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Best campgrounds near Ellendale, ND
West Side Mobile Court and Campground
Ellendale, ND (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
Whitestone Battlefield
North Dakota (20 miles away)
(10 sites)
Edgeley Campground
Edgeley, ND (26 miles away)
Mina Lake Recreation Area
Mina, SD (40 miles away)
$$$$$
(38 sites)
+7
Westside - Fort Ransom State Park
North Dakota (47 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
+5
Doyle Memorial State Park
Wishek, ND (48 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
Dead Colt Creek Recreation Area
Lisbon, ND (50 miles away)
+4
Sandager Park Pool and Campground
Lisbon, ND (50 miles away)
+4
Fort Sisseton State Park
South Dakota (53 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+3
West Unit - Roy Lake State Park
South Dakota (55 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+7
Beaver Lake State Park
Wishek, ND (59 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+8
Campgrounds near Ellendale, North Dakota
Ellendale sits in Dickey County in southeastern North Dakota, on the James River corridor near the South Dakota border. The area is agricultural prairie with scattered lakes and historic sites, and most camping options are small municipal parks, county lakes, or state historic sites rather than large resort campgrounds.
West Side Mobile Court and Campground, on the west edge of town, is the closest RV option and offers hookups suitable for larger rigs. Whitestone Battlefield, southeast of Kulm, provides a primitive campground with a few electrical hookups on state historic site grounds. Edgeley Campground serves travelers heading north along Highway 281.
For destination stays, Mina Lake Recreation Area west of Aberdeen, South Dakota and Westside at Fort Ransom State Park in the Sheyenne River Valley are both within a reasonable drive and offer developed campgrounds with lake or river access, reservations, and modern amenities.
Things to do near Ellendale
History travelers can visit Whitestone Battlefield, which commemorates a September 1863 attack by U.S. troops on a Yanktonai, Dakota, Hunkpapa Lakota, and Blackfeet encampment. The site includes 14 interpretive panels, two monuments, a WPA-era fieldstone shelter, and a picnic area overlooking a small freshwater lake.
Fishing, boating, and swimming are the main draws at Mina Lake, which has a sandy beach and a large picnic area. Fort Ransom State Park offers paddling on the Sheyenne River, hiking on a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, horseback riding with corral-equipped campsites, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Closer to town, Ellendale itself has small-town dining and easy access to prairie pheasant hunting in season.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ellendale, ND
When to visit Ellendale
- spring
March - May
55° / 30°F 50 mmMuddy trails early; parks reopen water by mid-spring
- summer
June - August
82° / 55°F 85 mmPeak season with afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes
- fall
September - November
57° / 32°F 35 mmCool and quiet; services taper after Labor Day
- winter
December - February
26° / 6°F 15 mmFreezing and snowy; most park water systems shut off
The prime camping window in this part of the northern plains runs from late May through mid-September. Summer brings warm days, long daylight hours, and the best conditions for lake activities. July and August are peak months for family trips and can bring afternoon thunderstorms.
Spring is variable. Trails and river banks can be muddy through April, and campground water systems at Fort Ransom State Park and other North Dakota parks are typically shut down through the cold months, with comfort stations closed until seasonal reopening. Early-season visitors should expect limited services and cool nights.
Fall offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and prairie color into October, though services taper quickly after Labor Day. Winter camping is possible at Whitestone Hill, which is open year-round, and at Fort Ransom for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but expect freezing temperatures, snow, and strong wind on exposed prairie sites.
How to book campgrounds near Ellendale
North Dakota state park campsites, including those at Fort Ransom, are booked online through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation reservation system or by calling 800-807-4723. Sites can be reserved up to 95 days in advance from the desired arrival date. Check-in is at 4:00 pm and checkout is at 3:00 pm. A park entrance fee applies, and equestrian riders at Fort Ransom must also purchase a horse pass.
South Dakota state park sites, including Mina Lake Recreation Area, are booked online through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reservation system or by calling 1-800-710-2267. The Mina Lake modern cabin can be reserved up to one year in advance. A park entrance license is required for all vehicles.
