Nelson Lake Dispersed Camping

There is dispersed camping on the east side of the lake at the south end and dispersed camping on the west side of the lake at the north end. The Minnkota Power Coop is on the lake. The roads are packed dirt and gravel. It might be muddy if it rains. It was dry while we were there. Spots aren’t designated with a sign, just find a spot that fits you. Some spots are more secluded than others. Some spots have fire rings. Porta potties at the boat ramps at each side. You cannot drive completely around the lake due to the Power Plant. Access is off of Hwy 25.

I went to the SE end of the lake, so never saw the NW sites. From Bismarck ND, almost the entire drive is paved if you stay on ND-25; my Garmin told me to take gravel roads part of the way. The gravel roads only saved ~ 6.2 miles. I didn't stay overnight because of the lake flies. I didn't have adequate (well, any) bug defenses, as I was sleeping in the back of my pickup (visiting a friend in the hospital in Bismarck). This was a huge mistake; I will absolutely be back someday with of course bug dope. There is background noise from the power plant, but it didn't bother me at all.

Several great spots even for Big Rigs right next to the lake. Every spot has a fire pit, picnic table, and trash can. The lake flies and mosquitoes were out in abundance no matter the time of day.

We arrived after dark and were unable to find the dispersed camping sites. All roads seemed to lead into either factory facilities, and/or had No Trespassing signs prominently posted. We were unable to locate the picnic tables, fire rings, or trash cans others spoke of despite driving around the lake area for a good half hour or so.

Eventually we parked in a large, level, gravel area with a plaque that was clearly intended for public access. We were exhausted and just had to sleep. We were the only ones there and no one bothered us.

There is a humming noise from the factory, not as pleasant as white noise to fall asleep to as it had to much variation. Large trucks periodically driving by were fairly loud. My husband is sensitive to ghost stuff and had trouble sleeping due to voices waking him up--the first time experiencing that since we began traveling.