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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Turtle Lake, ND
0 campgrounds and RV Parks near Turtle Lake, ND. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Turtle Lake, ND
Sanger Campground - Cross Ranch State Park
Center, ND (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+8
Fort Stevenson State Park
Garrison, ND (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(145 sites)
+6
Sakakawea RV Park
Garrison, ND (26 miles away)
Lake Sakakawea State Park
North Dakota (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(191 sites)
+9
Dakota Waters Resort
Beulah, ND (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+3
Bismarck KOA Journey
Bismarck, ND (47 miles away)
$$$$$
(113 sites)
+6
Mellow Moose Campground
Minot, ND (48 miles away)
+2
Hillcrest Acres RV Park
Bismarck, ND (50 miles away)
$$$$$
+4
A Prairie Breeze RV Park
North Dakota (50 miles away)
$$$$$
(42 sites)
Valley View RV Park
Minot, ND (51 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+2
Ft Abraham Lincoln State Park
Mandan, ND (52 miles away)
$$$$$
(101 sites)
+6
Roughrider RV Resort
Minot, ND (54 miles away)
$$$$$
(89 sites)
+8
Campgrounds near Turtle Lake, North Dakota
Turtle Lake sits in central North Dakota's McLean County, roughly halfway between Bismarck and Minot and within an hour of Lake Sakakawea, the state's largest reservoir. The area is prairie and pothole country, with the Missouri River corridor to the south and southwest. RV renters use Turtle Lake as a base for state park camping, walleye fishing, and Lewis and Clark history stops.
Most developed campgrounds nearby are run by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. On the south shore of the third-largest man-made reservoir in the nation, Lake Sakakawea State Park sits adjacent to Garrison Dam, just north of Pick City. Fort Stevenson State Park occupies a peninsula on the northeastern shore of Lake Sakakawea, about three miles south of Garrison.
Closer to the Missouri River south of Turtle Lake, Sanger Campground at Cross Ranch State Park offers riverside sites in a wooded bottomland setting. Sakakawea RV Park provides a private-park option in the area, and Bismarck KOA Journey serves travelers routing through the capital on I-94.
Things to do near Turtle Lake
Fishing drives most trips. Lake Sakakawea is known for its premier fishing and is home to walleye, northern pike, and chinook salmon. Garrison, just north of Fort Stevenson State Park, is known as the Walleye Capital of North Dakota. Boat ramps, marinas, and fish cleaning stations are available at both state parks on the lake.
On-land activities include hiking, cycling, and history stops. Fort Stevenson has interconnected trails through ponderosa pine woodlands used for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, plus an arboretum near the campground. Lake Sakakawea State Park is home to the western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches 4,800 miles across eight states to Vermont.
Families can rent pontoons and kayaks, use swim beaches, and visit the visitor center at Fort Stevenson State Park detailing the site's military heritage.
Camping spots and RV parks near Turtle Lake, ND
Turtle Lake seasonal information
- spring
March - May
54° / 30°F 40 mmIce-out on Sakakawea in April; parks reopen mid-May
- summer
June - August
82° / 55°F 66 mmPeak season; 95-day booking window fills fast
- fall
September - November
54° / 30°F 25 mmCool nights; active walleye bite through October
- winter
December - February
23° / 3°F 13 mmDeep freeze; marinas and water systems shut down
The primary RV season in central North Dakota runs from mid-May through mid-September. Summer brings long daylight hours, warm days, and the full slate of park services, including marinas, concession stores, and rental fleets. State park campgrounds are open year-round, but comfort stations and water may not be available prior to mid-May when facilities are fully open for the season.
Spring and fall are quieter. Ice-out on Sakakawea typically happens in April, and shoulder-season campers find open sites but limited concessions. Fall brings cool nights, active walleye fishing, and hunting traffic in October and November.
Winter is harsh. Temperatures routinely drop well below freezing, roads can drift shut, and most marinas and water systems are shut down. Cabins and yurts remain bookable year-round at several state parks, but RV renters should plan trips between May and September for the best combination of open facilities and mild weather.
Booking and reservations
North Dakota state park campsites are reserved through the state's reservation system at reservendparks.com or by calling the ND Parks call center. Sanger Campground at Cross Ranch State Park, Fort Stevenson State Park, and Lake Sakakawea State Park all book through this system. Campsites can be booked up to 95 days in advance from the date of stay, with the booking window opening at 7:00 a.m. Central Time. Cabins and yurts open up to 365 days ahead.
A daily or annual park entrance permit is required in addition to the site fee. Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and checkout is at 3:00 p.m. Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash. Summer weekends, holidays, and fishing tournaments fill fast, so log in the morning the 95-day window opens.
Sakakawea RV Park and Bismarck KOA Journey are private and take reservations directly through their own websites or phone lines.
What to expect
Expect wide-open prairie, big skies, and generous space between sites. Fort Stevenson State Park offers a mix of full-hookup and electric-and-water sites, a modern campground with restrooms and showers, a dump station, a visitor center, an arboretum, and two marinas at Garrison Bay and de Trobriand Bay. Roads inside the state parks are paved, and sites are generally level.
Cell coverage is decent near Garrison, Riverdale, and Bismarck, but drops off on secondary roads. Grocery runs are easiest in Garrison, Washburn, or Bismarck. Wind is a constant factor on the reservoir, so secure awnings and check marine forecasts before launching.
Wildlife includes deer, pheasants, prairie dogs, and abundant birdlife, including bald eagles along the shoreline. Sunsets over Lake Sakakawea are a nightly event, and dark skies away from town make for strong stargazing.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Turtle Lake, ND
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Turtle Lake, ND?
Campsite prices near Turtle Lake, ND depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Turtle Lake, ND?
Free camping near Turtle Lake, ND depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Turtle Lake, ND?
Camping near Turtle Lake, ND works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Turtle Lake, ND?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Turtle Lake, ND. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Turtle Lake, ND?
Dump stations near Turtle Lake, ND are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Turtle Lake, ND?
Renting a RV in Turtle Lake, ND works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Turtle Lake, ND?
RV rentals in Turtle Lake, ND peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Turtle Lake, ND?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Turtle Lake, ND?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Turtle Lake, ND at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.