Turtle River State Park

Just camped at Turtle River for the first time, and we'll definitely be back! The park was beautiful– not too busy, well spaced out, lots of trees, easy but great trails, a pretty little river. There's no lake or designated swimming area, but it's easy to find spots along the river to splash around in.nnWe stayed in one of the woodland cabins (Elm), and our friends stayed in the adjoining cabin. We went in a little blind because the ND Parks & Rec website has far less info/photos than it used to, but we were pleasantly surprised to find the cabins equipped with heat/AC and electricity. I'm not sure if staff cleaning protocols are currently heightened because of the pandemic, but the place was spotless when we arrived, which was also a pleasant surprise! The sleeping arrangements– twin bunk beds + 1 twin bed– were a not-as-pleasant surprise for the family camping with us (the website lists only how many it sleeps but not what kind of beds), but comfortable nonetheless. We wished there had been some kind of table(s) inside the cabins (even a small end table), but we simply used the provided metal folding chairs to set belongings on, which made a good alternative.nnWe liked that the cabins are kind of secluded (aside from a small strip of tent camping spots across from us that were all vacant this weekend). There's a nice, big fire pit in the middle of the three-cabin cluster, but each cabin also has a smaller fire pit behind it, which is a nice option for more privacy.nnNote that you are expected to clean the cabin prior to checking out (so plan time for this); supplies and a detailed list are left in the cabin.nnOverall, would camp here again and recommend to others!nnHope this helps give more info for anyone who has lingering questions from the Parks & Rec website! :)nnBonus tip if you made it this far:nIf you don't have an annual ND Parks pass (for your vehicle), most libraries will check them out to you (if you have a library card) for free so you don't have to buy daily vehicle permits!

Want to get lost in Fall Colors? Turtle River is wonderful for all-summer camping, but I especially love hiking through the yellow and gold leaves falling in slow motion like nature's confetti to pick up your soul and make you feel like everything's going to be ok. I often turn my phone to airplane mode when we go camping - and Turtle River is the best place to escape from the screens and immerse yourself in secluded wooded trails and wide open horizons of their paths on the plains. Add in the lonely cry of geese migrating, and you have yourself a poem worthy of Mary Oliver or Walt Whitman.

This is a really pretty state park with lots of hills and definitely lots of trees. However the prettiest part of it is on the entrance road before you even get in the park... Still pretty cool

Great little park with many trails. Park rangers organize trail adventures (follow the clues to solve). Much fun.

Great park organization. Beautiful area. Wonderful trails. It was was well worth my time. I'll be back.