North Dakota is an excellent choice for an RV camping vacation. The wide open spaces and national and state parks are great spots to camp, and you’ll love the freedom and comfort of RV travel.
Of course, there’s a lot to learn if you’re going to go RV camping in North Dakota. You’ll need to know what to pack, where to stay, and what to see while you’re there. This guide can help! We’ll cover all that and more so you can plan an interesting and fun trip to North Dakota.
Preparing for RV Camping
To get started, you’ll need to make sure you have an RV to take camping! If you don’t have your own RV, RVshare can help. There are lots of North Dakota RV rentals, so you’ll have plenty of choices. Then, you’ll need to decide what to bring along on your trip.
Choosing the right RV for your needs
If you plan to rent an RV for your North Dakota camping trip, you’ll want to think about a few things. First, you’ll need to consider the size of your group. If you’re traveling alone or with just one other person, you can rent a small campervan or pop-up trailer. If you have a large group, you’ll need a bigger rig like a Class C camper, a Class A motorhome, or a fifth-wheel trailer. You’ll also want to think about the amenities you need. Smaller RVs tend to have fewer amenities, and a campervan may just have a bed and not too much else. Large rigs like Class A motorhomes have bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, entertainment areas, and lots of other perks.
You’ll also want to think about how you’ll get around once you’ve set up camp. If you’re in a campervan, you can use that as your transportation. If you tow a trailer, you can use your tow vehicle once you’ve unhitched. But larger campers like a Class C or Class A RV may require you to tow an extra vehicle behind. You can also check your campground to see if there is public transportation or a park shuttle that you can use.
Packing essentials for a successful trip
Once you have your RV, you’ll need to decide what to bring in it! Packing an RV is a talent – you want to make sure you bring all your essentials but you don’t want to take up space with unnecessary things.
It can help to make two lists – one for your personal items and one for the things you’ll need while staying in an RV.
On your personal packing list, you’ll want:
- Clothing appropriate for the weather and activities you’ve planned. Pack for the number of days you’ll be gone, or the number of days between laundry stops.
- Toiletries
- Medications
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray or citronella candles
- Entertainment (books, games, movies)
- Outdoor gear (hiking boots, bathing suit, paddleboards, etc)
- Cold or warm weather gear as needed (heavy jacket, hat, mittens, sun hat, rain jacket)
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Groceries
- Electronics & chargers
- Pet supplies
- Quarters for showers or laundry
Before you decide what to pack in your RV, you’ll want to check the rental listing. Different rentals include different items, so you may find that linens, dishes, and even items like camp chairs or paddleboards are included with your rental. Then again, it’s also possible none of those things will be provided.
- Pots & pans
- Dishes
- Utensils – don’t forget a can opener, bottle opener, spatula, set of knives, etc.
- Dish towels & sponges
- Sheets & pillows
- Bath Towels
- Tool kit
- Folding camp chairs
- Blankets
- RV leveling blocks
- Sewer hose and adapter
- Freshwater hose
- Surge protector
You may also need to adjust your list depending on where you’re camping and the time of year. The above is a basic list – you may want to consult this pre-travel checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
Considerations for Camping in North Dakota
Before you drive in North Dakota, you’ll want to brush up on the state’s RV driving laws. Most states have similar laws, but there can be variations and you want to make sure you don’t get a ticket!
In North Dakota, your RV can be a maximum of 102 inches wide and 50 feet long. The maximum length for a trailer is 53 feet, and the maximum RV height is 14 feet. You can triple-tow in North Dakota, but the maximum combined length for all three vehicles is 75 feet. Passengers are allowed to ride in fifth-wheel trailers or truck campers. Overnight parking is permitted in rest areas unless there are signs saying otherwise.
All RVs must have flares or reflective signs and a fire extinguisher. All trailers must have trailer brakes, safety chains, and a breakaway switch.
As far as general driving laws, you are allowed to make a right turn on a red light unless there are signs posted saying otherwise.
Researching campground options and making reservations
When you’ve figured out your RV, the next step is to research campgrounds for your trip to North Dakota! There is lots of information available online to help you learn about the state and the campgrounds there. Sites like Campspot, The Dyrt, BookOutdoors, and RoverPass can search for campgrounds near where you want to visit. Harvest Hosts and Hipcamp are also good websites for unique suggestions on campgrounds and other places to stay.
Finding Campgrounds
You won’t run out of options when looking for RV campgrounds in North Dakota! You can enjoy a swanky stay at a luxury campground and explore in style. You can also find primitive campsites far away from crowds, or urban campgrounds in the middle of North Dakota’s cities.
