Hankinson Hills Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Your Rustic Retreat in the Sheyenne National Grassland**

For North Dakotans seeking a genuine, rustic escape where the emphasis is on trails, nature, and the quiet beauty of the prairie, **Hankinson Hills Campground** offers an ideal destination. Located within the scenic **Sheyenne National Grassland**, this United States Forest Service-managed site provides a semi-primitive camping experience perfect for both tent campers and those with self-contained RVs, as well as a specialized haven for **equestrian enthusiasts**. This campground is distinctly divided into two loops, catering specifically to non-equestrian visitors and those traveling with their horses.

The core appeal of Hankinson Hills is its immersion in nature and direct access to an extensive trail system. Campers consistently note the **“Nice scenery”** and the feeling of stepping back into a quieter, simpler time. The affordable fee, operating on a **first-come, first-served** basis, makes it an accessible and spontaneous choice for a weekend getaway. While it offers essential basic amenities like vault toilets and potable water, it purposefully excludes high-end hookups, preserving its natural, serene character. One satisfied camper summarized their positive experience by saying, **“it was quite a nice campground,”** highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that prevails, despite the occasional intrusion of loud visitors, as is the risk in any public park setting. Overall, this site embodies the best of North Dakota’s open-prairie camping tradition.

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**Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands**

**Hankinson Hills Campground** is situated approximately three miles northwest of the town of **Hankinson, ND 58041, USA**. This area is part of the larger **Sheyenne National Grassland**, managed by the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, giving visitors a chance to experience one of the best remnants of the original oak/grass prairies in the region.

The location is intentionally tucked away, providing the solitude that many North Dakotan campers crave. Access involves driving on graveled forest roads, which are generally well-maintained and passable for most rigs, including larger RVs, up to about 35 feet, as long as travelers are prepared for the unpaved surface. Directions typically involve heading west from I-29 via Highway 11 near Hankinson, and then turning onto county roads leading into the Grassland unit. Due to the limited services and remote location, visitors should arrive fully prepared, but the reward is a tranquil, well-spaced camping experience surrounded by beautiful rolling sandhills and Burr oak stands. Cell service, while not guaranteed, is often reported to be surprisingly adequate in spots, allowing for necessary communication.

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**Services Offered at Hankinson Hills Campground**

As a semi-primitive facility managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Hankinson Hills Campground focuses on providing the foundational services necessary for a comfortable dry-camping experience while maintaining the integrity of the natural environment.

• **Total Campsites (15):** The campground features a total of 15 designated campsites.
• **Split Camping Loops:** The sites are divided into two distinct areas: **Six sites are designated for campers with horses (Equestrian Loop)**, and **nine sites are for non-equestrian campers**.
• **Basic Site Amenities:** Each of the 15 campsites is equipped with a **picnic table** and a **fire ring/grill**, perfect for cooking and evening campfires.
• **Water:** **Potable water is available via a hand pump water well**. This service is typically available from spring to fall and is shut off during winter months.
• **Sanitation:** **Vault toilets** (pit toilets) are available, including accessible options, and are open year-round. **No showers** or flush toilets are provided.
• **No Hookups:** There are **no electrical, water, or sewer hookups** at any of the campsites. Campers must be fully self-contained (dry camping).
• **Waste:** The campground operates on a strict **Pack-in, Pack-out policy**. There are no trash disposal services or RV dump stations on site.
• **Day Use:** A large **picnic shelter** and a group fire ring with benches are available on a **first-come, first-served basis** for day-use and group events.

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**Features / Highlights of Hankinson Hills Campground**

The appeal of Hankinson Hills is rooted in its unique natural features and its dedication to non-motorized outdoor recreation.

• **Equestrian Focus:** A major highlight is the **dedicated loop for horse camping**. This is a rare and highly valued feature for local users, offering space suitable for portable corrals and direct access to the trails.
• **Access to Hankinson Hills Trail:** The campground is a primary trailhead for the **8-mile Hankinson Hills Trail loop**. This non-motorized trail is excellent for **hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding**, winding through the unique oak and prairie landscape.
• **Rustic Solitude:** Customer reviews confirm the area provides **“quiet and peaceful”** camping, far from highway noise, making it a true retreat.
• **Unique Prairie Environment:** The campground is located in a fascinating geological area characterized by stabilized sand dunes and remnants of the ancient **oak/grass prairie ecosystem**, offering unique scenery and a chance to view rare prairie plant life.
• **Wildlife and Bird Viewing:** The Sheyenne National Grassland is home to diverse bird populations, including the unique **greater prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse**. Birding and wildlife viewing, including the occasional sight of grazing cattle, are popular activities.
• **Affordable Pricing:** Camping is exceptionally affordable at a low rate **per night**, making it one of the most cost-effective and scenic camping options in the region.

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**Contact Information**

Since this is a federal land site, contact is managed through the local Forest Service office. Reservations are **not accepted**; sites are strictly first-come, first-served.

• **Address:** Hankinson, ND 58041, USA (Located about 3 miles NW of the town).
• **Sheyenne Ranger District Office Phone:** (701) 683-4342
• **General Park Information Phone:** +1 701-683-4342
• **Reservations:** The campground operates on a **First-Come, First-Served** basis only. Payment is made on-site via a fee tube.

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**What is Worth Choosing Hankinson Hills Campground**

Choosing **Hankinson Hills Campground** is worth it for North Dakota residents who value **simplicity, affordability, and direct trail access** over modern amenities. This campground is the ideal choice for several types of campers:

First, it is an absolute must for the **equestrian community**. The dedicated loop, ample space for portable corrals, and immediate connection to the 8-mile non-motorized trail system offer one of the best horse-friendly camping environments in the region. The review noting the **“Horse loop was nearly full on a Friday afternoon in August”** proves its popularity among riders.

Second, it’s perfect for **dry campers, tent campers, and self-contained RVers** who want a genuine prairie camping experience. The absence of electrical hookups and flush toilets ensures the sites remain **rustic, quiet, and typically less crowded** than fully developed parks. The sites are well-spaced and offer beautiful shade from the Burr oak trees.

Finally, if you are looking for an incredibly **affordable, first-come, first-served spot** that still provides necessary basics like potable water and vault toilets, Hankinson Hills is an outstanding find. You get stunning natural scenery, peace and quiet, and excellent trail opportunities for an unbeatable value right here in the beautiful Sheyenne National Grassland.