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Map showing campground location near Mandan, North Dakota
Camper submitted image from Harmon Lake Rec AreaView 7 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Mandan, North Dakota

Harmon Lake Rec Area

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing enthusiasts will find multiple access points at Harmon Lake Rec Area, including two fishing piers and a floating dock where anglers can target northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout. This county-managed campground sits on 40 acres near Mandan, offering both electric hookup sites and primitive camping options at $10-20 per night. The layout resembles a field with designated parking spots rather than traditional wooded campsites.

The lake operates under an idle speed rule, making it suitable for paddleboarding and kayaking, with rental equipment available on-site. A sand beach provides swimming access, while a playground serves families with children. Campers should expect minimal shade and closely spaced sites that offer little privacy. The campground can become crowded on weekends, particularly in the RV section.

Josh D. notes it "feels like a field with parking spots" but acknowledges the appeal of the swimming beach and playground. Vault toilets, drinking water, and a dump station handle basic needs, though bringing extra water is recommended. Firewood is available for purchase, and pets are welcome throughout the facility.

For those seeking more traditional camping experiences, Eagles Park Campground provides an alternative just a few miles east.

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Location

Public Campground

Harmon Lake Rec Area is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.94400034 N
100.96600027 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

17%
34%
17%
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17%

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Harmon Lake offers excellent family amenities with a great beach, playground, and water activities including fishing and kayak rentals. However, campers regularly cited the parking lot feel with cramped sites lacking privacy and shade.

GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

Okay camping

The campground is close to town in case you need anything. The camping rigs/RV area gets pretty crowded, especially on weekends. It has a sand beach and swimming area. Playground for kids, along with picnic shelters. Vault toilets.

The big draw here is probably the fishing. 2 fishing piers, 1 floating fishing dock. You can catch northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout if you're lucky!

Ason S.
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Place to park but great swimming!!

We stayed here during our family vacation in 2018. It was basically a parking lot, but did have some green space. We did have an end spot, which was nice! Great playground that the kids loved! The swimming beach was awesome - sand & great water & view.

  • Review photo of Harmon Lake Rec Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Harmon Lake Rec Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Harmon Lake Rec Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • (7) View All
Josh D.
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2019

Plane Jane

Campground leaves alot to be desired. No privacy and sites are close to each other. Feals like a field with parking spots. There is a nice playground for the kids and the swimming beach is nice too but otherwise it's just a simple place to park the camper for a couple days

Eric S.
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2019

Nice recreation area

Nice area, but no reservation, they have water available but I suggest bringing water if you are close by. Kayak rental available, swimming area, fishing and mountain biking trail

Patti E.
Reviewed May. 29, 2018

Great Beach!

Love the fact that this little body of water has a great beach and idle speed rule. Paddleboard and kayak rentals. Campground does have electric hookup with a few primitive sites. If you are looking for shade you wont find it here but the people and water make it worth it.

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Harmon Lake Campground?

Harmon Lake Rec Area offers electric hookups at most sites with a few primitive options. Facilities include vault toilets, water access points (though bringing your own water is recommended), and picnic shelters. Recreation amenities are the highlight with a sandy swimming beach, fishing piers, playground for children, and paddleboard/kayak rentals. The lake has an idle speed rule, making it perfect for non-motorized water activities. While the campground lacks shade and privacy between sites, the water recreation opportunities make it a popular destination. The proximity to town is convenient for supply runs.

Is there a map of Harmon Lake Campground and the recreation area?

Maps of Harmon Lake Campground and Recreation Area are available through the Morton County Parks Department website and at the entrance to the recreation area. The map displays the campground layout, which is described as an open field with designated parking spots for camping units. It also shows key features like the swimming beach, fishing piers, picnic shelters, playground area, and mountain biking trails. For the most detailed and up-to-date map, contact the Morton County Parks Department directly or check their official website.

How do I make reservations at Harmon Lake Campground in North Dakota?

Harmon Lake Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis without a reservation system. Several visitors have noted the lack of reservations at this location. For current reservation policies and availability information, it's recommended to contact the Morton County Parks Department who manages the recreation area. During peak summer weekends, the campground can become quite crowded, so arriving early is advisable if you're planning a visit, especially for RVs and larger camping setups.

Are there photos of Harmon Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Photos of Harmon Lake Campground can be found on the official Morton County Parks website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the lake, swimming beach area, camping sites, and surrounding landscape. Visual highlights include the sandy swimming beach, playground, fishing piers, and the open camping area. The photos will reveal the campground's layout in an open field-like setting with limited privacy between sites, which helps set appropriate expectations before visiting.

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