National Park Camping
North Dakota is home to one national park – Theodore Roosevelt National Park. You can camp inside the park, although there are no hookups and no showers at the two park campgrounds. Within the park boundaries, you can see three areas of badlands in southwestern North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt attributed his political career and ambitions to the time he spent as a young man in North Dakota, and the state now has the only national park named after a single person.
The park has one of the most pristine habitats for bison left in the U.S. Along with admiring the badlands, you can watch for wildlife, fish, kayak, and hike.
National Grassland Camping
The Sheyenne National Grassland is in southeastern North Dakota and covers 70,180 acres of public land. You can camp in the grasslands, and enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and other activities. There is dispersed camping available in the grasslands.
State Park Camping
There are many state parks in North Dakota where you can camp as well! Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is the oldest state park in North Dakota and is home to an Indian Village, a historic cemetery, and reconstructed military buildings including the Custer House and a barracks. Turtle River State Park is near Grand Forks. The river is stocked with trout, so this is a great spot for fishing. Icelandic State Park also has campgrounds. It’s on the north shore of Lake Renwick and has the Pioneer Heritage Center, the Gunlogson Homestead and Nature Preserve, and restored historic buildings that share North Dakota’s homesteading past. You can also fish, swim, hike, boat, and cross-country ski in winter.
Exploring private campgrounds and RV parks
While North Dakota has many public campgrounds, you may prefer one of the state’s private campgrounds instead. Private campgrounds tend to have more amenities like WiFi, showers, laundry, or even just dump stations compared to their public counterparts. There are campgrounds for glamping, like Wannagan Creek Cabins, which are near the badlands and close to golf courses, shops, and restaurants. Custer’s Cottage is close to Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Boondocking in North Dakota
On the other end of the scale from well-appointed private campgrounds, you can also head out boondocking in North Dakota! There are lots of places to boondock, but Sweet Briar Lake is an excellent choice. It’s one of the easiest-to-reach spots for boondocking. Camp near the lake so you can be out there early for fishing and other fun activities.
The Cedar River National Grassland is just across the state line from South Dakota. It’s an area of farmland and rolling hills, and you’ll be greeted with calm, open views each morning.
Planning your itinerary
Once you’ve decided on your North Dakota campgrounds, it’s time to decide what you’re going to do when you visit the state! North Dakota has a plethora of choices for museums, parks, amusement parks, and cities like Fargo and Bismarck.
Features and attractions in North Dakota
A great way to see North Dakota’s beauty is by taking a scenic drive in the state. The Sakakawea Trail runs from the western part of North Dakota to the middle and stops by several important points related to Sacajawea and Lewis and Clark, the men she guided through the area. The Killdeer Mountain Four Bears byway features important sites to the first people who lived in the area, plus a beautiful lake, a rodeo, and lots of the best of North Dakota scenery.
You’ll also want to make time to see some of North Dakota’s landmarks. The Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site is short distance from where the Missouri River intersects the Yellowstone River. Fort Union was the most important fur trading site in the areas in the mid-1800s. You can see reconstructed buildings and learn what life was like in the 1800s. You can also see a collection of Native American art on display.
The Huff Archaeological Site is one of the best-preserved prehistoric Mandan villages in the world, and was occupied beginning in 1450 AD. There were hundreds of lodges, and there is evidence of bastions and fortifications.
Finally, check out the national sites in North Dakota! The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site includes three Indian villages – the Awatixa Site, the Sakawea Site, and Hidatsa Village. Learn about the different people who lived in the area and see how they carved out an existence in North Dakota. The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest hiking trail in the nation at 4,700 miles. It runs from North Dakota to Vermont and organizers hope to expand it even more.
Festivals, fairs, and events in North Dakota
You may find that a fun North Dakota event is happening while you’re in the state! Or perhaps you’re planning your entire trip around an event like a food or music festival or the state fair. The Off The Charts Music Festival and the North Dakota Renaissance Faire are both exciting summer events to attend. Many festivals and fairs even have camping available right on the grounds of the events.
If you’re renting an RV for a North Dakota event, you can also check your listing to see if the owner offers set-up. For a fee, some owners will set up the rig you’ve rented right at the site for you. When you arrive, you can get right to the fun!
Exploring Outdoor Activities in North Dakota
If you’re hoping to get outdoors in North Dakota, you’re in luck! There are lots of opportunities to hike, mountain bike, cross-country ski, ice fish, and more in the state.
Hiking, biking, and nature trails
You can experience nature in North Dakota on a hike or mountain bike ride in the state. Here are some of the best hiking trails in North Dakota:
- Painted Canyon Nature Trail
- White Butte North Dakota’s Highpoint Trail
- Petrified Forest to Overlook
- Red River Trail
- Harmon Lake Trail
If you’d rather explore North Dakota by mountain bike, here are some great mountain biking trails to try:
- Bison Plant Trail
- Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Missouri River Natural Area Trail
- Fort Ransom State Park Loop
- Missouri River Natural Area Loop
If none of these trails suit you, AllTrails has a wide selection of trails. You’re sure to find one you love!
