Planning this region

North Dakota is one of the most unknown states in the United States – and that's what makes it special. While millions of travelers visit Yellowstone, Grand Canyon or Rocky Mountains every year, comparatively few experience the vast prairies, bizarre badlands and historic locations of this northern state.

At first glance, North Dakota seems inconspicuous. But those who take their time discover a surprisingly varied landscape: endless grassy landscapes, colorful badlands, the mighty Missouri River, fascinating fossil finds and one of the least visited national parks in the United States – Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

For campers, North Dakota is a real paradise. Wide roads, little traffic, cheap camping sites and numerous opportunities for free accommodation make travelling particularly relaxed. At the same time, hardly any other state conveys the feeling of boundless expanse even more authentically.

The history of North Dakota has a lot to offer. The culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Aricara tribes, the expedition of Lewis and Clark, old forts as well as the history of the first settlers still characterize the state today.

The most pleasant time to travel is between May and the end of September.

Spring brings blooming prairie and pleasant temperatures. In summer all national parks, campgrounds and Scenic Drives are open. Autumn delights with golden-yellow tree forests along the rivers and significantly fewer visitors.

In winter temperatures of below –30 C can be reached. Many campgrounds and individual attractions are then closed.

Season | Recommendation

Spring (May–June) | Pleasant temperatures and green prairie.

Summer (July–August) | Best travel time, but partly hot.

Autumn (September–October) | Less visitors and beautiful autumn colours.

Winter (November–April) | Only suitable for winter fans.

North Dakota has a continental climate with large temperature differences.

In summer the temperatures often rise to 25 to 35 C, while the nights remain pleasantly cool. Thunderstorms can develop rapidly, especially in the afternoon.

In winter North Dakota is one of the coldest states in the United States. Snow, ice and strong winds characterize this season.

Plan hiking tours and longer trips as far as possible in the morning. In the summer, strong thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon.

Most travellers reach North Dakota via:

South Dakota

Montana

Minnesota

Canada (Manitoba or Saskatchewan)

International airports are located in:

Fargo

Bismarck

Minot

For road trips, North Dakota is usually visited as part of a larger round trip through the north of the USA or West Canada.

An own vehicle or camper is practically indispensable.

The distances between the individual attractions are partly large, but traffic is low and driving is extremely relaxed.

Petrol stations outside the larger cities are partly far apart. Keep the tank at least half full as possible.

North Dakota offers an excellent selection of:

State Parks

National Park Campgrounds

Private RV Parks

County Campgrounds

Boondocking opportunities

In the west of the state you will find numerous quiet campsites in the middle of nature.

Many campgrounds have:

Full Hook-up

Large pull-through pitches

Dump Stations

Picnic areas

For friends of free camping North Dakota is one of the most pleasant states in the Midwest.

Opportunities include:

National Grassland

selected areas of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

individual wildlife management areas (depending on regulations)

Before each night, inform yourself about the local regulations. Fire bans or seasonal restrictions can apply at short notice.

With some luck you can observe:

Bisons

Moose

Mule deer

White-tailed deer

Pronghorn antelopes

Coyotes

Prairie dogs

Whitehead sea eagle

Golden eagles

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of the best places in the United States to watch free-living bisons and wild horses.

Many travelers travel through North Dakota on their way between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes. That's a pity, because the state surprises with spectacular landscapes, fascinating history and a calm that has long since become rare in the great national parks of the West.