Westside Campground

For those of us who call North Dakota home, we know our state offers more than just vast prairies; it boasts hidden gems of natural beauty and rich history, perfect for outdoor escapes. When the urge to reconnect with nature, explore scenic trails, or simply unwind by a campfire strikes, Fort Ransom State Park often comes to mind. Within this diverse park, Westside Campground stands out as a prime location, offering a welcoming and well-equipped base for your next North Dakota adventure.

Westside Campground is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Sheyenne River Valley. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen equestrian, a family looking for a fun getaway, or a winter sports enthusiast, this campground provides the perfect blend of comfort and access to the outdoors. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the rustling leaves replace the everyday noise, allowing you to truly embrace the peace and charm of rural North Dakota.

Westside Campground is located within the expansive and picturesque Fort Ransom State Park, situated at 5911 N 2nd St, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA. This puts it conveniently near the charming town of Fort Ransom, nestled in the scenic Sheyenne River Valley. The park, and by extension, Westside Campground, is a featured site along the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, a beautiful 63-mile route that winds through rolling hills, woodlands, and farmlands.

Access to Westside Campground is straightforward via well-maintained roads within the state park. From the town of Fort Ransom, the park entrance is just a short drive away. Its location offers a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, yet it remains relatively accessible from larger population centers in North Dakota. For those traveling with RVs, the campground is designed to accommodate various sizes, and the park’s overall layout makes navigating to your site relatively easy.

Westside Campground, as part of Fort Ransom State Park, provides a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for diverse groups of visitors. As a modern campground, it offers more than just a basic site. Here’s what you can expect:

• Campsites: Westside Campground offers 26 sites specifically catering to RVs and tents. In total, Fort Ransom State Park provides 80 RV, tent, and equestrian campsites. Modern RV sites often come with electric and water hookups, with many being pull-through for easy access. Primitive tent sites are typically walk-in.
• Hookups: Many RV sites at Westside feature electric and water hookups, providing essential conveniences for modern campers.
• Restroom Facilities: Campers benefit from modern comfort stations that include flush toilets and showers, ensuring a more comfortable stay. Vault toilets are also available in more primitive areas or during off-season.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground, ensuring you stay hydrated during your outdoor activities.
• Sanitation Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within the main camp area of Fort Ransom State Park, essential for RV and trailer owners.
• Playground: Families with children will appreciate the presence of a playground, offering a fun space for kids to enjoy.
• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase within the park, making it easy to enjoy a campfire during your stay (when fire restrictions permit).
• Reservations: Campsites at North Dakota State Parks, including Westside Campground, can typically be booked 95 days in advance. Reservations can be made online or by calling the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
• Camp Host: A camp host is often on-site to assist campers, provide information, and ensure a pleasant experience.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Fort Ransom State Park, provided they are kept on a leash, with some parks even offering off-leash areas or dog parks.

Westside Campground, and Fort Ransom State Park as a whole, boasts a rich array of features and highlights that make it a standout destination for North Dakota locals:

• Extensive Trail System: The park is renowned for its over 20 miles of multi-use trails, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. These trails wind through diverse habitats, from forest and prairie to riparian shores, offering incredible opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing.
• Sheyenne River Access: The campground’s location near the banks of the Sheyenne River provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Canoe and kayak rentals are often available at the park headquarters, and shuttles can be arranged for a leisurely paddle down the river.
• Equestrian Facilities: Fort Ransom State Park is particularly well-suited for horse campers. There are designated equestrian campsites, some with horse corrals, making it an excellent base for exploring the extensive network of horse trails.
• Year-Round Recreation: This is a truly multi-use, year-round state park. While summer is popular for camping, hiking, and paddling, winter offers fantastic opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on groomed trails.
• Rich History and Culture: The park preserves the heritage of North Dakota homesteading with sites like the Andrew Sunne Farm, an 1860s military encampment, and a visitor center with interpretive displays. The annual Sodbuster Days, held twice a year, offer a unique look into pioneer life with exhibits and demonstrations.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse landscapes, including wooded paths, meadows, and riverfront, make the park a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Deer, pheasants, and numerous bird species are commonly sighted.
• Scenic Beauty: The park is characterized by its rolling hills and wooded paths, a unique landscape within North Dakota, offering a serene and picturesque setting for camping and outdoor activities.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond camping, the park offers a playground, and hosts unique events like "Halloween in June" or "Christmas in July" adding a fun, family-friendly twist to the camping experience.
• Proximity to North Country National Scenic Trail: The North Country National Scenic Trail, one of the longest continuous hiking trails in the U.S., passes right through Fort Ransom State Park, providing excellent long-distance hiking opportunities.

For more specific information, current conditions, or to make reservations for Westside Campground within Fort Ransom State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5911 N 2nd St, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA

Park Office Phone: (701) 973-4331

Mobile Phone: +1 701-973-4331

For reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department's official website or call their reservation line at 800-807-4723. New arrival dates for campsites become available 95 days in advance.

For us North Dakotans, Westside Campground at Fort Ransom State Park is more than just a place to spend a night; it’s a quintessential representation of our state’s diverse outdoor offerings and rich heritage. We appreciate convenience, and the ease of access to a well-maintained state park, just a short drive from our communities, makes it an ideal choice for spontaneous weekend getaways or planned family vacations. The ability to reserve sites 95 days in advance is also a significant plus for planning, a feature we value for securing our preferred spots.

The extensive trail system, perfect for hiking, biking, and especially horseback riding (with dedicated equestrian facilities), speaks directly to the active, outdoor lifestyle many of us lead. Knowing we can easily access the Sheyenne River for paddling or fishing, and then return to modern amenities like flush toilets and showers, significantly enhances the comfort of our wilderness experiences. The park’s year-round accessibility for activities like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling means our love for the outdoors doesn't hibernate when the snow falls.

Beyond the recreation, the historical significance of Fort Ransom and the engaging Sodbuster Days events provide a unique opportunity to connect with North Dakota’s pioneer past, something that resonates deeply with our local identity. Westside Campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunity, and welcoming facilities, making it an outstanding choice for any North Dakotan looking to embrace the best of our state’s outdoors.

Westside Campground

5911 N 2nd St, Fort Ransom, ND 58033, USA