consider a night or five at the East Totten Trail Campground.
For more information about this beautiful, remote campground in North Dakota, be sure to visit the official Recreation.gov website. While you're here, you're also in close proximity to other wonders, like Lake Sakakawea, which is considered the Audubon's "sister lake".
Need some gear before you go? Check out all the cool camping must-haves like this GCI Outdoor Kickback Chair from our friends at REI. Do you have a favorite rural campground in North Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments!
Explore the best campgrounds in North Dakota with our curated list of the top 18 campgrounds, including both top-rated destinations and hidden gems. Whether you're seeking scenic lakesides, tranquil forests, or unique outdoor experiences, this guide has you covered for your next camping adventure in the Peace Garden State.
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Best State Park Campgrounds in North Dakota
North Dakota boasts some of the most beautiful and serene state park campgrounds. From the rugged badlands to the peaceful shores of pristine lakes - the state's diverse landscapes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you're an avid hiker, angler, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, North Dakota's state park campgrounds have something for everyone.
Popularity: Popular year-round, but busiest from May through September.
Park Info: Amphitheater, boat ramp, courtesy dock, dog park, electrical hookup, historical buildings, picnic shelters, playground, sewage dump station, shower and flush toilets, canoe/kayak/paddle board/kicksled rentals, sledding hill, and a swim beach.
Price: $17-$60/night
Icelandic State Park on Lake Renwick's picturesque shores offers a window into the state's pioneering history and an array of outdoor activities. Icelandic State Park accommodates all seasons, from summer boating, swimming, and fishing to winter adventures like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park features meticulously restored historic structures like Akra Community Hall and Hallson Church, providing insight into North Dakota's homesteading past. The Pioneer Heritage Center offers educational exhibits, while a public library caters to those exploring local and family histories. Nature lovers can explore the Gunlogson Nature Preserve's three-mile trail system, home to rare plant species, birds, and wildlife, including the Pileated Woodpecker and Western Wood-Pewee.
Adding to its allure, Icelandic State Park offers three seasonal camping cabins: Pine Cabin in the North Loop Campground, Aspen Cabin in the South Loop Campground, and Oak Cabin in the West Loop Campground. Each cabin comfortably accommodates up to five guests, featuring one full bed and three twin beds arranged bunkbed style. These cabins have modern conveniences, including lighting, heating, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a deck, an outdoor grill, and a picnic table. Although they lack showers, sinks, or toilets, most are within a short walk to a campground comfort station.
Icelandic State Park also has a campground offering a variety of campsite types, including 140 modern campsites with electricity and water hookups, seven group campsites, and 10 primitive campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Park Info: Picnic shelters, playground, sewage dump station, showers and flush toilets, sledding area, visitor center, and a warming house.
Price: $17-$125/night
Nestled in a wooded valley, Turtle River State Park is a CCC-built gem from the 1930s, tracing the serene path of Turtle River. It's a year-round playground for camping, hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Explore trails, relax in shaded picnic areas, or cast a line into the trout-stocked river.
Turtle River State Park offers Woodland Cabins, perfect for larger groups. These seasonal duplex cabins, available from mid-May to mid-September, accommodate up to six guests in bunkbed-style units. They feature air conditioning, heating, private showers, and toilets. For year-round comfort, the accessible Cottonwood Cabin has heating, air conditioning, two bedrooms, a complete kitchen, and a bathroom, allowing you to enjoy the park's offerings in style.
The campsite options at Turtle River State Park include 65 modern campsites with electricity and water, three modern group campsites, and 26 primitive campsites.
Popularity: Quiet state park that's busier during the summer.
Park Info: Boat ramp, flush toilets, picnic shelters, sewage dump station, showers, and a swim beach.
Price: $17-$60/night
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Beaver Lake State Park offers a tranquil retreat by a quiet lake surrounded by rolling prairies. With a rich history and diverse outdoor activities, including camping and water sports, the park provides an ideal escape from everyday life.
Beaver Lake State Park has three seasonal camping cabins: Hoberg, Homestead, and Pioneer, all located by the lake near primitive campsites. These cabins are a budget-friendly choice for a summer getaway, equipped with air conditioning, heat, a small fridge, and a microwave. Each cabin can sleep five, with a bunk bed arrangement, and is accessible.
The campground offers 25 modern campsites equipped with electricity and water, along with three group campsites and five primitive campsites.
Park Info: 50 Amp available, big rigs, BBQ grills, ADA accessible, 24-hour courtesy patrol, commissary store (coffee shop/gift shop), historical sites, picnic shelters, playground, sewage dump station, showers, flush toilets, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$60/night
Established in 1907, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers a rich historical experience with reconstructed earthlodges, old forts, and a Visitor Center Museum. The park also boasts scenic trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, providing stunning views of the Heart and Missouri River bottoms. Accommodations include cabins and over 100 campsites along the rivers, and fishing opportunities abound along the shorelines of the Missouri and Heart Rivers.
