Central ND News

Several North Dakota state parks are set to undergo significant improvements this fall, with projects aimed at upgrading campsite amenities and expanding facilities. The changes will affect Rough Rider State Park, Icelandic State Park, Grahams Island State Park, and Fort Ransom State Park.

At Rough Rider State Park, work will begin on August 18 to increase the number of campsites and add new features. Overnight camping and access to the park office will be closed during construction, but the Maah Daah Hey Trail will remain open for public use. Planned upgrades include increasing the Little Muddy Breaks equestrian loop to 12 double sites and 15 single sites, installing rural water hydrants in place of well water, adding 30–50-amp power at campsites, building individual horse corrals for each equestrian site, expanding modern Whitetail flats campsites to four double and 20 single sites with similar water and power upgrades, enhancing host site capacity, upgrading the septic dump system and water pressure across the park, improving roads and planting additional trees, expanding parking areas with better access to trails, and preparing an area for a future comfort station.

During these upgrades at Rough Rider State Park starting in September, campers may encounter temporary reductions in campsite availability at Icelandic State Park, Grahams Island State Park, and Fort Ransom State Park. Nearby campgrounds could also face some disruptions if adjacent water or electrical lines are impacted by construction.

The improvement projects across these parks focus on updating many campsites from 20- or 30-amp service to include 50-amp options as well as installing individual water hydrants at selected sites. Construction is scheduled to start on September 2 at Icelandic and Grahams Island state parks; closures at Fort Ransom State Park will begin on September 8.

Despite these changes affecting certain campsites during construction periods, other park amenities such as swim areas, playgrounds, primitive camping sites, vault toilets, and special events will continue without interruption.

At Icelandic State Park specifically:

- Campsites 53–100 (South Loop) and a portion of West Loop (sites 27–42) will close temporarily for upgrades.

- Other campsites and primitive areas remain available.

For Grahams Island State Park:

- Ziebach Campground (sites 1–41) and Howard Campground (sites 100–144) will be closed for similar updates.

- The Ziebach comfort station closes while Howard’s remains open until late September.

- Restrooms near the fish cleaning station stay accessible.

- LaRose campground (sites 145–188) along with all primitive sites remain open.

At Fort Ransom State Park:

- Modern sites (12–27) close for utility improvements.

- The modern campground comfort station also shuts down during this period.

- Most equestrian campsites stay open except site eight which is closed for about two weeks.

- Primitive camping remains available throughout construction.

“We’re excited to roll out these upgrades across several parks this fall,” said Cody Schulz, ND Parks and Recreation Director. “From improved amenities to enhanced outdoor spaces, it’s all about making visits in our parks more enjoyable and memorable.”

The North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department states its mission is "to enrich generations through experiences that connect people and places."