Camping in Your Own Backyard: State Campgrounds in the Grand Forks Community

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle without straying far from home, the state parks near Grand Forks, ND, offer the perfect solution for camping. Imagine setting up your tent or RV in the heart of East Grand Forks at the Red River Recreational Area, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just steps away from vibrant downtown amenities. A short drive west brings you to Turtle River State Park, a hidden gem just twenty miles from city limits. Here, you’ll find yourself transported to a world of lush trees, rolling hills, and endless trails. These parks showcase the best of both worlds: the tranquility of nature and the convenience of nearby urban life, making them ideal for a quick getaway or a weekend adventure right in your own backyard.

Red River Recreational Area is a Minnesota state recreation area nestled in downtown East Grand Forks, between the Blue Moose and the banks of the mighty Red River of the North. This recreation area was created after a flood that destroyed over 500 homes and other buildings along the Red and Red Lake Rivers and part of the 1,200 Greenway that serves as greenspace and flood protection on both sides of the Red River. The park boasts 113 campsites, 85 of which are electric with full hookups for sewer and water.

There are options to pull into campsites with a motor home the size of an entire downtown apartment or you can walk into a more secluded tent site nearer to the river, hidden among the tall prairie grasses and trees, for a more primitive experience. Do not let the silence and quiet of the tent sites fool you, both the tent sites and the drive-in camper site potable water and flushable toilets are never more than a five-minute walk (or waddle) away.

Speaking of amenities, Red River Recreational Area is so close to downtown East Grand Forks and Grand Forks, it is the perfect space to stay and experience events in the community. This summer, the Happy Harry’s Hot Valley Nights music festivals will be returning to East Grand Forks, and less than a mile from the campground. Town Square in Grand Forks is just across the river and will frequently host events like Blues on the Red. Downtown Grand Forks often has live music during the patio season. Quiet hours in the City of Grand Forks are between 10 PM and 6 AM, so you won’t have to worry about being kept up too late from music. The sun barely sets before 9:30 PM in the summertime anyway. There’s nothing we can do about that.

On any given Saturday morning from June 15 to September 28th, campers can take an extremely short walk to the town square farmers market in Grand Forks. Grab some fresh vegetables for your kababs roasted over the fire or get farm-fresh eggs for your Sunday scramble. There are also food vendor options so you don’t have to do dishes again and enjoy a food truck meal while walking around the market. If there is something campers cannot find at the farmers market, like free-range marshmallows (sometimes the season isn’t right), you can stroll a few extra blocks and pick them up at Hugos on the corner of Demers and 5^th Street.

Forgot your coffee grounds at home? Is the aero press not cutting and you want the perfect blend of espresso and steamed milk? There are three locally owned coffee shops so close to the recreational area, campers can smell the coffee brewing from their tents. Urban Stampede, The Ember, and Bully Brew Coffee – EGF are all within a ten-minute walk from the campsite and will happily serve you a Saturday morning pick-me-up.

If the sun is too hot, it’s raining, or you want to do something else, River Cinema is a stone’s throw away. I do not know of any other campground that is surrounded by so many different experiences and as close as the Red River Recreational Area is to them. That might be why they hosted over 100,000 visitors in 2023 alone.

Just west of town, lies another option to camp. While only twenty miles away from city limits, Turtle River State Park feels like being transported to another world. There are trees and hills galore and so many trails to explore.

With 67 modern campsites equipped with electricity and water, you’ll have all the comforts of home while enjoying the great outdoors. These sites are available for $25-30 per night, making it easy to plan your perfect getaway. If you’re planning a gathering with family or friends, our 3 modern group campsites are ideal. These sites allow for multiple units, ensuring everyone can stay close together. At $25-30 per night per unit, it’s a convenient and affordable option for group adventures. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, Turtle River has 26 primitive campsites at just $15 per night. These sites provide a serene, back-to-nature experience where you can truly disconnect and unwind.

It is the perfect place to host family get-togethers or friend reunions. There is the Woodland Shelter that can be rented. I have seen everything from high school graduation parties to wedding receptions, wilderness first aid trainings, and family reunions in this space. While it is nice, the best part about the shelter is that if you are feeling overwhelmed and need a breather from Great Aunt Ruth asking you when you’ll finally get married, you can walk out the backdoor, cross the bridge, and hike to your heart’s content.

Turtle River State Parks has so many ways to recreate. With its lush trees, rolling hills, and countless trails, Turtle River offers the perfect backdrop for an exciting geocaching experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cacher or a curious newbie, you’ll find hidden treasures that take you deeper into the park’s natural beauty. It’s a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, discover new trails, and enjoy a bit of modern-day treasure hunting. So grab your GPS, pack some snacks, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Turtle River State Park. If fishing is your thing, the State of North Dakota stocks the river with trout which can be caught with flyfishing techniques.

SO many trails to hike and explore with so many varieties of topography. As for trails, Prairie Trail weaves between birch trees and wild grasses tickling your hands as you walk by. Prairie is wildly different than the River Edge and Ravin Ravene trails. Regardless of the trail or region of the park, there are so many things to see by foot or by mountain bike (include link to previous article).

The state parks near Grand Forks, ND, offer a unique opportunity to enjoy camping in your own backyard. Whether you’re setting up camp in the heart of East Grand Forks at the Red River Recreational Area or venturing a bit further to the lush expanses of Turtle River State Park, you’ll find the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban convenience. These parks provide an array of camping options, from modern campsites with full hookups to primitive sites that let you truly connect with nature.

So why wait? Pack your camping gear, grab your sense of adventure, and head to one of these fantastic state parks for an unforgettable experience right in your own backyard. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night under the stars or participating in community events, you’ll find that these parks offer the perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Happy camping!