At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, you'll find two seasonal camping cabins, Goodboy and Sheheke, located by the Missouri River in the main campground. The cabins feature air conditioning, heat, and a small refrigerator. It can sleep up to five people with a queen bed and three single bunk beds. The park also offers various campsite types, including 82 modern campsites, 15 water-only campsites, and four water-only equestrian campsites.
Best Beach Camping in North Dakota
Discover the finest waterside camping experiences in North Dakota, where sparkling waters and natural beauty await. Whether you enjoy fishing or boating or want to camp by some water, North Dakota offers some of the best lake camping spots. Explore this list to find your ideal waterfront escape.
Park Info: Water sports/boat rentals, arboretum, boat ramps, dog park, fish cleaning station, gas dock, guardhouse interpretive center, marinas with seasonal and transient slips, marina concession/restaurant, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sewage dump station, showers and flush toilets, swimming beach, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$60/night
Fort Stevenson State Park, nestled in the bluffs along Lake Sakakawea's north shore, offers a variety of recreational activities, including trails, rentals, stunning views, and year-round events. Located near Garrison, the "Walleye Capital" of North Dakota, it's a prime destination for lake enthusiasts, with two marinas, boat ramps, rentals, and fish cleaning facilities. The park's history is rooted in an 1800s fort, and visitors can explore this past through the park's museum and the Frontier Military Days event in June.
The Rosebud, Yellowstone, and Far West camping cabins are bunkbed-style accommodations for five guests, with one full bed and three twins. They include lighting, heating, air conditioning, a small refrigerator, a deck, an outdoor grill, and a picnic table. While these cabins lack showers, sinks, or toilets, most are near campground comfort stations. They are usually available for booking from mid-May to September.
The campground offers a variety of campsite types, including 55 modern plus campsites with electricity, water, and sewer hookups, 18 group modern campsites with electricity and water hookups, and 56 modern campsites with electricity and water hookups.
Popularity: A quiet and peaceful campground. Great place for families.
Park Info: Boat ramp, boat dock, drinking water, fishing dock, grills, picnic area, vault toilets, boat trailer parking, campfire rings, cell phone service, dump station, electric hookups, lake access, lantern posts, paved sites, pet-friendly, and a playground.
Price: $14-$22/night
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Situated along Lake Audubon's western shores, East Totten Trail Campground stands as the sole camping haven on this expansive lake. This campground caters to all, offering year-round outdoor adventures, from boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, ice fishing, and more. With 30 electric hookup sites, 10 primitive spots, modern amenities like vault toilets and a fish cleaning station, and picturesque lake views from most sites, it's a perfect base for lakeside fun.
Park Info: Bike, canoe, kayak, paddle board, and snowshoe rentals. Amphitheater, boat ramp, dog park, fish cleaning station, marina, picnic shelters, sewage dump station, sewer and electrical hookups, showers, flush toilets, swim beach, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$60/night
Lewis and Clark State Park graces the shores of Lake Sakakawea, offering picturesque views of buttes and hills. The park also features a native mixed-grass prairie with hiking trails, and visitors can enjoy swimming, a day-use beach, modern boating amenities, fishing opportunities, and various outdoor rentals.
Lewis and Clark State Park has two seasonal camping cabins, the Clark and Lewis Cabins, located along Lake Sakakawea in the Bluebird Loop campground. The Clark cabin is the only accessible option. These cabins, available during the season, offer an economical choice with air conditioning and a small refrigerator. Each sleeps up to five guests with a bunkbed-style arrangement of one full bed and three twin beds.
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The campground offers a variety of campsite types, including 41 modern plus campsites with electricity, sewer, and water hookups, 47 modern campsites with electricity and water, two group plus campsites with electricity, sewer, and water, three group campsites with electricity and water, and eight primitive campsites for a range of camping preferences.
Park Info: Pontoon boat rentals, boat ramp, concessions, dump station, fish cleaning station, full-service marina, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, sewer and electrical hookups, showers, flush toilets, swim beach, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$60/night
Lake Sakakawea State Park, located on the southern shore of one of the nation's largest man-made reservoirs, offers gorgeous lakeside views and a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy the swim beach, camp under the trees, explore hiking trails or partake in water activities on the 368,000-acre lake, ideal for sailing and windsurfing due to North Dakota's legendary winds.
The park is renowned for its excellent fishing, with opportunities to catch walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Amenities include a full-service marina, a convenience store, and a fish cleaning station, making it convenient for anglers. Additionally, the park serves as the western endpoint of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 4,800-mile trail spanning eight states from Lake Sakakawea State Park in North Dakota to Vermont, passing through Fort Ransom State Park along the way.
