Whitestone Hill Campground

For North Dakotans seeking a unique blend of peaceful outdoor recreation and profound historical reflection, Whitestone Hill Campground in Merricourt, ND, offers an experience unlike any other. This seemingly "quiet place to camp" holds a deeper significance, nestled adjacent to the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site. While it provides the tranquil setting ideal for a relaxing escape, it also serves as a poignant reminder of early U.S. history that, as one reviewer noted, "should NOT be ignored." It's a place where you can pitch a tent or park your RV and immerse yourself in the serene prairie landscape, while also having the opportunity to connect with a pivotal moment in the state's past.

Whitestone Hill Campground is appreciated for its calm atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for unwinding. Visitors praise its suitability for activities like riding bikes, walking, kayaking, or simply relaxing in a hammock. However, it also becomes a vibrant hub once a year during the summer when it hosts a significant Pow Wow, an event where "everybody is welcome to pay respect to what happened here." This annual gathering transforms the quiet landscape into a living testament to resilience and remembrance, offering a powerful cultural experience. Whether you're passing through or planning a multi-night stay, Whitestone Hill Campground promises more than just a place to sleep; it offers a chance to recharge, explore, and reflect in a truly unique North Dakota setting.

Whitestone Hill Campground is located at 549Q+V8, Merricourt, ND 58456, USA. This places it in a rural, serene part of Dickey County in southeastern North Dakota, approximately 23 miles southeast of Kulm. Its primary draw is its direct adjacency to the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site, a significant historical landmark.

For North Dakota locals, reaching Whitestone Hill Campground involves a drive through the state's picturesque prairie landscapes. While it's located in a more remote area, access is generally straightforward via state and county roads. From major population centers like Bismarck or Fargo, the journey will take a few hours, offering a true "getaway" feel. The roads leading to the site are typically well-maintained, accommodating both standard vehicles and those towing RVs or trailers. Upon arrival, the campground offers ample space, implying ease of parking and maneuverability. The rural setting means fewer streetlights and urban distractions, contributing to the "quiet place" atmosphere. While the immediate vicinity is primarily natural and historical, nearby smaller towns like Kulm might offer basic supplies. The peaceful, wide-open spaces of North Dakota are a key part of the journey and the experience, making Whitestone Hill Campground a truly accessible escape for those looking to experience the heartland.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, offering basic restroom facilities for campers. While not flush toilets, they are a common and functional amenity in more rustic or state historic site campgrounds.

• Grills: Individual campsites are equipped with grills, allowing for outdoor cooking and barbecues.

• Picnic Tables: Each site typically includes a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meals, games, and gathering.

• Campsites: While specific designated sites might be less formal, the reviews indicate ample space for setting up tents or parking RVs, offering a flexible camping experience.

• Cell Phone Service: A reviewer specifically mentioned having "2 bars of LTE service on Verizon," which is a notable and useful amenity for staying connected even in a quiet, rural setting.

• No Hookups: Public information and reviews suggest this is a primitive camping experience, meaning there are generally no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. Campers should be prepared for off-grid camping.

• No Running Water (Implied): The mention of "vault toilets" and lack of "running water" in some general descriptions of primitive sites suggests potable water might not be readily available at individual sites, or may need to be brought by campers, or accessed via a hand pump if available. Visitors should clarify this before arrival.

• Proximity to Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site: This is the most significant highlight. The campground is a short walk around the road from the historic site, allowing campers to easily visit the battlefield, monuments, and interpretive panels detailing the 1863 conflict between U.S. troops and several Dakota, Lakota, and Yanktonai bands. This offers a powerful educational and reflective experience.

• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground provides a tranquil environment perfect for unwinding, escaping noise, and enjoying nature's serenity, especially outside of the annual Pow Wow.

• Stargazing Opportunities: Being in a remote area with minimal light pollution, Whitestone Hill offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing, providing clear views of the night sky.

• Outdoor Activities: The surrounding area offers "lots of place to ride bikes, walk, kayak or just relax in a hammock." This highlights opportunities for active recreation and leisure within the natural setting.

• Annual Pow Wow: Once a year in the summer, the site becomes a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a Pow Wow. This event welcomes everyone to pay respect and offers a unique opportunity to experience Native American traditions, dancing, and drumming, providing a powerful cultural immersion.

• Beautiful Scenery: Described as "extremely beautiful," especially in summer, the natural prairie landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.

• Historical Significance: The site commemorates a pivotal and often overlooked event in U.S. history, offering a chance for visitors to learn about and reflect on the past.

Address: 549Q+V8, Merricourt, ND 58456, USA (within/adjacent to Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site)

For specific inquiries regarding Whitestone Hill Campground and its facilities, or details about the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site, it is best to contact the State Historical Society of North Dakota, which manages the historic site. While a direct phone number for the "campground" itself is not typically listed separately, the State Historical Society of North Dakota can provide information on camping regulations, site availability, and historical site details. The general phone number for the State Historical Society of North Dakota is (701) 328-2666. For information directly related to the historic site, you may also find contact details specifically for the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site on the official North Dakota Tourism website or the State Historical Society of North Dakota's website. It is advisable to consult their official web pages for the most up-to-date information on hours, any potential fees, and specific events like the annual Pow Wow.

For North Dakotans, Whitestone Hill Campground offers a unique and highly suitable outdoor experience that goes beyond typical camping. Its primary appeal lies in its dual nature: a "very quiet place to camp" and a profound historical site. Locals seeking a peaceful retreat will find the campground's serene atmosphere perfect for unwinding, whether it's by relaxing in a hammock, enjoying leisurely walks, or cycling through the open prairie. This tranquil setting provides a much-needed escape from daily life, allowing residents to reconnect with North Dakota's expansive and beautiful natural landscapes.

What truly sets Whitestone Hill apart for North Dakota locals is its direct connection to the Whitestone Hill Battlefield State Historic Site. This offers a powerful opportunity to engage with a significant piece of the state's and nation's history right in their backyard. Visiting the monuments and interpretive panels allows for a deeper understanding of the events that transpired here, fostering a sense of connection to the past. For families, this provides a valuable educational experience that complements the outdoor fun, making it a compelling destination for a multi-faceted getaway.

The annual Pow Wow at Whitestone Hill is another significant draw for locals. This event transforms the site into a vibrant cultural celebration, welcoming everyone to learn about and respect Native American traditions. For North Dakotans, it’s a chance to witness powerful ceremonies, experience traditional drumming and dancing, and engage with Indigenous culture in a meaningful way. This unique cultural component, combined with the accessible outdoor activities like biking, walking, and kayaking, makes Whitestone Hill Campground a versatile and enriching destination. While it offers a primitive camping experience (with vault toilets and no hookups), its profound historical significance, peaceful environment, and the memorable annual Pow Wow make it an ideal spot for locals to spend a few nights camping, reflect on history, and truly appreciate the unique character of their home state.

Whitestone Hill Campground

549Q+V8, Merricourt, ND 58456, USA