Chahinkapa Zoo Campground

**Introduction / Overview: A Truly Unique North Dakota Camping Experience**

For North Dakotans looking for a family-friendly camping destination that offers more than just trees and a picnic table, the **Chahinkapa Zoo Campground** in Wahpeton presents an unparalleled opportunity. This is not your average roadside stop; it is a **“cool little campground”** located directly adjacent to the renowned Chahinkapa Zoo, offering a memorable overnight experience where you literally wake up near the wildlife. The campground is part of the larger **Chahinkapa Park** complex, transforming a simple overnight stay into a full-scale recreational vacation for all ages.

What sets this campground apart is the unique feature of being able to camp right next to animal habitats. As one camper enthusiastically noted, staying at a specific site allowed them to **“look out at rhinoceroses and zebras throughout the day.”** This proximity to the zoo creates an exciting, vibrant backdrop for your North Dakota adventure, especially for families. Beyond the animal viewing, the campground’s inclusion within the park system provides **easy access to parks, softball fields, pools, playgrounds, and many more** facilities, guaranteeing entertainment and activity are always just steps away. With friendly campers and clean facilities, as highlighted by a reviewer who called it a **“cute little place to stop for a night or two,”** Chahinkapa Zoo Campground is a genuine North Dakota highlight for short visits or extended stays.

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**Location and Accessibility: Nestled in Wahpeton’s Premier Park**

The **Chahinkapa Zoo Campground** is conveniently located within the beautiful **Chahinkapa Park** in the southeastern North Dakota community of **Wahpeton, ND 58075, USA**. The park's specific physical address is **1004 Rj Hughes Dr**, which places it near the junction of the Red and Bois de Sioux rivers, an important geographic and recreational area.

Wahpeton is easily accessible via major routes, making it a simple drive for residents across the state and the nearby Red River Valley region. Once in Wahpeton, the campground is located centrally within the park complex, providing immediate walking or biking access to all the park’s attractions. This accessibility is a major selling point for travelers with RVs, as the location eliminates the need to drive long distances once they are set up. While the campground is in an urban park setting, it still manages to offer a sense of retreat, with the convenience of being close to Wahpeton’s local amenities, fuel, and dining options. Its park setting ensures a pleasant, green environment despite its in-town location.

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**Services Offered at Chahinkapa Zoo Campground**

The campground offers a practical set of amenities, catering primarily to RV and tent campers looking for essential hookups and clean facilities for short- to medium-term stays. While focused on core services, the facilities are designed to enhance the family experience.

• **RV Sites (Total 7):** The campground features a total of 7 designated RV sites, though one reviewer noted the park may sometimes accommodate more, emphasizing the need for defined spots.
• **Electric Hookups:** **All sites have 30-amp electrical hookups**. This essential service allows for air conditioning, heating, and power for electronics, crucial for comfort in North Dakota weather.
• **Water Access:** **Two of the seven RV sites** have water hookups directly at the site. For the remaining sites, **water is available** to fill tanks at a public hydrant/fountain area.
• **Sanitation:** The campground provides **clean washrooms and showers** for all campground patrons.
• **Waste Disposal:** A **dump station** is available on-site for RV black and grey water disposal, as **none of the individual sites have sewer hookups**.
• **Tent Camping:** Separate tent sites are available, with options for sites **without electricity ($20 per night) and with electricity ($25 per night)**.
• **Pet Policy:** Pets are **welcome but must be leashed** and are prohibited inside the zoo grounds.

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**Features / Highlights of Chahinkapa Zoo Campground**

The unique features of this campground stem entirely from its integration into the large, multi-faceted Chahinkapa Park, providing an entertainment package far beyond a typical camping spot.

• **Camping Next to the Zoo:** This is the undisputed highlight. Campers in specific sites can enjoy views of **rhinoceroses and zebras** from their windows, offering unparalleled entertainment, especially for children.
• **Direct Access to Chahinkapa Park:** The campsite provides immediate access to the entire park, which includes a vast array of recreational facilities, such as **softball fields, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoe courts, a skateboard park, and open grass areas**.
• **Prairie Rose Carousel:** Within the park is the beautiful, **fully restored 1926 antique Prairie Rose Carousel**, a treasured piece of Americana that offers a fun, classic ride experience for all ages.
• **Chahinkapa Park Swimming Pool:** Campers have convenient access to the community swimming pool, which includes a thrilling **178-foot double-loop water slide**—a perfect amenity for cooling off during North Dakota summers.
• **Family-Friendly Atmosphere:** Campers frequently describe the place as **“very friendly and welcoming,”** creating a secure and pleasant environment perfect for families and children.
• **Affordable Pricing:** The park offers very competitive pricing for both RV and tent sites, providing great value for an overnight or weekend stay with so many amenities nearby.

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**Contact Information**

For reservations, which are highly recommended due to the limited number of sites, and for general inquiries about the campground or the zoo hours, please use the following contact information.

• **Physical Address:** 1004 Rj Hughes Dr, Wahpeton, ND 58075, USA
• **Reservations & Information Phone:** (701) 642-8709
• **Alternate/Mobile Phone:** +1 701-642-8709
• **Online Booking:** Reservations are available and encouraged through the Chahinkapa Zoo’s official website or the Wahpeton Parks & Recreation booking portal.

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**What is Worth Choosing Chahinkapa Zoo Campground**

For North Dakota families and travelers, choosing the **Chahinkapa Zoo Campground** means selecting an experience that guarantees **convenience, unique entertainment, and affordability**. You should choose this campground if your primary goal is to maximize your family’s fun and minimize travel between activities. Where else in North Dakota can you sleep next to a rhino and then spend the afternoon sliding down a water slide and riding an antique carousel?

While some older reviews mention the need for better defined and leveled pads—a common area for improvement in many public campgrounds—the overwhelming positive consensus focuses on the **uniqueness of the location and the abundance of nearby activities**. The **clean washrooms, electric hookups on all RV sites, and the dump station** provide the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay. This campground is an excellent choice for a weekend getaway, a unique stopover on a longer North Dakota trip, or for anyone seeking a **friendly, welcoming atmosphere** where the kids will be constantly entertained by both the animals and the amazing park facilities right outside their camper door. It’s the perfect place to create lasting, fun family memories in the heart of Wahpeton.