Turtle River State Park

Introduction of Turtle River State Park

Turtle River State Park, located just outside of Grand Forks, North Dakota, is a popular year-round recreation area and summer camping destination for hikers, fishermen, mountain bikers, families, and RVers.

Because there aren’t many trees in North Dakota, the 784-acre wooded valley along the Turtle River is something of an oasis. The Civilian Conservation Corps built interesting stone bridges and log buildings throughout the park in the 1930s (CCC). A large shady campground with powered campsites welcomes RVs and trailers. There are also a number of large day-use areas and buildings available for large parties and weddings.

Hiking trails with over ten miles of walking paths explore the park, and in the winter these become well-groomed cross-country ski trails in the snow. In the winter, a warming hut next to the popular sledding hill is open every day. Mountain bikers will enjoy the miles of single-track trails that wind through the dense forest. The Turtle River, which is actively stocked with brown and rainbow trout, is easily accessible to anglers. All year long, the Visitor Center hosts events ranging from a fishing derby and bike races to winter survival classes and raptor demonstrations.

This park is popular for large groups, family reunions, and simple camping with friends due to the large pull-through campsites and proximity to Grand Forks.

Turtle River State Park Camping

The campground is located in the park’s northern section, away from the hustle and bustle. There are 70 campsites with water and 50-amp power. Almost all of the sites are pull-through and benefit from the shade provided by the massive trees. The campground’s central dump station is conveniently located near the entrance.

The campground is divided into two sections, North and South Campgrounds, each with 35 RV and tent camping sites. The comfort station and a separate vault toilet are located between the two campgrounds.

RVs up to 75 feet long can be accommodated in the North Campground. If you’re travelling with a group, you should know that campsites 40, 55, and 67 are doubles. They can accommodate up to 12 people and more than one RV. If you require more space, book in the South Campground. Sites 23 and 33 are both over 100 feet long.

The campground is surprisingly large, with plenty of room for large RVs to park and move around. Reservations are required in advance, either by calling the call centre or by booking online.

Turtle River State Park Activities

Fishing

The Turtle River is stocked with trout, and there are many great spots for fly fishing from the shore in the park. When the fish are biting, many visitors report catching their daily limit in less than an hour. This is a great family fishing spot because of the easy access to the river and areas where vegetation has been cleared. If the kids want to try their hand at fishing, they can borrow some equipment from the park office.

Hiking Trails

Turtle River State Park has hiking trails ranging in length from less than a mile to 2.5 miles that wind through densely wooded areas and open grassy meadows. Birds, deer, and, yes, turtles can be seen in the woods and near the river. A loop of the entire park is seven miles long, but there are numerous cut-offs that allow you to explore in different directions or return to camp sooner. Mountain bikers stay in their own area, so you won’t have to share the trail with them.

Mountain Biking Trails

Turtle River State Park is a mountain biker’s paradise, with ten different single-track rides ranging from easy to intermediate. Smooth and swooping trails wind through the deciduous forest, crossing the creek on several bridges. There isn’t much elevation to slow you down or burn up your legs, making this an easy, all-day adventure in a stunning setting. The trails are so good that they have appeared in several mountain bike magazines.

Turtle River State Park Location

The campground is located in the park’s northern section, away from the hustle and bustle. There are 70 campsites with water and 50-amp power. Almost all of the sites are pull-through and benefit from the shade provided by the massive trees. The campground’s central dump station is conveniently located near the entrance.

The campground is divided into two sections, North and South Campgrounds, each with 35 RV and tent camping sites. The comfort station and a separate vault toilet are located between the two campgrounds.

RVs up to 75 feet long can be accommodated in the North Campground. If you’re travelling with a group, you should know that campsites 40, 55, and 67 are doubles. They can accommodate up to 12 people and more than one RV. If you require more space, book in the South Campground. Sites 23 and 33 are both over 100 feet long.

The campground is surprisingly large, with plenty of room for large RVs to park and move around. Reservations are required in advance, either by calling the call centre or by booking online.

Parking

Parking is available throughout the park, particularly at trailheads and picnic shelters. Extra parking is also available in the campgrounds. The park is small enough that you can set up your campsite and walk to wherever you want to go in the park.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation.