Hankinson Hills Campground
ND · Hankinson / Sheyenne National Grassland
91st St SW & 165th Ave SE
Hankinson Hills Campground is one of those federal sites that works especially well for riders because the equestrian function is built into the place instead of added as an afterthought. Located in the Sheyenne National Grassland, it pairs horse-camping access with the eight-mile Hankinson Hills Trail loop winding through oak trees and prairie. That mix gives it a completely different visual and riding personality from the badlands destinations farther west. The mood is quieter, greener, and more intimate, but still substantial enough to feel worth the haul. For a workbook that aims to show range within a state, Hankinson Hills adds exactly the kind of contrast North Dakota needs.
Riding guide
Highlights
Oak-and-prairie grassland riding with a true horse-camping loop and a surprisingly complete feel for a Forest Service destination.
Riding
The Hankinson Hills Trail is an eight-mile marked loop through oak trees and prairie, and that combination is the real draw. The terrain feels more sheltered and textured than many riders expect in North Dakota, with enough variation to keep the ride visually engaging. It is a very good destination for riders who enjoy moderate mileage, a well-defined route, and a setting that feels distinctly grassland rather than mountain or badlands.
Rideable terrain
8 miles
Trailer parking
Ample parking and a horse-designated camping loop make trailer logistics pleasantly straightforward. You can settle into camp and roll directly into the trail network instead of treating camp and ride access as two separate tasks.
Horse regulations
Forest Service rules matter here. Horse or pack animals are allowed, but feed and straw must be certified weed-free, and riders should use the designated horse-camping loop and marked trail system responsibly. Because this is national grassland country, it is worth checking current conditions and any seasonal updates before departure.
Getting here
Approach from the Hankinson side and use the campground entrance off the local county-road grid as your staging point. The site offers ample parking and is specifically organized with one loop for campers with horses and another for campers without them, which immediately makes the experience feel more deliberate. Instead of trying to tuck a trailer into a standard campground pattern, you are arriving somewhere that has already considered horse travel in the layout.
Planning your visit
Hankinson Hills is one of North Dakota’s best picks for riders who want horse camping plus a clear, well-defined day of trail riding without the intensity of a remote backcountry trip. Arrive with weed-free feed, a current map, and realistic expectations about federal-campground simplicity. What you get in return is a ride that feels grounded, scenic, and genuinely horse-friendly.
Where to stay
Horse camping is absolutely part of the appeal. Each campsite includes the basics you need for a comfortable stay, and the area adds practical features like a hand pump, picnic shelter, vault toilets, and plenty of room to keep a trailer setup orderly. Horses are not provided, so plan on a fully self-contained trip. For riders who appreciate efficient public-land camping that still feels thoughtful, this is a great pick.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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