When planning a memorable North Dakota summer, there are many who embrace the great outdoors. And for camping, hiking, and fishing, North Dakota parks certainly do bring their ‘A game.’ However, for those who are newer to camping, in a season of smaller children, or living that single life, venturing into the great outdoors may feel like something that is outside of their comfort zone and simply too overwhelming. While camping is a chance to experience peace and solitude, it can also be an opportunity to share the planning and preparations with others. This summer, why not give group camping a try!
The first consideration is location. One of the most popular camp sites near Minot AFB is Fort Stevenson State Park. The simplest way to make reservations is online. Their web site allows one to easily see the sites, dates of availability and the amenities offered at a particular location. When camping with a group, this reporter highly recommends the modern group camp sites along the West and Middle Loops, which include electricity and water hook-ups that can accommodate multiple individuals or families, to include at least one RV per site. Sites 95 and 98 are particularly scenic, offer pleasant views, and are a short downhill ramble away from the water. With just over an hour’s drive from base, a beach, boat ramp, and many seasonal events, Fort Stevenson makes for a perfect first North Dakota camping experience. Visitors planning a trip to the park should also be sure to check out Ye Olde Malt Shoppe in Garrison for a delicious sweet treat, and to grab a photo with Wally Walleye to round out their visit.
For those not ready to fully invest in their own equipment, Minot AFB’s Outdoor Recreation is the perfect stop for most camping essentials, which can be rented on a daily, weekend, or weekly basis. These include cook sets, camping chairs, Coleman stoves and lanterns, as well as cots, sleeping bags/pads, and both 4 person and 8 person tents. For those who prefer not to rough it inside a tent, Outdoor Recreation has pull-behind campers, which can be rented for as little as $100 a day, with discounted rates for weekend or weeklong rentals. A perk of camping with a friend group is that it can be very easy to divide and conquer, with regard to supplies. Someone is always bound to have an extra cooler or chair they can share.

Nothing will ruin a camping trip faster than planning poorly for meals, where space and convenience both need to be considered. It’s usually best to let each individual or family handle their own beverage decisions, snacks, and lunch. But breakfast and dinner can be a great excuse to work together. Whether you are camping with only a few individuals or with a larger group that extends across multiple camp sites it’s often simpler for one family or a group of families to volunteer to take on a meal or, if it is a multi-day excursion, a particular day’s breakfast/dinner. And while hot dogs and hamburgers are tried and true stand by’s, a quick internet search will reveal a wider variety of creative yet camper friendly meals. This reporter is a huge fan of prepping on the front end by cooking and then reheating items such as taco meat, chili, and even bacon. The one thing that most will agree does not require much in the way of creativity: dessert. While there are lots of fun twists on this campfire classic, if you aren’t finishing your evening with a s’more, are you even camping?
The final consideration to make a group campout a success is to ensure everyone has a shared vision with regard to the schedule. Smaller groups can work this out as moods and needs evolve. For a larger crowd, however, it is helpful to agree ahead of time on things such as meal times or when certain whole-group activities are to take place so no one is left behind. If there are younger children involved, considering their entertainment needs and intentionally sharing childcare responsibilities will make it a better experience for everyone. Last but not least, be sure to have a few spontaneous activities that can entertain as the need arises. Campfire games such as ‘Celebrities’ are simple to learn and fun for all ages.
The list of ways to enjoy North Dakota’s Summers are endless, however after a winter spent cooped up indoors, camping is a particularly popular choice. And while for some the ideal camping experience might mean getting away from it all, it is also a great way to bond with neighbors and friends for an experience that can truly be better together.
For more information about North Dakota’s various park offerings, visit the 2025 State Parks Guide at https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/2025 State Parks Guide-WEB.pdf
Or check out the Northern Sentry Summer Adventure Guide https://northernsentry.com/3d-flip-book/summer-adventure-guide-2025/