Lake Sakakawea State Park has two seasonal camping cabins in the accessible Sanish Campground. These budget-friendly one-room cabins are air-conditioned, come with a small refrigerator, and can sleep up to five guests in a bunkbed-style arrangement. The park also offers 149 modern campsites with electricity and water, 10 group campsites, and 42 primitive campsites.
Top Glamping in North Dakota
Discover the best of both worlds with North Dakota's top glamping experiences. Enjoy the great outdoors in style and comfort as we explore the state's most luxurious camping destinations. From rustic cabins to unique yurts, embrace nature without compromising on amenities.
Popularity: Summer is popular for water activities, and winter is popular for snow activities.
Park Info: Canoe, kayak, cross-country skis, and snowshoe rentals. Kayak and canoe transport. Adirondack shelter, band shelter, boat ramp, dump station, meeting room, showers, flush toilets, picnic shelters, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$125/night
Cross Ranch State Park boasts almost 17 miles of year-round trails for hiking and winter cross-country skiing, offering access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with diverse landscapes and roaming bison. The park provides cabins, yurts, campgrounds, and a boat ramp for exploring the Missouri River. Anglers can find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike, and bass in the river's waters.
Cross Ranch has a variety of glamping accommodations available, including cabins and yurts with a wide range of amenities. They also offer modern and primitive campsites for those who wish to get a little more up close and personal with the great outdoors.
Popularity: A popular state park to visit year-round. Peak season is May through September.
Park Info: Cross-country skis and kayak rentals, kayak transport, flush toilets, playground, sewage dump station, showers, and a visitor center.
Price: $17-$125/night
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Fort Ransom State Park, named after an 1860s military fort, is nestled in the picturesque Sheyenne River Valley. Here, visitors can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching along the river, explore a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and partake in activities like horseback riding and camping during the summer months. In winter, cross-country skiing is a popular pastime. The park also hosts the annual Sodbuster Days celebration, showcasing the life of early homesteaders through demonstrations and exhibits.
The park offers a variety of unique glamping options. The Bjone house, a fully restored pioneer homestead from 1879, sleeps six with modern amenities and a river-view deck. The Pederson and Redetzke Yurts provide year-round comfort for six guests near the park's trails. The Percheron Wagon offers a rustic exterior and cozy interior, accommodating several guests. Nils Olson is a cabin for two, open seasonally.
Fort Ransom State Park also has campsite offerings, including 24 modern equestrian sites with electricity, water, and corral access, nine primitive equestrian sites with corral access, 15 modern campsites with electricity and water, 11 primitive campsites, five group modern campsites with electricity and water, and six group primitive campsites.
Park Info: Water and snow equipment rentals, boat ramp, dog park, fishing docks, electrical hookups, outdoor learning center, geocaches, picnic shelters, playgrounds, sewage dump station, showers, flush toilets, sledding hill, swim beach, and a warming house.
Price: $17-$115/night
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains along the U.S./Canadian border, Lake Metigoshe is a popular year-round destination in North Dakota. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching in the park's small lakes and diverse woodlands. During the winter, activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing abound.
This state park has many glamping accommodations, including cabins, group dorms, and a yurt with amenities ranging from basic to modern comforts. They also have modern, group, and primitive camping available for those who want a more outdoorsy experience.
Park Info: Cabins include a full kitchen, two bedrooms, furnished living room, satellite TV, ceiling fans, air conditioning, heating, bathroom (towels included), washer, and dryer.
Price: $225-$250/night
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Welcome to Wannagan Creek Cabins, your gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park in scenic southwest North Dakota, just minutes from Interstate 94. At Wannagan Creek Cabins, you'll have your choice out of the four private lodges with all the comforts of home. The property has easy access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, golfing, shopping in Medora, and the famous Medora Musical during the summer. Please note the cabins are non-smoking and pet-free, and you'll need to bring your bed linens.
Best RV Camping Sites in North Dakota
Take the ultimate road trip adventure in North Dakota with the best RV camping sites. Whether you're seeking picturesque spots or convenient campgrounds with hookups, we've curated a list of top RV parks for RV enthusiasts. Discover the beauty of North Dakota while enjoying all the comforts of home on wheels. And if you don't own an RV, opt to rent one through a service like RVShare!
Park Info: Canoe and kayak access, corrals, dump station, shower house, round pen, vault toilets, and water hydrants.
Price: $17-$25/night
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Situated in North Dakota's captivating badlands, Sully Creek State Park provides a peaceful retreat just minutes from Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Adventure seekers flock here for springtime canoeing and kayaking along the picturesque Little Missouri River, which offers a unique view of the badlands. The park also caters to horseback riding, hiking, and cyclists and serves as a gateway to the renowned 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail, making it a prime destination.
