Jorgens Hollow Campground sits in McLeod, North Dakota, within the Sheyenne National Grasslands, offering a rustic camping experience that visitors describe as peaceful and well off the beaten path. With a 4.8-star rating from 75 reviews, it draws campers seeking quiet, dark skies, and access to trails like the North Country Trail and the 4 Mile Oak Leaf Trail. This review compiles information from public sources and visitor feedback to help you decide if it's worth a visit.
Jorgens Hollow Campground at a Glance
Located at Jorgens Hollow Campground, McLeod, ND 58057, United States, this camping ground is part of the U.S. Forest Service system, with more details available on their website. The campground is in the America/Chicago timezone, with coordinates near 46.52465 latitude and -97.20145 longitude. Visitors can contact the campground at +1 701-404-8950. As a Camping Ground category, it offers a primitive setting with hand-pumped potable water, vault toilets, and spacious sites among cottonwood trees. The surrounding area features the North Country National Scenic Trail and the 4 Mile Oak Leaf Trail, making it popular for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
What Do Visitors Like About Jorgens Hollow Campground?
Overall, visitor feedback is highly positive, with many praising the campground's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and beautiful views of the grasslands. Reviewers frequently mention the dark skies for stargazing, the well-maintained trails, and the helpfulness of the ranger. Some note challenges such as dusty or rough gravel roads leading in, and seasonal bugs like flies and mosquitoes. Despite these, most describe it as a great value, especially at $10 per night, and a serene spot to unwind.
1. Peaceful and Scenic Setting
Many visitors highlight the campground's tranquil atmosphere and sweeping views of the surrounding grasslands. A reviewer described it as a very peaceful spot with access to hikes, while another mentioned beautiful views in all directions and bright stars in the dark skies. The location among cottonwood trees adds to the scenic appeal, with one camper calling it a magical spot with lots of birdsong.
2. Primitive Amenities and Cleanliness
The campground offers basic facilities, including hand-pumped potable water and vault toilets, which several reviewers note are kept clean. One visitor appreciated the wheelchair-accessible toilets and potable water. Another mentioned that the water from the hand pump is excellent, tasteless, and cold. However, some reviewers point out that there is no electricity and no trash service, so campers must pack out their trash.
3. Trails and Outdoor Activities
The North Country Trail and the 4 Mile Oak Leaf Trail are frequently mentioned as highlights. A reviewer enjoyed the 4 Mile Trail, noting it is beautiful and suitable even for kids, though there are a few sand spots. Another described walking a short trail through pristine grassland. The trails are also used for horseback riding, mountain biking, and running events, according to visitor reports.
4. Road Conditions and Access
Several reviewers warn about the gravel roads leading to the campground. One described a minimum of six miles of dusty washboard gravel road, while another mentioned a rough road. In a June 2024 update, a reviewer noted that potholes on the perimeter road were worse due to a wet spring but still passable. Despite this, most agree the destination is worth the drive.
5. Wildlife and Insects
Visitors often mention encounters with wildlife such as chipmunks, ground squirrels, birds, and occasionally cattle and horses. One reviewer noted cows roaming outside the fence line and a wild turkey family roosting in trees. However, insects like flies, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums can be bothersome, especially near horses. A reviewer advised bringing good bug repellent for a more pleasant stay.
Visitor Highlights
Paraphrased summary of what visitors mention most — not direct quotes.
14 visitor mentions analyzed · 11 positive · 3 mixed
Peaceful and quiet campground with beautiful views in all directions.
Clean vault toilets and potable hand-pump water available.
Great trails for hiking and biking, including the North Country Trail.
Dark skies make for excellent stargazing and satellite watching.
Affordable at $10 per night, with discounts for America the Beautiful passes.
Gravel roads can be dusty and rough, especially after wet weather.
Flies and mosquitoes can be bothersome, so bring bug repellent.
Cattle and horses nearby may add flies but also add to the rural experience.
Campground can fill up on busy weekends, but usually not crowded.
No electricity or trash service, so come prepared to pack out.
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Facilities and Amenities: What Should You Know?
Jorgens Hollow Campground is a primitive camping area within the Sheyenne National Grasslands. It offers hand-pumped potable water and vault toilets, which are described as clean and wheelchair accessible. There is no electricity, and campers must pack out all trash. The campground has 14 sites, some with shade, and each includes a picnic table and steel fire ring. Generators are allowed but reportedly not heavily used. The site is pet-friendly, with reviewers mentioning bringing dogs. For more information, the U.S. Forest Service website provides details, and the campground can be reached by phone at +1 701-404-8950. The address is Jorgens Hollow Campground, McLeod, ND 58057, United States. Access involves driving on gravel roads, which some visitors describe as dusty or rough, especially after wet weather.
Is Jorgens Hollow Campground Worth Visiting?
Jorgens Hollow Campground is worth visiting for campers seeking a quiet, primitive getaway in the Sheyenne National Grasslands. It suits those who enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking on trails like the North Country Trail and Oak Leaf Trail, as well as stargazers and nature lovers. It is also a good option for travelers looking for an affordable stop between destinations like Minneapolis and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, it may not be ideal for those requiring full hookups or easy access via paved roads.
What Are the Potential Limitations?
The data does not establish current seasonal conditions, such as road maintenance or bug activity, which can vary. Crowd levels are not consistently reported, though some reviewers mention the campground filling up on a September Friday. The exact availability of amenities like firewood or water may change, and the campground's operating status or fees could be subject to change. Visitors should verify details with the official U.S. Forest Service source before planning a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What amenities are available at Jorgens Hollow Campground?
- The campground offers hand-pumped potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no electricity, and campers must pack out their trash.
- Is there a fee to camp at Jorgens Hollow Campground?
- Visitors have reported a fee of $10 per day/night, with some noting a $5 rate with an America the Beautiful pass. However, fees may change, so it's best to check with the U.S. Forest Service.
- Are pets allowed at Jorgens Hollow Campground?
- Reviewers have mentioned bringing dogs, and the campground appears to be pet-friendly. However, pets should be kept under control, especially around horses and wildlife.
- What trails are accessible from the campground?
- The North Country National Scenic Trail and the 4 Mile Oak Leaf Trail pass through or near the campground. Visitors have used them for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
- How do I get to Jorgens Hollow Campground?
- The campground is located in McLeod, ND, within the Sheyenne National Grasslands. Access involves driving on gravel roads, which some visitors describe as dusty or rough. Using the official address and a map is recommended.
Final Verdict
Jorgens Hollow Campground offers a primitive, peaceful camping experience in the Sheyenne National Grasslands, with clean facilities, scenic trails, and dark skies. While the gravel roads and seasonal bugs may be drawbacks for some, the overall visitor sentiment is highly positive, making it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature. As with any outdoor destination, conditions can change, so verify current details with the U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
This review was compiled from information gathered from various public sources and visitor reviews, then organized into general informational content. Details such as fees, amenities, and road conditions may change over time and should be verified with the official U.S. Forest Service source before planning a visit.
