Overview

The Hankinson Hills Campground is located within the Hankinson Hills Recreation Area as part of the 2,833 acres of designated public lands managed by the US Forest Service - Sheyenne National Grassland. The campground provides a semi-primitive recreation opportunity for most camping types and equestrian use. The 2,833 acres of public lands surrounding the campground is managed for multiple use to include cattle grazing, wildlife, recreation, and prescribed fire activities. Explore this area of the Sheyenne National Grassland for hiking, biking, equestrian use, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

Facilities

The campground provides a semi-primitive camping opportunity with fifteen (15) designated campsites separated into two loops. Sites 1-9 are designated as non-equestrian and 10-15 are designated equestrian sites. Three vault toilets and two potable water hand-pumps are available. A covered day-use pavilion with four picnic tables is in the non-equestrian loop. Each loop has a community fire ring surrounded by four benches for group use. There are no electric or water hookups at any location. There is no RV dump station or manure pit available. All activities follow a pack-in pack-out policy.

Natural Features

The geology of the Hankinson Hills Recreation Area is characterized by shifting sand dunes and sandsheets. The sand was deposited in an underflow fan in early stages of former glacial Lake Agassiz. As the water of the great glacial lake receded, the sand was exposed to the air. As a result, low-relief dunes up to 30 feet high formed stabilized by vegetation. Today, native and non-native grasses cover the landscape with pockets of Bur Oak and Aspen stands.

Recreation

Recreation opportunities include hiking, biking, equestrian use, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Non-motorized activities are allowed on the 8-mile gravel surface Hankinson Hills Trail. Access the trail by three trailheads and the campground. Motor vehicle use is allowed on a network of designated forest roads. All hunting activities follow North Dakota Game and Fish regulations.

Nearby Attractions

The small town of Hankinson, ND is located about seven miles southeast of the campground. The town provides dining, shopping, and fuel. Nearby Lake Elsie is a spring fed lake with a sandy public beach, restrooms, and boat dock. The Dakota Magic Casino and Dakota Winds Golf Course are located nineteen miles south of the campground.

Important Notices

• CAMPERS WITHOUT HORSES—Please select a campsite in the Non-Equestrian Loop (campsites #1 to #9). If all such sites are occupied when you arrive, you may select an unoccupied site in the Equestrian Loop.

  CAMPERS WITH HORSES—Please select a campsite in the Equestrian Loop (campsites #10 to #15). Do not tie horses to trees, fences, or sign posts—Instead use highlines, hobbles, or electric fence. All feed and straw used on the Sheyenne National Grassland must be certified weed seed-free. Pack out all manure and all leftover feed and straw. Leave your campsite clean for the next campers.

• Day use visitors may use restroom, water, and picnic shelter facilities (no fee required).

  • DAY USE VISITORS WITH HORSES—Please use any of the three Hankinson Hills Trailhead parking areas as there is no day use area for horses in the campground.

  • DAY USE VISITORS WITHOUT HORSES—Please use the day use parking area in the Non-Equestrian Loop of the campground or any of the three Hankinson Hills Trailhead parking areas.

  • If you wish to occupy a campsite for day use, you must pay the camping fee.

• Campsite must be occupied the first night and may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours.

• Check-in and Check-out times are both 2:00 P.M.

• Park vehicles and trailers on developed parking pads only—Do not park on grass or road shoulders.

• Operate motor vehicles only to enter or leave the campground.

• PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT—Please take care to ensure no trash is left behind.

• Certified heated treated firewood, in-state firewood, or collecting firewood from dead-and-down trees is required for use in the campground.

  • Out of state firewood is prohibited.

• Fires are allowed only in fire rings provided by the Forest Service at each campsite.

  • Never leave your fire unattended—Always make sure the fire is dead-out and cold when you leave.

• Fireworks are always prohibited on the Sheyenne National Grassland.

• Carry water to your campsite—Do not bathe, clean, or wash items at the hand-pump.

• Pets in the campground must be on a leash or caged.

• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• Shooting is prohibited in or within 150 yards of any campground, trailhead, or occupied area.

• Motor vehicle use on the Sheyenne National Grassland is restricted to designated roads.

  • Obtain a copy of the most current Motor Vehicle Use Map for more information.

Available Activities

• Biking - Biking
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area
• Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
• Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
• Photography - Photography
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Archery - Archery
• Backpacking - Backpacking
• Birding - Birding
• Camping - Camping
• Hiking - Hiking
• Horse Camping - Horse Camping
• Hunting - Hunting

Directions

<p>From Fargo, ND</p><ul><li><p>South on I-29 for forty-seven miles.</p></li><li><p>Take exit 15 for Co Rd 16 toward Great Bend/Mantador for 0.3 miles</p></li><li><p>Turn right onto Co Rd 16/87th St SE for 5.4 miles</p></li><li><p>Turn left onto 165th Ave SE for 2.0 miles</p></li><li><p>Turn right onto 89th St SE into the Hankinson Hills Recreation Area</p></li><li><p>Follow Forest Road 1250 for 1.0 miles</p></li><li><p>Campground is on west side of Forest Road 1250</p></li></ul>

Contact Information

Phone: 701-404-8950

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip