The best camping in North Dakota with swimming

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North Dakota brings swimming front and centre, with over 1,700 campsites where the water’s always within reach. Expect prairie lakes, winding rivers, and swim-friendly reservoirs—some tucked under wide-open sky, others framed by cottonwood groves. Most sites let pets tag along, offer showers, and allow campfires for winding down after a day in the water. You’ll spot regulars combining swimming with snow sports in winter or wildlife-watching year-round. If you’re after fresh air and a swim, you’ll find plenty of options that deliver both.

Top-rated campgrounds near North Dakota

1. North Park Campground

41 sites · New Salem, ND
Nestled in the heart of New Salem, North Dakota, North Park Campground stands out for its diverse range of camping options, catering to both RV enthusiasts and primitive tent campers. This unique campground offers back-in and pull-thru sites equipped with 50 amp electric and water hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive tent sites are available, providing a chance to connect with nature in a serene setting. The campground boasts a variety of amenities designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Guests can gather around the community fire pit for evening storytelling, enjoy a meal at the picnic tables, or let the kids have fun at the playground. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, North Park Campground is ready to welcome you with open arms. Open from April 1 to October 31, this campground is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. With nearby attractions such as scenic hiking trails, swimming holes, and local shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the charm of North Park Campground, where adventure and relaxation await!

2. Riverside Campground - Walhalla, ND

56 sites · Walhalla, ND
Nestled within the scenic beauty of our city park, this campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly amenities. With a spacious layout, it provides a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation alike. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, while children can explore the playground designed for fun and safety. The picnic shelter areas are ideal for gatherings, allowing families to savor meals in a picturesque setting. For those looking to engage in some friendly competition, the sand volleyball court is a great spot to enjoy the sun and stay active. Clean restrooms and showers ensure a comfortable stay, making this campground a convenient choice for visitors. Additionally, the surrounding area boasts various attractions, including nearby hiking trails, swimming holes, and local restaurants and shops, enhancing your outdoor experience. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, this campground is the perfect destination for creating lasting memories.

8. Dakota Prairie Grasslands

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151 sites · Porcupine, North Dakota
Unspoiled vistas, brilliant night skies, and vast wildlife are waiting to be discovered at the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Uniquely laid out, the grasslands are actually individual areas dispersed throughout the state, so you can throw a dart at the map and choose! The antelope laden tallgrass prairie of the Sheyenne National Grassland is wildly different than the badlands of the Little Missouri Grasslands, but we guarantee the variety, scenery, and killer camping at each is reason enough to visit them all! Try the groovy Denbigh Experimental Forest, horseback riding in the Grand River National Grassland, or coyote spotting at sunset at Buffalo Gap. You seriously can’t have a bad time here, it’s impossible. The friendly rangers, down home feel, and stunning sunsets all over the Dakota Grasslands will leave you wondering what took you so long to make it out to these one of a kind adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

North Dakota brings swimming front and centre, with over 1,700 campsites where the water’s always within reach. Expect prairie lakes, winding rivers, and swim-friendly reservoirs—some tucked under wide-open sky, others framed by cottonwood groves. Most sites let pets tag along, offer showers, and allow campfires for winding down after a day in the water. You’ll spot regulars combining swimming with snow sports in winter or wildlife-watching year-round. If you’re after fresh air and a swim, you’ll find plenty of options that deliver both.

Top-rated campgrounds near North Dakota

1. North Park Campground

41 sites · New Salem, ND
Nestled in the heart of New Salem, North Dakota, North Park Campground stands out for its diverse range of camping options, catering to both RV enthusiasts and primitive tent campers. This unique campground offers back-in and pull-thru sites equipped with 50 amp electric and water hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive tent sites are available, providing a chance to connect with nature in a serene setting. The campground boasts a variety of amenities designed to enhance your outdoor experience. Guests can gather around the community fire pit for evening storytelling, enjoy a meal at the picnic tables, or let the kids have fun at the playground. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, North Park Campground is ready to welcome you with open arms. Open from April 1 to October 31, this campground is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding natural beauty. With nearby attractions such as scenic hiking trails, swimming holes, and local shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the charm of North Park Campground, where adventure and relaxation await!

2. Riverside Campground - Walhalla, ND

56 sites · Walhalla, ND
Nestled within the scenic beauty of our city park, this campground offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and family-friendly amenities. With a spacious layout, it provides a perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation alike. Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, while children can explore the playground designed for fun and safety. The picnic shelter areas are ideal for gatherings, allowing families to savor meals in a picturesque setting. For those looking to engage in some friendly competition, the sand volleyball court is a great spot to enjoy the sun and stay active. Clean restrooms and showers ensure a comfortable stay, making this campground a convenient choice for visitors. Additionally, the surrounding area boasts various attractions, including nearby hiking trails, swimming holes, and local restaurants and shops, enhancing your outdoor experience. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, this campground is the perfect destination for creating lasting memories.

8. Dakota Prairie Grasslands

100%
(1)
151 sites · Porcupine, North Dakota
Unspoiled vistas, brilliant night skies, and vast wildlife are waiting to be discovered at the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. Uniquely laid out, the grasslands are actually individual areas dispersed throughout the state, so you can throw a dart at the map and choose! The antelope laden tallgrass prairie of the Sheyenne National Grassland is wildly different than the badlands of the Little Missouri Grasslands, but we guarantee the variety, scenery, and killer camping at each is reason enough to visit them all! Try the groovy Denbigh Experimental Forest, horseback riding in the Grand River National Grassland, or coyote spotting at sunset at Buffalo Gap. You seriously can’t have a bad time here, it’s impossible. The friendly rangers, down home feel, and stunning sunsets all over the Dakota Grasslands will leave you wondering what took you so long to make it out to these one of a kind adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field