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North Dakota · camping guide

Camping in North Dakota

296 places to camp in North Dakota: 42 national forest and federal campgrounds, 11 free dispersed and primitive spots, 243 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 82°F and lows near 56°F.

Photo: Pexels
296places to camp
16free or dispersed
May–Sepbest months
100%with cell signal at camp

Best areas to camp

  1. Around White Shield32 camps in the area within 25 miles
  2. Around Watford City29 camps in the area within 25 miles
  3. Around Fort Totten23 camps in the area within 25 miles
  4. Around Belfield21 camps in the area within 25 miles
  5. Around East Dunseith20 camps in the area within 25 miles

Questions

When is the best time to camp in North Dakota?

The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 82°F and lows near 56°F.

Is there free camping in North Dakota?

Yes: 16 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.

Will I have cell signal camping in North Dakota?

At about 100% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.

Where are the darkest skies for camping in North Dakota?

93 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.

See all 296 on the map

Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.

Open North Dakota in Find camps

This week's picks

A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.

  • Lake TrentonFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [Sakakawea Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=290&agencyCode=130)

    View camp →
  • Homme Dam Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [Homme Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=163&agencyCode=130)

    View camp →
  • Summit CampgroundFederal campground · Free · Cell signal

    There are two walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire grates. There are also two picnic areas with shelters and pull through camping units for RV's and other vehicles. The campground…

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  • Hazen BayFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [Sakakawea Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=290&agencyCode=130)

    View camp →
  • East Ashtabula CrossingFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signal

    The East Ashtabula Crossing Campground is located on 12 developed acres adjacent to Lake Ashtabula in eastern North Dakota. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area.

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  • New TownFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [Sakakawea Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=290&agencyCode=130)

    View camp →
  • Indian HillsFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    This recreation area is part of [Sakakawea Lake](http://www.recreation.gov/recreationalAreaDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&recAreaId=290&agencyCode=130)

    View camp →
  • Jorgen's Hollow CampgroundFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal

    Jorgen’s Hollow Campground is located forty miles southwest of Fargo, North Dakota. Click [here](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5445162.pdf) for a map of the Jorgen’s…

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Free camping in North Dakota

16 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.

See all free camping on the map