Sully Creek State Park offers 41 spacious campsites in three areas: Whitetail Flats for large RVs, Cedar for smaller RVs and tents, and Little Muddy Breaks for horse campers. All sites have picnic tables, and amenities include vault toilets, a shower house, drinking water, and a dump station.
Park Info: Store, bait shop, restrooms, showers, marina, fish cleaning station, boat rentals, ice house rentals, and a laundry facility.
Price: $35/night
Eastbay Campground, situated on the eastern shore of Devils Lake, 15 miles from the town of Devils Lake, has been welcoming guests since 1998. The campground takes pride in offering a friendly environment and continually enhancing the amenities offered. Devils Lake is renowned for its outstanding fishing, including walleye, northern pike, white bass, and perch.
Eastbay Campground offers seasonal and overnight RV sites with electric and water hookups. You'll find a convenient dump station as you leave the campground, and each site comes with shade trees, a fire ring, and a picnic table. The on-site store provides a variety of food options, including ready-to-eat meals and camping essentials. They have two boat launch areas for easy lake access, and the three beaches are great for swimming.
Popularity: Quiet park that is particularly loved by horseback riders.
Park Info: Corrals, electrical hookups, pay shower house, round pen, RV dump station, shelters, and vault toilets.
Price: $12-$100/night
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Located in western North Dakota, Little Missouri State Park offers a peaceful retreat amidst the striking North Dakota Badlands. It boasts over 45 miles of scenic trails winding through the rugged landscape, providing captivating views of meandering waterways. The park caters to both modern and primitive campers and features horse amenities like corrals and a round pen. Little Missouri State Park is open seasonally from May to October, inviting nature enthusiasts to unwind in its serene surroundings.
The park offers 35 diverse camping sites, including primitive tent spots, modern RV sites with electricity, and roomy group shelters. These sites provide picnic tables and fire pits, with facilities like vault toilets, a shower house, picnic areas, and a dump station in the campground. For equestrian fans, there are horse corrals and a round pen, along with the option to purchase hay.
Best Primitive Tent Camping in North Dakota
For those seeking a back-to-basics camping adventure, North Dakota offers some of the finest primitive tent camping experiences. These tent sites immerse you in nature, away from modern amenities, providing an authentic and rustic outdoor experience.
Popularity: Busier in the summer. Cheaper to camp in the winter during the off-peak season.
Park Info: Hiking trails, wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and fishing.
Price: $3.50-$30/night (backcountry camping is free with a permit)
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park, situated in southwestern North Dakota, conserves three areas of picturesque badlands. It was founded to commemorate how this landscape profoundly impacted Theodore Roosevelt during his youth when he hunted and ranch-ed in the Little Missouri Badlands. The park remains open throughout the year, featuring scenic drives through the vibrant terrain, where visitors often encounter bison, prairie dogs, deer, and other wildlife. A variety of hiking trails caters to all levels, from paved walking paths to challenging wilderness routes.
The park has two campgrounds, both with a group site and plenty of standard sites. And if you're camping with horses, there's a special group site for you, too. Just keep in mind that these campgrounds are primitive – no hookups or showers here. You can reserve group sites and about half of the campsites in the South Unit ahead of time, but for the rest, it's first-come, first-served.
Are you looking for a backcountry camping experience? Explore the park's undeveloped areas for camping – get a free backcountry permit for your overnight stay. There are no designated backcountry campsites, but you can camp for up to 14 days. Remember, there's no approved drinking water in the backcountry, so bring your own for drinking and cooking.
17. Bennett Campground in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands
Park Info: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, climbing, snow sports, swimming, and wildlife watching.
Price: $10/night
Experience tranquility at Bennett Campground, nestled in the serene Grasslands. This fenced-in campground provides space for tents and RVs, with restrooms and water available in the summer. It's a first-come, first-served campground with 13 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with a grill. And just a short distance away, the Maah Daah Hey trail beckons adventurers. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or simply savor the peaceful ambiance, this spot offers the ultimate serenity.
Park Info: It's first-come, first-served at this campground; no reservations are taken. Pay at the entrance fee tube when choosing a site. Drinking water and toilets are accessible only in summer.
Price: $10/night
A prime gathering spot at the northern terminus of the Buffalo Gap Trail, Wannagan Campground features sweeping panoramic views encompassing numerous prominent buttes. Ideal for those seeking an authentic grassland camping adventure, the remote campground offers expansive, open sites that can comfortably accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Equestrian campers will enjoy a generously sized trailhead conveniently adjacent to the campground, granting easy access to the Maah Daah Hey and nearby Buffalo Gap Trail. Campsite amenities comprise 10 sites, a potable water hand pump, picnic tables, fire rings, hitching rails, and a single vault toilet.
Have you been to any of these camping spots in North Dakota? Do you think they are the best places to camp in North Dakota? We’d love to hear which North Dakota campgrounds you love most!