Fishing, boating, and water activities
North Dakota has lakes and streams which means there are plenty of water activities to try in the state! You can go fishing in lots of North Dakota locations. The Missouri River is an excellent place for fly fishing, and you may catch walleye, rainbow trout, or brown trout. Lake Oahe is also a great place for walleye, along with northern pike and crappie.
You can also relax on a beach in North Dakota! Lake Metigoshe State Park has a great lakeside beach in northern North Dakota near the Canadian border. Lewis and Clark State Park has a great beach with soft sand. You can rent paddleboards or kayaks to get out on the lake as well. Johnson’s Beach is a stretch of sand along a river that is a beautiful spot to relax.
Finally, go on a hunt for North Dakota’s waterfall! North Dakota has just one registered waterfall – Mineral Springs Falls. It’s in the Sheyenne State Forest, between Lisbon and Fort Ransom. The waterfall is fed by an underground spring that feeds the Sheyenne River.
Wildlife viewing and photography
Interested in local wildlife? You can find lots of North Dakota wildlife at the national and state parks. You could spot bison, pronghorn, moose, elk, bears, bald eagles, and lots of other animals! You can also look for wildlife at White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, Little Missouri National Grasslands, or the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Family-friendly activities and attractions
Bringing the family along on an RV camping trip to North Dakota? It’s an activity they’ll all love! North Dakota has many activities that are suitable for the whole family, across a range of ages and abilities.
Historical sites and museums
It’s always great when you can sneak some learning into a fun vacation! The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is a wonderful spot to learn about the Native Americans who lived along the Knife River. The Fort Union Trading Post was the most important fur trading post along the Upper Missouri River. The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail offers a chance to talk about exploration by the men and by their impressive guide Sacagawea.
You can also combine fun and learning at one of North Dakota’s many excellent museums! Try The Plains Art Museum, the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center, or the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum.
Amusement parks, zoos, and wildlife refuges
Perhaps you’d like to spend a day of thrills at one of North Dakota’s amusement parks! Splasher’s of the South Seas is the largest indoor waterpark in North Dakota, so you can enjoy it even in the dead of winter. Thunder Road Family Fun Park has a variety of activities, from batting cages to go-karts to bumper cars.
Looking to spend the day with family at a North Dakota zoo? The Dakota Zoo is in Bismarck, near the Missouri River. It has 600 animals, birds, and other creatures. For extra fun, take the zoo train. The Chahinkapa Zoo is along the Red River of the North and has more than 200 animals.
If you’d like to view animals in the wild, try one of North Dakota’s wildlife refuges! The Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is near Pingree and is a protected area of prairie habitat for birds, deer, butterflies, and other wildlife. Chase Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the largest nesting colonies of American white pelicans in North America.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in North Dakota
Camping in North Dakota is an exciting undertaking! However, it’s a good idea to know the common dangers in the state, so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.
Weather conditions and natural disaster preparedness
In North Dakota, some of the most common natural disasters include winter storms, freeze events, wildfires, and flooding. Exercise caution when driving on North Dakota roads in winter. Listen to local weather reports for alerts of ice, blizzards, or other conditions that could make driving hazardous. Make sure your heater and other equipment work properly in extreme cold. You may also want to have a backup plan in case the heating fails.
When camping in North Dakota during the summer, make sure you know about any fire restrictions in the area. Also, make sure you know how to light and extinguish a campfire safely. You’ll want to pay attention to weather reports during fire season as well – hot, dry, and windy days are not a good time to light a campfire!
Wildlife encounters and precautions
Wildlife in North Dakota includes bison, moose, and bears. Give bison and moose plenty of space – they can run much faster than you might think! Don’t let children or pets run ahead of you on hiking trails, and pay attention to posted signs warning of wildlife encounters.
You can also use the thumb rule to determine if you’re too close to a wild animal. With your arm fully extended in front of you, give a “thumbs up” and see if your thumb completely blocks the animal. If you can see it on either side of your thumb, move farther away.
More Inspiration for Your North Dakota Travels
- Top 7 Amusement Parks in North Dakota
- Urban Camping in North Dakota
- Top 10 Waterfalls in North Dakota
- Luxury Camping in North Dakota
- Glamping in North Dakota
- Fishing in North Dakota
- Top 10 Beaches in North Dakota
- The Top 28 Bucket List Destinations in North Dakota
- Boondocking in North Dakota
- Top 10 Landmarks in North Dakota
- The 10 Best RV Trips to Take in North Dakota
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