Jorgens Hollow Campground

🐴 Jorgens Hollow Campground: The Peaceful Oasis of the Sheyenne National Grassland

For North Dakotans seeking an escape to a truly unique and ecologically important landscape, Jorgens Hollow Campground is a cherished destination. Nestled within the expansive Sheyenne National Grassland—the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the U.S.—this campground provides a semi-primitive, deeply quiet, and remarkably peaceful camping opportunity. It is a genuine "hidden gem," known for its "nice green shaded campground" set amidst the sprawling, grid-like farmlands of southeastern North Dakota.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Jorgens Hollow caters to both traditional campers and a thriving community of equestrian enthusiasts. It serves as a vital access point to the 70,000 acres of publicly managed prairie, offering not just a place to sleep, but a direct connection to a rare ecosystem. Visitors often report a sense of tranquility and a richness of wildlife, with the sounds of "birdsong, Baltimore Oriole, Whippoorwill, and even Turkey calls" greeting them in the morning. This is the perfect spot to unplug and explore one of the most critical remnants of tallgrass prairie in the world.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Tallgrass Prairie

Jorgens Hollow Campground is located in the southeastern portion of North Dakota, approximately 40 to 50 miles southwest of Fargo, making it a convenient escape for residents of the state's largest metropolitan area.

The physical address is:

McLeod, ND 58057, USA

To reach the campground from the Fargo area, directions often involve taking ND Highway 18 and then county roads. Specifically, from ND Highway 18, travelers turn west onto County Road 4, travel about three miles, and then turn north onto County Road 23. The campground will be found on the east side of the road. Access involves driving approximately five to six miles on a "good dirt road" or well-maintained gravel road, requiring careful navigation but generally accessible to most vehicles and RVs.

As a National Forest campground, all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservation system, emphasizing spontaneity and minimal planning. Its secluded position within the vast Grassland contributes to its reputation as a quiet and uncrowded retreat, even during peak season.

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🏕️ Services Offered: Primitive Comfort in the Grassland

Jorgens Hollow Campground provides a semi-primitive camping experience. While lacking modern hookups, it provides essential amenities to ensure visitor comfort and responsible use of the National Grassland.

• Campsite Count and Type: The campground offers 14 designated campsites separated into three loops. Sites are divided into two distinct types: seven designated as non-equestrian (general) sites, and seven designated as equestrian sites to accommodate horse trailers and riding activity.

• Basic Site Furnishings: Each campsite includes a graveled pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring/grill.

• Water Access: A potable water hand-pump is available on-site, providing clean drinking water (typically available from spring to fall, but turned off during winter freeze periods).

• Restroom Facilities: The campground is equipped with two vault toilets, which are open year-round and are noted by customers for being clean and, crucially, wheelchair accessible.

• Fees and Discounts: The overnight use fee is approximately $10 per night. Holders of the America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on the single campsite fee, dropping the price significantly.

• Rules: The facility operates under a strict "Pack-in, Pack-out" policy; no trash receptacles are provided.

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✨ Features / Highlights: Trails, Birds, and Natural Beauty

The true allure of Jorgens Hollow lies in its surrounding environment and its direct access to some of North Dakota's finest non-motorized recreation.

• Equestrian Focus: The designated horse camping sites and the immediate access to the surrounding Grassland trails make this an ideal spot for North Dakota riders. Note: Horse feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.

• North Country National Scenic Trail Access: Trailheads are located directly in the campground, offering access to the 31-mile segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST), open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

• Oak Leaf Trail: Visitors can also access the 4-mile Oak Leaf Trail loop, providing a short, immersive hike through the oak savanna environment.

• Exceptional Birding and Wildlife Viewing: The Sheyenne National Grassland is known for its diverse bird population (nearly 300 species observed), including the greater prairie chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, and unique nesting species like the whip-poor-will and Baltimore Oriole, offering a "magical spot" for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Secluded Oak Savanna Setting: The campground is nestled in a rare pocket of Bur Oak savanna, providing natural tree cover and shade that contrasts beautifully with the open prairie, enhancing privacy between sites.

• Inexpensive Camping: The low nightly fee, further reduced by the America the Beautiful Pass, makes this one of the most budget-friendly, high-quality camping experiences in the region.

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📞 Contact Information

Jorgens Hollow Campground is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Dakota Prairie Grasslands. The best point of contact for local information is the Sheyenne Ranger District.

Address (General Area): McLeod, ND 58057, USA

Sheyenne Ranger District Office Phone: (701) 683-4311

General Dakota Prairie Grasslands Phone: (701) 404-8950

Mobile Phone: +1 701-404-8950 (Likely a general administrative line)

As a first-come, first-served campground, calling ahead is recommended to check current conditions, especially regarding the status of the potable water pump during shoulder seasons.

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🌟 What is Worth Choosing Jorgens Hollow Campground

Jorgens Hollow Campground is the top recommendation for North Dakotans and regional visitors who are looking for a highly affordable, quiet, and trail-connected camping experience within a critical natural ecosystem.

Choose this campground if you:

Are an Equestrian or Long-Distance Hiker: The designated equestrian sites and the direct access to major trails like the North Country National Scenic Trail make this an unparalleled basecamp for multi-day, non-motorized exploration of the Grassland.

Value Peace and Quiet: Customers consistently praise the "quiet and peaceful" atmosphere. If you seek an escape from crowded RV parks and desire the sounds of nature and bird life over road noise, this semi-primitive, isolated location is ideal.

Want Low-Cost, Essential Amenities: For a minimal fee (especially with a Federal Pass), you receive a graveled site, picnic table, fire ring, clean pit toilets, and potable water—all the essentials needed for a comfortable, self-sufficient camping trip.

Jorgens Hollow offers a unique, authentic North Dakota prairie experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding.