Fort Ransom State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Ransom State Park is located in North Dakota in the Sheyenne River valley, two miles north of Fort Ransom. It covers an area measuring 950 acres and was established in 1976. The state park sits along the Sheyenne Valley National Scenic Byway and is home to two historic homesteader farms: the Andrew Sunne farm and Bjone House. Along with its historic significance, visitors also flock to this area to enjoy a number of recreational activities, such as camping, kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying the 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, equestrian, skiing, and snowmobiling. Additionally, a farmstead within the state park provides the setting for annual Sodbuster Days celebrations, with demonstrations and exhibits of early homesteading life.
There is also a wide range of flora and fauna which live within Fort Ransom State Park. Its unique ecosystem includes three major types of vegetation: eastern deciduous woodlands, tall grass prairie and mixed grass prairie. A number of wildlife species are commonly sighted, such as white-tailed deer, raccoon, beaver, squirrels, mink, coyote and fox. Although the state park is open year-round, winter conditions can prove difficult, with temperatures falling to as low as -1°F. Summer, on the other hand, brings pleasantly warm temperatures of up to 84°F.
If you’re planning a trip to Fort Ransom, keep reading to find out all there is to know about this region, including campgrounds, activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 17°F - 69°F
Summer 53°F - 84°F
Fall 19°F - 73°F
Winter -1°F - 25°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Ransom State Park
If you’re thinking about staying in or near Fort Ransom State Park, why not do so in an RV? Unlike tents, RVs provide you with a soft, comfortable bed, as well as your own private bathroom and fully-stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, you can rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget or needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Fort Ransom State Park has a number of campgrounds within its boundaries, including those offering modern campsites (with electricity and water), modern equestrian campsites, modern group sites, and primitive sites. Sites can fill quickly, however, so we’ve also included three other campgrounds located within a short distance to the state park.
Little Yellowstone Campground
Just under a 20-minute drive from the state park isLittle Yellowstone Campground, which is nestled in the hills and valley along the Sheyenne River. The campground covers 27 acres and offers 35 campsites for both tents and RVs. Daily rates from $15 - $20. Open May 1 through October 31.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: restrooms, dump station, picnic shelters.
Clausen Springs Recreation Area
The nearbyClausen Springs Recreation Area is a beautiful area known for Clausen Springs Lake. It also has a campground on-site, including 60 campsites, 21 of which include electrical hookups. Daily rates from $15 - $20. Open May 1 through October 31.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: restrooms, dump station, picnic shelters, boat ramp, fishing dock, swimming area.
Dead Colt Creek Recreation Area
Dead Colt Creek Recreation Area is another park located just over half-an-hour’s drive from Fort Ransom. It offers over 40 electric sites, as well as recreational activities such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, picnics and swimming.
Water hookup: no
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: no
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, dump station, picnic shelters, boat dock, boat ramp, swimming / fishing area.
What to Do at
Fort Ransom State Park
Inside Fort Ransom State Park
This park isn’t your average destination, with its historic homestead farms, location along the Sheyenne Valley National Scenic Byway, and annual Sodbuster celebrations. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy the park’s 20 miles of stunning trails, kayak, partake in winter activities, learn about the history of the region, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Fort Ransom.
Trails : With over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, equestrian, skiing, and snowmobiling use, visitors are certainly spoilt for choice. A short segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail also winds through the park. Otherpopular trails include the Redetzke Ridge Trail, Little Twig Nature Trail, and Riverside Trail.
Kayaking and canoeing : The river in the park provides great opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. Both kayaks and canoes can be rented from the park for $8/hour or $50/day. Paddles and life vests are included in the rental fee.
Winter activities : Extremely cold temperatures during the winter months brings plenty of snowfall, allowing visitors to partake in activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Exhibits : The state park encourages visitors to learn and celebrate its history through various exhibits and events. The visitors center has displays that interpret the lives of the area's 19th-century sodbusters and the Mound Builders, plus a farmstead within the park is the setting for the annual Sodbuster Days celebration with demonstrations and exhibits of homesteading life.
Fishing : The Sheyenne River also provides great fishing opportunities for anglers, including the chance to catch rare fish such as the pugnose shiner and northern redbelly dace, along with rare and unusual species of mussels.
Outside Fort Ransom State Park
If you thought the park has lots on offer, then you’re going to be delighted by just how many experiences are available to you outside of the park in eastern North Dakota, including stunning sightseeing opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and more.
Restaurants
The Lunchbox Eatery
Literally just minutes down the road from the state park is The Lunchbox Eatery, a bistro offering a wide range of snacks and meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a popular choice among those visiting Fort Ransom or camping overnight.
Type: Bistro
Location: Fort Ransom, ND
Pizza Ranch
There’s a Pizza Ranch in vicinity of the state park, less than a 25-minute drive away. It’s the perfect place for you and your family to come and satisfy your cravings for classic American fast food, including fried chicken, nachos, and of course, pizza.
Type: Pizza restaurant / buffet
Location: Lisbon, ND
McSwiggan's Tavern
If you’re venturing further southbound out of the region, then McSwiggan's Tavern is a recommended stopover for those craving a cold beverage and hearty feed. There’s a huge dinner buffet on offer, as well as menu items such as burgers and fries. Plus, there’s a wide range of beer, wine, and spirits to enjoy.
Type: Tavern
Location: Whitestone Hill, ND
Sightseeing
Scenic Theater
TheScenic Theater is located in Lisbon, approximately a half-hour drive from the state park. What’s remarkable about this theater is that it’s not just the oldest continuously run theater in North Dakota, but all of America! Stop by for a movie and enjoy the building’s significant history.
Location: Lisbon, ND
Sheyenne National Grassland
Sheyenne National Grassland features 70,180 acres of prairie grasslands and offers recreational activities such as hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, photography, and backpacking. Once you’ve explored all that Fort Ransom has to offer, why not come here to soak up even more natural scenery?
Location: Sandoun, ND
Bonanzaville USA
Approximately one hour and 15 minutes’ drive away isBonanzaville USA, a museum and village which will provide you and your family with hours of enjoyment as you learn and explore the history of the region. Admission ranges from $6 - $12.
Location: West Fargo, ND
How to Get to
Fort Ransom State Park
Fort Ransom State Park is 20 miles north-west of the city of Lisbon. Head west on ND-27 W/5th Ave E/67th St SE towards Main St, then turn right onto 119th Ave SE/W Hjelle Pkwy and remain on the Walt Hjelle Pkwy until you reach the state park.
Entering Fort Ransom State Park
Fort Ransom State Park Daily : $5.0
Fort Ransom State Park Annual : $25.0
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Fort Ransom State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ransom State Park
Many visitors come to Fort Ransom State Park in the winter to enjoy the 10 miles of trails used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The Sheyenne Valley State Snowmobile Trail System also runs through the park. Ski rentals are available.
Commonly spotted wildlife in Fort Ransom State Park include foxes, beavers, squirrels, coyotes, deer, and minks. While black bears are known to roam highly forested areas, encounters with these large predators are uncommon.
Fort Ransom State Park has 15 modern campsites with electric and water hookups. There are also 24 modern equestrian campsites with electricity and coral access. Both of these sites cost $25 a night.
Campsites can be booked up to 95 days in advance. When booking a single campsite online, you'll be charged a $5.80 reservation fee. Same-day, call-in reservations will be charged a $9 fee.
Pets are welcome in the campground and on the trails. You'll also find a dog park in the southern area of the state park. Pets are not allowed in any of the cabins, historic buildings, or yurts.