Whitestone Battlefield operates as a primitive drive-in area with free camping, and privately run parks such as West Side Mobile Court and Campground are booked by contacting the property directly.
What to expect on-site
Expect small, quiet campgrounds rather than large resorts. West Side Mobile Court and Campground offers hookups and space for big rigs. Whitestone Battlefield is primitive: three electrical hookups, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and open grass parking with no water or sewer dump on site.
Mina Lake Recreation Area has 37 electrical sites with 30 and 50-amp service, a restroom facility, a dump and fill station, and cabin rentals. Fort Ransom State Park has modern electric sites, primitive sites in a wooded area across the Sheyenne River, walk-in tent sites, and a dump station, but no water or sewer at individual sites.
Cell coverage is generally reliable on open prairie routes, wind can be strong at exposed sites, and mosquitoes are common near lakes and rivers in early summer. Bring bug spray, extra water for primitive stops, and layers for cool overnight temperatures.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ellendale, ND
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Ellendale, ND?
Good news: an RV rental in Ellendale is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Dakota prairie. On RVezy, travel trailers near Ellendale typically start around $80 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs land between $250 and $400 nightly. Pheasant hunters book up fall fast, so the smartest move for a cheap RV rental Ellendale travelers will love is to grab a spring or early summer date when host calendars are wide open. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and message hosts about weekly discounts, which many owners offer for stays of five nights or longer.
ndtourism.com/ellendaleDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Ellendale?
Great news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Ellendale, ND. North Dakota does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes and trailers under 26,000 pounds, which covers virtually every rig on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older, and RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto club. That's it, you're cleared to hit Highway 281 and start your North Dakota adventure.
dot.nd.gov/divisions/driverslicense/driverslicense.htmWhat protection is included when I book an RV in Ellendale?
You're covered from the moment you book. Every RV rental in Ellendale through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on a gravel section of Highway 11 or a dead battery at Oster Park Campground is just a phone call away from being solved. During checkout you choose the protection level that fits your trip, and the plan covers eligible accidental damage to the vehicle for real financial peace of mind. Hosts don't pick your coverage, you do. Book your Ellendale RV trip with confidence and focus on the pheasant fields and prairie sunsets.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change after I book my Ellendale RV trip?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy across the platform, not individual hosts, and refund eligibility depends on how far in advance you cancel relative to your trip start date. If weather, work, or a family schedule shift forces a change, RVezy's support team can walk you through your options. You can review the full cancellation policy anytime in the RVezy Help Center before locking in your Ellendale RV trip dates.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an Ellendale RV rental?
Absolutely, and Ellendale is a fantastic place to travel with a four-legged co-pilot. Many RVezy hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Ellendale, just toggle the 'Pet-Friendly' filter when browsing listings. Oster Park and Westside RV Park both welcome leashed pets, and the wide-open prairie around Dickey County is perfect for long morning walks before the day heats up. Pro tip: message the host about any pet fee before booking, bring a tie-out stake for campsite freedom, and pack extra water since shade is scarce in the open grasslands.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106514-Travelling-with-petsCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Ellendale?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start your trip. RV delivery in Ellendale is offered by many RVezy hosts, who will tow or drive the rig directly to Oster Park, Westside RV Park, a hunting lodge, or a private acreage and handle the entire setup: leveling, hookups, slide-outs, and a full walkthrough of the systems. That means you never have to drive a 30-foot motorhome down Main Street if you'd rather not. Delivery fees are set by each host and typically scale with distance from their location. Pro tip: book delivery to your campsite for hunting season so your group can roll straight from the airport in Aberdeen or Jamestown into a fully set-up basecamp.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106914-Delivery-optionsHow far can I drive on a typical Ellendale RV rental?
