RV Parks In Bottineau, North Dakota
48.8272° N, 100.4457° W
Quick Overview
Bottineau sits in the rolling hills of north-central North Dakota near the Turtle Mountains, offering RVers a quieter alternative to the busier campground scenes found along the interstate corridors further south. With several RV parks and campgrounds in the area and some free options for those watching their budget, this small community provides a solid base for exploring one of the most scenic corners of the state. The Turtle Mountain region is known for its lakes, hardwood forests, and gentle terrain that feels almost like you've left the Great Plains entirely -- it's a welcome change of scenery if you've been crossing the flat prairie for days. Campgrounds around Bottineau range from full-hookup private parks in town to more rustic public campgrounds in the surrounding lake country where you can set up along the water and fish right from your site. Lake Metigoshe State Park is the crown jewel of the area, sitting about 14 miles north of town near the Canadian border, and it draws RV campers from across the region during the summer months with its wooded campsites and clear lake waters. The International Peace Garden, straddling the US-Canada border just north of the Turtle Mountains, is another major draw that brings visitors to the area throughout the summer season. Bottineau itself is a friendly little town with the essentials -- grocery store, fuel stations, hardware store, and a handful of restaurants that serve hearty meals. The drive up from Minot on US-83 is about 60 miles of easy, flat highway that any rig can handle without a problem. RV camping near Bottineau is all about slowing down, enjoying the lakes and forests, and getting away from the crowds that pack the more popular campground areas down along I-94. The area's combination of wooded lakeside camping, excellent fishing, and a peaceful small-town atmosphere makes it a standout destination for RVers who prefer nature and quiet over interstate convenience and commercial campground amenities.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Bottineau
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
All Dump Stations Near Bottineau
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Lakes Recreational Area | 8.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hahn's Bay Campground | 10.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Metigoshe Campground Llc | 10.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pelican/sandy Lake Recreation Area | 12.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dales Trailer Park | 17.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Deloraine Winchester Campground | 25.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Westhope City Park Campground | 26.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Gravel Lake Campground | 29.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Boissevain Campgrounds | 33.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Towner City Park Campground | 33.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Strawberry Lakes Recreational Area
8.9 miHahn's Bay Campground
10.5 miMetigoshe Campground Llc
10.8 miPelican/sandy Lake Recreation Area
12.1 miDales Trailer Park
17.4 miDeloraine Winchester Campground
25.4 miWesthope City Park Campground
26.7 miGravel Lake Campground
29.0 miBoissevain Campgrounds
33.2 miTowner City Park Campground
33.6 miTraveling to Bottineau by RV
US-83 is the main north-south route running through Bottineau, connecting you to Minot about 60 miles south and the Canadian border about 30 miles north. Highway 5 runs east-west through town and connects to Rugby about 65 miles east and the Turtle Mountains region to the north. The roads in this part of North Dakota are generally flat and RV-friendly with good sight lines and minimal traffic outside of summer weekends. To reach Lake Metigoshe State Park, head north from Bottineau on Highway 43 for about 14 miles -- the road is paved and can handle large rigs, though some of the campground roads in the park are narrower and may require careful maneuvering with rigs over 35 feet. Fuel is available in Bottineau at stations along US-83, and you'll want to fill up here since services get sparse heading north toward the border. The nearest larger town for major supplies and RV repairs is Minot, which has Walmart, Camping World, and several RV service centers.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Bottineau
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in North Dakota
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Bottineau, ND
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Dump Station Costs in Bottineau
Camping costs near Bottineau are modest compared to many recreational areas around the country. Of the parks and campgrounds in the area, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a nightly fee for their sites. Full-hookup sites at private campgrounds in and near town typically run between $25 and $40 per night, which is reasonable for the quality and location you're getting. Lake Metigoshe State Park charges around $20 to $30 per night for electric hookup sites, and if you have a North Dakota state parks annual pass, you'll save on the daily vehicle entry fee that adds up over a longer stay. Dry camping at dispersed sites and basic public campgrounds in the Turtle Mountains can be done for free or just a few dollars per night. Weekly and monthly rates are available at some private parks if you plan to settle in for an extended visit -- ask about seasonal rates if you're thinking about spending a full month enjoying the area.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Bottineau
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Bottineau by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
-5-25°F
Crowds: Low
Campgrounds close for winter and heavy snowfall blankets the Turtle Mountains -- only winterized RVs with serious cold-weather gear should attempt camping up here
Spring
Mar - May
25-60°F
Crowds: Low
Snow lingers into April in the Turtle Mountains and campgrounds typically open in mid to late May once the roads dry out and the frost leaves the ground
Summer
Jun - Aug
