One of the Best Campgrounds in North Dakota Is Open for Adventure Year-Round

Camping in North Dakota is always a good time. Believe it or not, despite the deep chill of our occasionally brutal winters, it’s never a bad season to pitch a tent—or reserve a cabin, grab a yurt, or try whatever camping style suits you. If you’re itching to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, you’re in luck: our state parks offer year-round camping, rain or shine, snow or ice. Picking a favorite campground is tough because there are so many great options, but let’s take a closer look at Cross Ranch State Park, one of the best year-round spots in the state.

Cross Ranch State Park stretches along some of the last undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River, creating a serene and scenic escape. It’s stunning all year long—from the vibrant colors of summer and fall to the quiet, snowy landscapes of winter. Even when temperatures drop, it remains a lovely place to camp. The surrounding cottonwood forests and wide-open river views make this park feel untouched, especially appealing to those who prefer quieter, less crowded destinations.

Winter camping here is surprisingly popular, thanks to its accessibility. The park has two campgrounds, along with cabins, shelters, and yurts, giving visitors plenty of lodging choices. Whether you’re after a simple setup or a touch of comfort, there’s something for everyone.

Cross Ranch also offers countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, from riverside hiking and wildlife watching to birding and snowshoeing once the snow settles in. The park borders the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve, giving you even more space to explore and soak in the scenery.

Personally, I’m a big fan of the yurts. They strike a perfect balance between traditional tent camping and a hotel stay—cozy yet connected to nature. There’s something wonderfully comforting about curling up in a warm yurt while cold air swirls outside. They’re usually more spacious than they look, which is a pleasant surprise for first-timers. Cross Ranch State Park has several yurts available year-round, providing a charming, comfortable base with easy access to trails and river views.

If yurts aren’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty of options. The park features roughly 35 standard campsites, 22 primitive sites, six group standard sites, and two group primitive sites. With a mix of wooded and riverside settings, it’s easy to find the type of camping experience you prefer. Many campers also appreciate amenities like fire rings, picnic areas, and the always-helpful visitor center.

There’s something undeniably calming about watching the sun rise or set over such a beautiful landscape. No matter the season, you’re almost guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and a little more in love with the outdoors. North Dakota truly caters to campers looking to escape it all.

For more information or to reserve a campsite, visit the official North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department website. And good news: Cross Ranch isn’t the only year-round campground in the state—it’s just a taste of what’s out there.

If camping isn’t your thing, but you still want to enjoy our state parks, Painted Woods Lodge offers a cozy cabin nearby in Wilton, North Dakota—a comfortable home base while exploring the area. And I want to hear from you: what are your favorite campgrounds in North Dakota? If you have a spot you think we should feature, nominate it using our submission form.