An Introduction to Camping and Recreation in North Dakota

Guest author, Belle Arzadon of North Dakota Parks, provides an introduction to recreation and camping in that state. This is American West Travelogue's first article on North Dakota.

Why You Should Camp in North Dakota

There are of course many states where you can enjoy camping, but if you want the best outdoor experience then there’s no better place to camp than in North Dakota.

(Photo, left: Theodore Roosevelt National Park - courtesy NPS)

Lewis and Clark

North Dakota is part of the route that the legendary Lewis & Clark expedition had taken in its bid to explore the then-uncharted West. So if you want to combine your outdoor vacation with a little bit of history then you'll have various opportunities to do so in North Dakota.

There are at least two state parks that you should check out if you're interested in exploring more about the route that the duo had taken – Lake Sakakawea and the Lewis & Clark State Park. Both offer excellent outdoor opportunities.

Explore the Badlands

The badlands are one of the things that the state’s most famous for and it's definitely a good reason to camp in North Dakota. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is probably the best place to go if you want an up-close and personal experience of the badlands. It's situated right at the heart of this spectacular region and various wild animals are allowed to roam freely in the area, which is another lovely sight to see.

(Photo, right: Theodore Roosevelt National Park - courtesy NPS)

Country or Outdoor Living with Benefits

A lot of people prefer an outdoor vacation than, say, having a weekend getaway in a glamorous city because they want peace and quiet. With North Dakota, you can get that due to its low population rate. In other words, all of North Dakota feels like back country as there are no lines, traffic or crowds: Just nature and buildings that seem to blend in with the green background.

For this reason, you have the option of taking full advantage of all the modern amenities and luxuries that downtown accommodations can offer but without having to lose that tranquil and serene atmosphere you so enjoy. During the day, you can explore nature trails, go hiking or mountain climbing, because all outdoor or wildlife pursuits are just around the corner. Then at night, you can go back to modern living instead of having to rough it out with a tent or sleeping bag.

(Photo, left: Lewis and Clark State Park - courtesy NDSP)

Simply put, the best reason why you should camp in North Dakota is because you can get the best of both worlds!

Belle contributes to several websites. Check out her articles on safe camping cookware or land pollution.