RV Rental North Dakota

RV Rental North Dakota: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals ND

Even though 90 percent of North Dakota is covered by farmland, the Midwestern state has some interesting natural and man-made attractions that make it a great place to explore. It's a very peaceful and tranquil region in America, and when you visit you'll see why Theodore Roosevelt loved it so much and spent a lot of time there on his ranches.

RV rentals in North Dakota are a great way to experience its cultural and natural landscapes. For example, the town of Rugby is North America's geographical center, while New Salem is home to the world's largest (man-made) Holstein cow. North Dakota also grows the most sunflowers in the United States, and it has numerous camping options for motorhome and RV lovers.

Our guide includes some top attractions, events, and RV parks that will help you plan your North Dakota vacation. 

Popular RV Destinations in North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Named after the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt National Park encompasses three different areas in the state's badlands: the North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The most popular part is the South Unit, which has a great 36-mile drive for viewing the incredible badlands. In addition to hiking trails, there are several ranger-led activities, such as full-moon walks and bison chats. 

The fewest number of visitors trek to the North Unit, which is a 50-mile drive from Interstate 94. However, it's worth exploring and features a 14-mile scenic drive, backcountry nature trails, and an abundance of wildlife, including bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.

The Elkhorn Ranch Unit gives visitors a glimpse of Roosevelt's "home ranch" located on the Little Missouri River. You will only see the remnants of Roosevelt’s cabin, but when you visit, you will understand why he sought the peace and solitude that the area provides. 

The Enchanted Highway

On a 32-mile stretch in the southwestern section of North Dakota is The Enchanted Highway, which features seven large scrap metal sculptures designed by artist and retired teacher Gary Greff. He started the project in 1990 and landed a Guinness World Record for Geese in Flight, the world's largest scrap metal sculpture. 

Greff’s other sculptures include the World's Largest Tin Family, Teddy Rides Again, Pheasants on the Prairie, Grasshoppers in the Field, Deer Crossing, and Fisherman's Dream. The Enchanted Highway begins on I-94 at Exit 72 near Gladstone and ends in Regent. Most sculptures have a parking area and kiosk, and at the end of the art trail is the Enchanted Castle motel and restaurant.

Scandinavian Heritage Park

If you're interested in Scandinavian history, then this attraction is worth a visit. Located in Minot, it features information about the five Scandinavian and Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The exhibit includes a 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse, a Stabbur (historic Norwegian storage house), and a replica Stave Church.

Other attractions at the park are a Finnish sauna, a Danish working windmill, statues of Hans Christian Andersen and Leif Eirikssen, a Nordic Pavilion, and the Scandinavian Heritage Center. While it's not something you'd expect to see in the middle of America, the park is thought to be the only one of its kind representing all five Nordic countries.

The National Buffalo Museum

Located in Jamestown, the National Buffalo Museum features 6,000-square-feet of exhibits centering on bison, their place in Native American culture, their near extinction, their restoration, and information on how they became the national mammal of the United States. 

Approximately 25 buffalo live on the property, and they are one of the highlights of the museum. The museum's first five buffalo came from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in 1991. The museum, supported by the North Dakota Buffalo Foundation, also houses buffalo-related memorabilia, artifacts, and artwork, including a 10,000-year-old bison skull and albino bison White Cloud's full body mount.

Events and Entertainment in North Dakota

Norsk Høstfest 

Held annually at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, Norsk Høstfest is the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. A group of friends started the festival in 1978 to celebrate their Nordic heritage, and it has been going strong ever since. Thousands of people from all around the world attend the event each year.

The festival features Scandinavian culture and cuisine, Norsk merchandise, and top entertainment acts. Each nation (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) has a hall dedicated to that country's specific food, clothing, art, entertainment, etc. The goal of the festival is to uphold and share Scandinavian culture and customs.

The Fargo Film Festival

The Fargo Film Festival takes place in March and is North Dakota's largest film event. Most screenings take place at The Fargo Theatre, but some are held at other locations as well. The event first launched in 2001 with just 30 submissions. Today, it includes more than 300 submissions from 35 states and 20 countries.

In addition to watching a variety of films, attendees can attend presentations and panels discussing issues that affect all kinds of filmmakers, from local ones to international ones. Juried categories include animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, and student.