55-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with warm days and cool nights perfect for lakeside camping -- Lake Metigoshe State Park fills up on summer weekends so reserve ahead
Fall
Sep - Oct
30-60°F
Crowds: Medium
Stunning fall colors in the Turtle Mountain hardwoods draw leaf-peepers and the campgrounds are blissfully uncrowded compared to summer
Explore the Bottineau Area
Lake Metigoshe State Park should be at the top of your list if you're camping near Bottineau -- the wooded lakeside campsites are some of the best in North Dakota and a real contrast to the treeless prairie campgrounds you'll find elsewhere in the state. Arrive early on summer weekends because the most popular lakeside sites at Metigoshe go fast, especially during the July 4th holiday week when the park reaches full capacity. The International Peace Garden is about 20 miles north of town and makes for a great day trip -- the formal gardens and conservatory are impressive, and there's room to park your rig in the main lot if you want to drive up rather than tow. Stock up on groceries and ice at the local stores in Bottineau before heading to the state park since the camp store has limited inventory and higher prices on basic supplies. Fishing in Lake Metigoshe is excellent for walleye and northern pike -- grab a North Dakota fishing license at the sporting goods store in town before heading out. If you're here in late September or early October, the fall foliage in the Turtle Mountains rivals anything you'll see in New England, and the campground crowds have completely disappeared by then.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in North Dakota
RV Tips & Articles
Secure Your Site: A Guide to FootLoose RV Sewer Caps and Grip-N-Lock Well Caps
Read more →Understanding AASHTO M306, H20, and EN 124 Load Ratings: What They Really Mean for Manhole Covers
Read more →Anti-Tamper & Locking Solutions for Public Utility Access Points: Keeping Manholes Secure and Compliant
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bottineau
How many RV parks are near Bottineau, North Dakota?
There are {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the Bottineau area, including {{freeCount}} free options. The area's campgrounds range from full-hookup private parks in town to scenic lakeside sites at Lake Metigoshe State Park in the Turtle Mountains just north of the community.
Is Lake Metigoshe State Park good for RV camping?
Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of the best RV campgrounds in North Dakota. The park has electric hookup sites in a beautiful wooded lakeside setting that feels completely different from the flat prairie campgrounds elsewhere in the state. Some sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but call ahead to confirm if you're bringing a large motorhome or fifth wheel.
What do campgrounds near Bottineau cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private campgrounds near Bottineau generally run between $25 and $40 per night. State park camping at Lake Metigoshe costs around $20 to $30 per night for electric sites. Free and low-cost dispersed camping options are also available in the surrounding Turtle Mountain area for self-contained rigs.
When is the best time to camp near Bottineau?
Summer from June through August is peak camping season near Bottineau with the warmest weather and longest days. September and early October bring incredible fall foliage in the Turtle Mountains with far fewer crowds at the campgrounds. Most parks close by late October and don't reopen until May due to the long northern winter.
How far is Bottineau from Minot and other supply towns?
Bottineau is about 60 miles north of Minot on US-83, which is the nearest larger city with Walmart, Camping World, and RV repair services. The drive takes about an hour on flat, easy highway. Bottineau itself has a grocery store, fuel stations, and basic supplies for day-to-day needs while you're camping in the area.
How many RV parks are near Bottineau, North Dakota?
There are {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the Bottineau area, including {{freeCount}} free options. The area's campgrounds range from full-hookup private parks in town to scenic lakeside sites at Lake Metigoshe State Park in the Turtle Mountains just north of the community.
Is Lake Metigoshe State Park good for RV camping?
Lake Metigoshe State Park is one of the best RV campgrounds in North Dakota. The park has electric hookup sites in a beautiful wooded lakeside setting that feels completely different from the flat prairie campgrounds elsewhere in the state. Some sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but call ahead to confirm if you're bringing a large motorhome or fifth wheel.
What do campgrounds near Bottineau cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private campgrounds near Bottineau generally run between $25 and $40 per night. State park camping at Lake Metigoshe costs around $20 to $30 per night for electric sites. Free and low-cost dispersed camping options are also available in the surrounding Turtle Mountain area for self-contained rigs.
When is the best time to camp near Bottineau?
Summer from June through August is peak camping season near Bottineau with the warmest weather and longest days. September and early October bring incredible fall foliage in the Turtle Mountains with far fewer crowds at the campgrounds. Most parks close by late October and don't reopen until May due to the long northern winter.
How far is Bottineau from Minot and other supply towns?
Bottineau is about 60 miles north of Minot on US-83, which is the nearest larger city with Walmart, Camping World, and RV repair services. The drive takes about an hour on flat, easy highway. Bottineau itself has a grocery store, fuel stations, and basic supplies for day-to-day needs while you're camping in the area.
All Dump Stations Near Bottineau (27)
RV ParkGravel Lake Campground
RV ParkRugby Homes & RV Center
RV Park with Dump StationsOakwood Inn & Campground
RV ParkEastside Estates
RV ParkGranville City Park Campground
RV ParkBalta Dam
RV ParkSuper 16 RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsKerry Park Campground
RV ParkKillarney Agricultural Society Campground
RV Park