You've got plenty of road to roam. Most Ellendale hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with additional miles available at roughly $0.35 to $0.55 each, and some hosts offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage upgrade for longer journeys. That's enough range to easily cover popular loops: Jamestown (the World's Largest Buffalo) is about 70 miles north, Aberdeen, SD is 40 miles south, Bismarck sits about 160 miles northwest, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park is roughly 300 miles west. Pro tip: if you're planning a bigger RV road trip from Ellendale toward the Badlands, message the host before booking to negotiate an unlimited mileage add-on for a flat weekly rate.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ellendale%2C%20North%20DakotaWhere are the best campgrounds near Ellendale, ND?
You'll find great options just minutes from town. Oster Park Campground sits right in Ellendale off Highway 11 East with electric hookups, a dump station, and a disc golf course on site. Westside RV Park on 1st Street NW offers 14 full hook-up sites with 30/50 amp service, fire pits, and a volleyball court, just 8 miles from Pheasant Lake. Pheasant Lake County Park gives you primitive lakeside sites for a quieter night. For a bigger destination, head 40 miles south to Wylie Park Campground in Aberdeen, SD, right next to Storybook Land. Pro tip: book Oster Park directly through the City of Ellendale during hunting season, those three RV hookups fill fast.
ndtourism.com/ellendale/campgrounds-rv-parks/oster-parkWhen is the best time of year for RV camping in Ellendale?
Late May through mid-October is prime time for RV camping Ellendale travelers love, with warm days averaging 70 to 85°F in June, July, and August, and crisp 50 to 70°F afternoons in September. October brings legendary pheasant hunting, drawing visitors from across the country to the self-proclaimed Pheasant Capital of North Dakota. Winters are seriously cold (highs in the low 20s°F with strong prairie winds), so most local hosts pause bookings from November through April. Insider tip: early September is the sweet spot, warm enough for shorts, cool enough for campfires, mosquitoes are gone, and you'll have most campsites to yourself before hunters arrive.
weather.gov/bis/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay in Ellendale?
You'll do great, Ellendale is one of the easiest places in America to learn. Highway 281 and Highway 11 are flat, straight, lightly trafficked, and forgiving for someone first time renting an RV. Your RVezy host gives you a full pre-trip walkthrough at pickup covering driving tips, leveling, slide-outs, hookups, generator, and tank dumping, plus their phone number for any question that pops up on the road. Most newcomers feel confident within the first hour behind the wheel. Pro tip: take your first practice loop east on Highway 11 toward Forman, it's 30 miles of empty two-lane prairie, perfect for getting comfortable with the rig's width before you set up camp.
dot.nd.gov/travel-infoWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You're never stranded. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so whether you've got a flat outside Oakes, a dead battery at Pheasant Lake, or you need a tow back to Ellendale, one phone call gets help dispatched. Your host is also just a message away for quick questions like 'where's the fuse box?' or 'how do I reset the inverter?' Cell service is generally solid along Highway 281 and around town, though it can dip in remote farmland east of Ellendale. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before pickup, and keep your host's contact pinned in the RVezy app for instant access.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008874-Roadside-assistance-coverageWhat are the best road trip destinations from Ellendale?
Ellendale's central plains location makes it a launchpad for some incredible drives. Top picks for an RV road trip from Ellendale include: Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Badlands (about 300 miles west, 5 hours), Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota (370 miles southwest, 6 hours), Lake Sakakawea (175 miles northwest, 3 hours), Jamestown's National Buffalo Museum (70 miles north, 75 minutes), and Aberdeen, SD with Storybook Land (40 miles south, 45 minutes). Cross-border into Canada is allowed on RVezy with host approval, but travel to Mexico is not permitted. Pro tip: chain Jamestown, Bismarck, and Medora into a five-day loop for the ultimate North Dakota road trip.
nps.gov/thro/index.htmWhat kind of fuel economy and budget should I expect?
Plan smart and your fuel costs stay reasonable. Class C motorhomes near Ellendale average 8 to 10 miles per gallon, Class A rigs get 6 to 9 mpg, campervans (Class B) hit 16 to 20 mpg, and a truck-and-trailer setup pulls about 10 to 12 mpg. Gas in southeastern North Dakota typically runs slightly below the national average, with stations in Ellendale, Edgeley, and Oakes offering the easiest fill-ups for big rigs. For a 4-day, 400-mile trip in a Class C, budget roughly $150 to $200 in fuel. Pro tip: top off in Ellendale before heading west, prices climb noticeably once you pass Bismarck toward the Badlands.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Ellendale?