Art on the Red

One of North Dakota's top outdoor festivals, Art on the Red takes place in Grand Forks at University Park. It features over 100 artisans and crafters, a variety of food options, music, entertainment, and activities for children. The event takes place every June and is geared towards art lovers far and wide.

And while you're visiting Grand Forks, you should take in some of the city's attractions, such as the North Dakota Museum of Art, Turtle River State Park, and Splashers of the South Seas indoor water park. You can also catch a University of North Dakota basketball game at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Mandan Rodeo Days Celebration

Every year during Independence Day, the city of Mandan celebrates its rodeo roots. The Mandan Rodeo has been taking place for over 140 years, and began a decade before North Dakota became a state. The event attracts a variety of cowboys and cowgirls and is the largest regular-season Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo in the state.

Local sponsors contribute to the rodeo’s payout of more than $100,000. If you wind up attending the event, make sure to watch the chuckwagon racing, mutton busting for children, and the Miss Rodeo Mandan queen and princess pageant. The event also features other types of entertainment, including baseball games, fireworks, and a 5K walk and run.

Campgrounds and Parks in North Dakota

Bismarck KOA Journey

Bismarck has a lot of attractions steeped in history, including the ND Heritage Center & State Museum, General George Custer's home at Fort Abraham Lincoln, and Buckstop Junction, a 1900's historic village. You can also visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Knife River Indian Villages.

This KOA can accommodate big rigs and is easy to access off I-94. Its amenities include Wi-Fi, a heated pool, two playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoes, corn hole toss, bike rentals, a dog park, a snack bar, and portable fire pits. You can even participate in ice cream socials.

Grahams Island State Park

If you love the woods, you'll like Grahams Island State Park, which is located on Devils Lake. Campsites are large and shaded, and the park is an excellent spot for fishing. It hosts several national and regional fishing tournaments throughout the year and is geared towards anglers with a bait shop, four-lane boat ramp, and fish cleaning station on site.

Visitors can also swim, hike, and cross-country ski, as well as use the area for horseback riding and snowmobiling. Amenities include picnic shelters, a playground, volleyball court, sewage dump station, sewer and electrical hookups, showers and flush toilets, and a visitor's center.

Icelandic State Park

Icelandic State Park on the shores of Lake Renwick encompasses 921 acres and features plenty of recreational activities for the whole family. It's a great place for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. The park is also home to several historic structures, such as the Akra Community Hall and Hallson Church.

You can hike a three-mile trail in the Gunlogson Nature Preserve and observe various birds and wildlife along the Tongue River. There are 134 modern campsites featuring electricity and water. Amenities include a sewage dump station, shower and flush toilets, picnic shelters, a playground, and a dog park.

RV Storage and Dumpstations in North Dakota

If you need to store your RV for a period of time while traveling in North Dakota, the state has several facilities that will accommodate trailers and campers of various sizes, including the following:

• Property 94, Bismarck
• Hillcrest Acres Campground and RV Park, Bismarck
• Keep Safe Storage, Dickinson
• Five Star Services Storage, Fargo

Regardless of how much time you spend in an RV, eventually you will have to empty the gray and black water tanks. It's not that fun, but it's a necessary part of the RV lifestyle. Fortunately, there are plenty of campgrounds and travel centers around the state that have dump stations for your convenience, such as:

• Red River Valley Campground, Fargo
• StaMart Travel Centers in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks
• Pilot Flying J Travel Plaza, Fargo

FAQs

1. What are RV rentals?

If you don’t plan on traveling that often in an RV or can’t afford to buy one, renting one is a great alternative. It’s cost-effective and can give you an idea of what RV life is all about. 

2. How much are RV rentals?

The size of the camper or motorhome dictates the price of the rental. Smaller ones cost between $75 and $150 per night, while larger ones can cost upwards of $250 per night. You can save money by renting the vehicle for longer periods of time.

3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in North Dakota?

Typically, you need to be 25 years old to rent an RV. There are some owners/companies that may rent to younger individuals, but it will likely cost more money.

4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes. You need insurance coverage in case you are involved in an accident. 

5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

Check with the RV company/owner. It’s a good policy (and good manners) to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas, but it may not be required. 

6. Are RVs pet-friendly in North Dakota?

Most RV rental businesses allow customers to bring pets on their RV vacation. However, you may have to pay an extra fee.