Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area is an outdoor oasis located just six miles northwest of Bottineau, North Dakota. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding.
Spring 52-75 F
Summer 68-80 F
Fall 19-53 F
Winter 14-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
Unfortunately, there aren't any RV parks or campgrounds in the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area.
What to Do at
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
OHV enthusiasts will love zipping along one of the many motorized trails at the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area. If you'd rather take a quiet trek through the forest, grab your bike or hiking boots and wind your way down one of the park's many non-motorized trails. You might even spot a moose or a great blue heron on your journey!
Nature Watching
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area is replete with hiking trails that weave through the forest, giving visitors ample opportunity to spot white-tailed deer and moose.
Flora and Fauna
The Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area's most abundant trees and shrubs include balsam poplar, green ash, aspen, paper birch, and bur oak. This park also features nut and fruit-bearing shrubs, including hazelnut, juneberry, pin cherry, plum, and chokecherry. Commonly spotted wildlife in the park include coyotes, black bears, white-tailed deer, moose, quail, golden eagles, black-tailed jackrabbits, squirrels, rattlesnakes, loons, and great blue herons.
Hiking
There are over 12 miles of mixed-use trails in the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area with varying difficulty levels. Just remember that you may have to share the trail with OHVs.
Horseback Riding
The mixed-use trails that wind their way through Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area are an excellent place for horseback riding. You'll probably encounter OHV riders on the trails, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Biking
The numerous trails that weave through the forest at the Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area make for one of the best biking experiences in North Dakota, as long as you don't mind sharing the trail with OHVs.
Snowshoeing
Those who enjoy getting outside on brisk winter days will love the tranquility of snowshoeing through the forest when all the hikers, bikers, and OHV riders have packed up their equipment for the season.
How to Get to
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
From Bottineau, go north on Town Line Road. Continue for four miles, then make a left to head west on 101st St NE. Continue for one mile, and then turn right to head north on 11th Ave NE. Continue for 1.2 miles, turn right onto Sjule Road, and you'll see the entrance to the park on the right. From Lake Metigoshe State Park, go south on Lake Loop Road until you come to Highway 43 and right to head west. After 4.5 miles, turn left to head south on Town Line Road and continue for five miles. Make a right to head west on 101st St NE for one mile, then turn right to head north on 11th Ave NE. Continue for 1.2 miles, then make a right onto Sjule Road. The entrance to the park will be on the right.
Entering Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
Turtle Mountain State Park Recreation Area is open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. If you plan to drive an OHV on the trails, please bring proof of liability insurance, follow all posted rules and be sure to operate your vehicle only in designated areas. All operators must be at least 12 years old, and those who are under 16 must carry their safety certification card with them on the trails. All OHV operators and passengers under the age of 18 must wear helmets. No matter which activity you choose, please remember to use good trail etiquette.
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area
Though the peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the winter and early springtime as well. If you don't mind the cold, you can bundle up and hit the trails with your snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile.
The Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area is home to coyotes, black bears, white-tailed deer, moose, quail, golden eagles, black-tailed jackrabbits, squirrels, rattlesnakes, loons, and great blue herons.
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area doesn't have any RV camping spots. However, RVs are welcome in many campgrounds nearby.
There is no camping available at Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area. There are three primitive campgrounds nearby in the Turtle Mountain State Forest, and modern camping is available in the Lake Metigoshe State Park.
Yes, pets are welcome at Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area. Please keep pets leashed at all times and clean up after them.