For most of the year, a week or two ahead is plenty, Ellendale's campgrounds rarely sell out outside of hunting season. The exception is mid-October through mid-November, when pheasant hunters book Oster Park, Westside RV Park, and local lodges 4 to 6 months in advance. North Dakota State Parks (the closest is Fort Ransom, about 70 miles northeast) can be reserved up to 12 months out through the official ND Parks reservation system. Pro tip: pair your RVezy rental with a direct call to the City of Ellendale to lock in an Oster Park hookup, those few RV sites fill quickly during the fall.
parkrec.nd.gov/What are the driving conditions like around Ellendale?
Ellendale offers some of the most relaxed RV driving you'll find anywhere. Highways 281 and 11 are flat, wide-shouldered, and rarely congested, making your motorhome rental Ellendale experience genuinely stress-free. The main thing to watch for is wind: the open prairie can deliver steady 15 to 25 mph crosswinds with stronger gusts, especially in spring and fall, so tall Class A rigs should ease up the speed on breezy days. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk and the occasional slow-moving farm tractor on rural routes. Pro tip: check the North Dakota DOT Travel Information Map before any drive November through April, blowing snow can shut down stretches of Highway 281 with little warning.
travel.dot.nd.gov/What hookups and amenities do Ellendale campgrounds offer?
You'll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Westside RV Park offers full hookups (water, sewer, 30 and 50 amp electric), a dump station, fire pits, and bathhouse access. Oster Park has RV hookup sites with electric service and a public dump station nearby. Pheasant Lake County Park is primitive, so plan to arrive with full fresh water and empty tanks. Fresh water fill stations are available at both Ellendale parks and most North Dakota state parks. Pro tip: dump and refill in Ellendale before heading west on a longer Badlands trip, services get sparser past Bismarck, and a full water tank gives you 3 to 4 days of comfortable boondocking on public land.
parkrec.nd.gov/What's inside a typical RV rental in Ellendale?
You'll be surprised how well-equipped these rigs are. Most RVezy listings near Ellendale come fully stocked: a queen or king bed, bunks or convertible dinettes that bring sleeping capacity to 4 to 8 people, a kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, stove, and sink, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, roof air conditioning, a propane furnace for cool prairie nights, and a TV with antenna or streaming setup. Many include a generator, outdoor speakers, and an awning. Seatbelts are provided for every passenger seat, which matters on a family RV trip Ellendale travelers will appreciate. Pro tip: filter by 'Sleeps 6' or higher and check the listing photos for a dedicated bunk room, ideal for grandkids on a hunting weekend.
rvezy.comWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Ellendale offer some genuinely useful extras. Common add-ons include camping chairs and tables ($15 to $30 per trip), bedding and linen packages ($40 to $75), generators ($15 to $25 per night), Starlink or Wi-Fi hotspots ($10 to $20 per night), bike racks, and outdoor grills. Pickup is usually at the host's property in or near Ellendale, with delivery available to local campgrounds and hunting lodges. Mileage policies vary by listing but most offer 100 to 150 free miles per night with add-on options for higher caps. Pro tip: bundle a linen package with delivery for your first RV rental in Ellendale, you'll skip laundry day and arrive to beds already made.
ndtourism.com/ellendaleHow does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and entirely handled through RVezy, no cash or e-transfers with hosts. You pay your rental total, protection plan, and any add-ons by credit card at booking. A refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup and released after the trip, assuming no damage or excess cleaning. The deposit amount varies by listing and is shown before you book. To avoid any deposit issues, walk through the rig with your host at pickup and dropoff, take date-stamped photos of the interior and exterior, and empty the black and grey tanks before return. Pro tip: keep all receipts for fuel and propane refills, hosts often require return at the same levels as pickup.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works