How much does camping cost at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Hazelton Recreation Area range from $14-$18/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hazelton Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Hazelton Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hazelton Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Hazelton Recreation Area has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hazelton Recreation Area?

Hazelton Recreation Area is open May 01 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Hazelton Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Cell phone service at Hazelton Recreation Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Hazelton Recreation Area have?

Hazelton Recreation Area has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hazelton Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Hazelton Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hazelton Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hazelton Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Hazelton Recreation Area: All public-use of Lake Oahe Project Lands and Waters is governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and is enforced by uniformed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers. In case of Emergency, dial 9-1-1. All campsites at Hazelton Recreation area are 100-percent Reserveable with Zero-Day Booking Window. This means you may reserve your campsite up to the day you wish to camp at Hazelton. Please be aware that failure to reserve a site prior to arrival may result in campground being ful. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.16

81 reviews

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HAZELTON RECREATION AREA, 6175 HWY 1804 SW, HAZELTON, ND, 58544

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping North Dakota Fall Camping North Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Dakota

Quick Facts

1,660 ft

Price

$14 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Septem...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,660 ft

Price

$14 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Septem...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Hazelton Recreation Area

$14.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$18.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

701-255-0015. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877-444-6777.oahecampgrounds@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HAZELTON RECREATION AREA, 6175 HWY 1804 SW, HAZELTON, ND, 58544

Hazelton Recreation Area

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HAZELTON RECREATION AREA, 6175 HWY 1804 SW, HAZELTON, ND, 58544

Nearby places

Hazelton: 14 miles east.

Weather at Hazelton Recreation Area

Current alerts(2)

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation area. Stay on designated roads and trails.

Best Time to Camp at Hazelton Recreation Area

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest conditions and full campground services (all electric sites available) so you can boat, swim, and fish on Lake Oahe at their peak. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–31 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C) and steady prairie breezes that keep things comfortable. Boat ramps, fishing access, and wildlife-viewing along the shoreline are fully accessible, though weekends in July see the highest crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: full services, peak boating/swimming/fishing; reviewers favor summer visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to September 30. Non-reservable outside of peak season.

About Hazelton Recreation Area

Hazelton Recreation Area sits on the western shore of Lake Oahe in south-central North Dakota, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small, seasonal campground offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and direct access to fishing and boating on one of the Missouri River's largest reservoirs. Campers enjoy spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, plus a playground that families appreciate, though shade is limited and there's no dump station on-site.

Hazelton Recreation Area provides multiple camping options including primitive sites and RV-friendly sites with electrical hookups. The campground caters to both short-term stays and RV camping but does not offer luxury or group accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest conditions and full campground services (all electric sites available) so you can boat, swim, and fish on Lake Oahe at their peak. Expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-70s to upper-80s °F (24–31 °C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s °F (10–18 °C) and steady prairie breezes that keep things comfortable. Boat ramps, fishing access, and wildlife-viewing along the shoreline are fully accessible, though weekends in July see the highest crowds. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1660 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Oahe's 231-mile reservoir dominates the view, backed by mixed-grass prairie that rolls toward the shoreline in gradual slopes interrupted by steep draws. These natural drainage corridors carve dramatic paths from the prairie tablelands down to the water, offering pockets of shade where trees hold against the wind. The open prairie ecosystem supports deer, pronghorn, and seasonal waterfowl migrations. At 1,660 feet elevation, the landscape reads as classic northern Great Plains: big sky, steady breeze, and the kind of horizon that makes you reconsider scale.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging options available in Hazelton Recreation Area, as it is primarily a campground focused on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified for Hazelton Recreation Area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed during each visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people per campsite.

Groups

Group camping sites are not available at Hazelton Recreation Area.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible amenities such as an accessible dock, vault toilets, and a playground. However, specific details about ADA compliance or accessible campsites are not provided.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as varied in size, ranging from standard electric sites to larger primitive spaces. Reviews mention 'large camp sites,' indicating that they accommodate multiple setups.

PrivacyThe sites are located in an open field with limited tree cover, reducing privacy. One user mentioned, 'Open field site provided very little shelter from the massive storm,' while another noted limited shade.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid odd-numbered electric sites to minimize mouse presence (per user reviews). Site #7 offers a slight lake view; site #30 is near water's edge.

