Hankinson Hills Campground
4.6015 reviews1601 Main Street, Lisbon, ND 58054
Hankinson Hills Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single site camping is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by pass holders. Discount applies only to fees for physically occupied sites, not for additional sites or fees.
About this campground
Escape to the windswept prairies of Hankinson Hills Campground, where 15 peaceful sites await amid the rolling grasslands. Choose your adventure: saddle up at one of six equestrian-friendly sites in the horse loop, or settle into one of nine traditional camping spots perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, inviting you to gather under endless skies. During summer months, fresh water flows from the hand pump, and accessible vault toilets ensure comfort meets wilderness.
Hankinson Hills Campground is a small, rustic camping facility with a total of 15 sites split between equestrian and non-equestrian campers. It provides primitive camping without any hookups or modern conveniences.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests within the remarkable Sheyenne National Grasslands, a sanctuary for some of North America's most treasured prairie species. This living museum of grassland ecology shelters the federally threatened Western Prairie Fringed Orchid, whose delicate white blooms appear like prairie stars each summer. Listen for the distinctive booming calls of the greater prairie chicken at dawn, and witness countless bird species that make these ancient grasslands their home—a testament to the enduring spirit of the Great Plains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of the prairie across four distinct seasons. Bundle up for crystalline winter nights when the cold air brings exceptional clarity to the stars above. As warmth returns, summer transforms the campground into a stargazer's paradise, with minimal light pollution revealing the Milky Way in all its glory. October visitors are rewarded with nature's most spectacular light show—the Northern Lights dancing across the prairie sky, painting ribbons of green and purple above the grasslands.
ElevationThe campground sits at the gentle elevations characteristic of the northern prairie, where subtle changes in the landscape create diverse microclimates and habitats throughout the grasslands.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a sea of grass where the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction. The campground nestles perfectly into this pristine prairie ecosystem, surrounded by rolling hills that wave with native grasses. Islands of trees dot the landscape, providing shade and shelter while maintaining the open, breathtaking vistas that define the grasslands. As one enchanted visitor noted, this is truly a 'beautiful campground nestled in the grassland,' where the simple beauty of the prairie reveals itself in golden sunrises, wind-rippled grass, and star-filled nights.
Geological RegionSet within the vast Sheyenne National Grasslands, the campground occupies one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. This unique geological region showcases the subtle beauty of ancient grasslands, where centuries of wind and weather have sculpted gentle hills and valleys that support an intricate web of prairie life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are listed as accessible, and the campground is relatively simple to navigate. However, the gravel roads leading to the site are described as being in poor condition in user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as large, with ample space for campers and horses.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the campground is peaceful and provides a sense of seclusion, with some campsites shaded by trees.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific recommendations provided; all sites have picnic tables and fire rings.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations provided in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24 hours/day
- no specific check-in time stated.
Check-out
- Open 24 hours/day
- no specific check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Not explicitly stated
- user reviews and authoritative sources do not provide limits.
Groups
No specific group camping sites or details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops—six sites for horse camping and nine for campers without horses.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; limited services available after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
Reservation PlatformsNo specific reservation platforms mentioned; payment accepted by cash or check.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis as implied by user reviews and authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided. Reservation fees may apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hankinson Hills Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Notable activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and seasonal opportunities for birdwatching. The eight-mile Hankinson Hills loop trail is accessible directly from the campground and is a key highlight.
Hiking
The eight-mile Hankinson Hills loop trail, accessible directly from the campground, offers opportunities for hiking and backpacking. This trail spans diverse prairie landscapes and is popular among visitors.Biking
The campground supports both mountain biking and road cycling. However, e-bikes are classified as motorized vehicles and are prohibited on trails unless authorized.Wildlife viewing
The Sheyenne National Grassland, where the campground is located, features diverse wildlife, including nearly 300 bird species. Notable birds include pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, and greater prairie chickens. Mammals such as coyotes and white-tailed deer are also commonly observed.Winter Activities
Winter recreation such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is possible.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as available activities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires may be restricted per current fire danger status; group fire ring available at picnic shelter.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned in authoritative or user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include flies as reported in user reviews, occasional wildlife encounters, and challenging gravel road access.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be in effect; visitors advised to monitor NDResponse.gov for current alerts.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Sheyenne Ranger District office at 1601 Main Street Lisbon, ND 58054. Phone: 701-404-8950.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided; user reviews suggest weekends have lower occupancy.
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out rules apply. Campers are required to take their trash with them, and it is explicitly requested not to dispose of trash in the vault toilets.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features mentioned within the immediate campground area.
Common complaintsGravel road conditions mentioned by users ('Gravel road to this haunt is in tough shape. Nobody maintaining the road or campground.' - User Review), lack of services in winter months (vault toilets locked during winter).
HostNo campground host mentioned in authoritative or user reviews.
Campground Map
1601 Main Street, Lisbon, ND 58054
Driving directionsTake Exit 8 and head west to Hankinson, ND on Highway 11. Continue west on Highway 11 for approximately two miles past Hankinson, and turn north onto 165th Avenue SE. Travel north for about one and a half miles and turn west onto 91st Street SE. Travel west for about one and a quarter miles and turn north into the Hankinson Hills unit. Continue north to the campground.
The campground is accessible via gravel roads, but some user reviews suggest the road conditions may be challenging ('Gravel road to this haunt is in tough shape. Nobody maintaining the road or campground. Almost nobody there.' - User Review).Nearby places
Hankinson (approximately 3 miles), Lisbon is the broader district office location.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Hankinson, ND, approximately 3 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Hankinson Hills Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives praise for its peaceful and rustic atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the natural surroundings, clean facilities, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. However, some complaints include the lack of cell service, uneven gravel roads, and limited amenities for children.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the serene environment, well-maintained vault toilets, spacious campsites, and unique prairie setting. Visitors also enjoy the opportunity for stargazing and the...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor road conditions leading to the campground, absence of firewood for purchase, no cell service, and limited activities for children. Flies were also mentioned as a...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own firewood as none is available for purchase. It is also advised to prepare for a lack of cell service and to carry all essentials, as the campground has no camp...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but services are limited outside the summer months. Winter visitors note that the vault toilets are locked during the off-season, and road conditions can...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This was quite a find! It was beautiful, peaceful, and rustic. Star gazing was amazing!" - Kimberle Hemphill. "Beautiful campground nestled in the grassland. Peaceful and quiet except for the...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites are described as spacious with good picnic tables and fire rings. Based on a user review, one loop is shaded, and the other is more open. The equestrian sites are noted for having uneven...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The accessible vault toilets are appreciated. However, the gravel roads may pose challenges for some visitors.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground and must be leashed. Several reviews mention that the campground is pet-friendly, but owners must clean up after their animals.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025