Best CampsitesSites #7 and #30 offer lake views, with #30 sitting closest to the water's edge. Reviews mention "large camp sites" throughout, suggesting most accommodate multiple setups without crowding neighbors.

Need help booking Hazelton Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The campground offers 18 primitive sites and 12 sites with 50-amp electrical hookups. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. Amenities include vault toilets and a playground. A boat ramp is located on-site and has a large paved parking lot, adjacent picnic tables, a fish cleaning station and additional vault toilets.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hazelton Recreation Area provides a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, frisbee golf, picnicking, and playground access for children. Visitors frequently enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Hazelton Recreation Area. Vault toilets are the only restroom facilities provided, as mentioned in user reviews and the official description.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyAll public-use of Lake Oahe Project Lands and Waters is governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and is enforced by uniformed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Rangers. In case of Emergency, dial 9-1-1. All campsites at Hazelton Recreation area are 100-percent Reserveable with Zero-Day Booking Window. This means you may reserve your campsite up to the day you wish to camp at Hazelton. Please be aware that failure to reserve a site prior to arrival may result in campground being ful

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, and campers must use designated receptacles rather than fire rings or grills for trash. Recycling options are not specified.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, and one user highlighted that 'GFi had great cell and internet.' However, it is unclear which specific providers offer coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

81 reviews

Satisfactory

Hazelton Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Hazelton Recreation Area suggest that it is a clean and tranquil campground with basic amenities. While many campers praise its quiet atmosphere, large campsites, and proximity to the Missouri River and Lake Oahe, others note drawbacks such as the lack of showers, dump stations, and limited shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive highlights include cleanliness ('Good clean place to camp'), tranquility ('Quiet and clean'), and child-friendly features like the playground ('Nice playground for the kids'). Many...

Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the absence of showers ('Showers would be great!!!'), dump stations ('Wish it had a dump station'), and limited privacy and shade ('Open field site provided very little...

Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite feedback includes: - Site 007: 'Slight lake view...quiet.' (Sandy C) - Site 011: 'Very quiet and relaxing.' - Site 012: 'Too loud after 10 pm.' (Jeff V) - Site 016: 'Open field site...

Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users suggest bringing bug spray ('Apply bug spray liberally'), planning ahead for reservations ('You have to book 2 nights minimum'), and preparing for the lack of shade ('Nice facility...

Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekends tend to be busier, particularly in the electric sites. Weekdays are quieter, with some users reporting solitude. Summer visits are associated with heat and limited shade, while spring and...

Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great campground nice and clean.' - KC Jones - 'Bathroom was atrocious and needed a clean.' - Hannah M - 'Potable water standpipes, not a lot of shade trees but enough to sit under, power station...

Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as vault toilets and an accessible playground are mentioned but not elaborated upon. User feedback does not include specific experiences from campers with disabilities.

Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed, and pet waste must be promptly disposed of. No specific reviews address pet-friendly features, but the rules are clear on leash length and cleanliness.

Based on 81 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Hazelton Recreation Area

$14.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$18.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

701-255-0015. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 877-444-6777.oahecampgrounds@usace.army.mil

Go if

You want affordable lakefront camping with electric hookups and don't need full RV services.

Skip if

You require a dump station, abundant shade, or modern restroom facilities.

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Campgrounds

Lake Oahe

Hazelton Recreation Area

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 33% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 55 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Crowds & noise
Grade B+.Belonging
Grade B.Cleanliness

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Bugs & weather
Grade C-.Booking
Grade C-.Campsites

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how North Dakota grades overall

About Lake Oahe

Context for the broader area surrounding Hazelton Recreation Area, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Oahe Dam, SD takes its name from the Oahe Indian Mission established among the Lakota Sioux Indians in 1874. Lake Oahe extends from Pierre, SD to Bismarck, ND. The lake is 231 miles long, and has 2,250 miles of shoreline. The 51 recreation areas located around the reservoir offer camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, water skiing, swimming, bird watching, hiking, biking, and photography opportunities.

Directions

From Pierre, 8 miles north on SD 1804.

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