North Dakota's Newest State Park Is A Camping And Hiking Haven In The State's Largest Continuous Forest

North Dakota doesn't have as many state parks as you'd expect, given its size. With just over a dozen state-run recreation areas within its bounds, the region sits near the bottom of the state park totem pole, compared to other parts of the country. But the good news is that outdoor enthusiasts now have more wilderness for camping adventures with the debut of North Dakota's newest park system entrant: Pembina Gorge State Park. 

The lands in this neck of the woods were previously known as the Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, which was established back in 2012. After years of planning and development, the state's 14th state park officially opened its doors on June 9, 2026, with a brand-new campground nestled among the forested rolling hills. Pembina Gorge State Park is tucked away in North Dakota's northeast corner near the community of Walhalla, just a few miles from the Canadian border, as the crow flies.

As its name suggests, the state park is named after the sweeping Pembina Gorge, a steep valley region that was carved out ages ago by the rushing waters of the Pembina River. The gorge is pretty special because it's enveloped by the state's largest continuous swath of woodlands, which spans roughly 12,500 acres, according to North Dakota's official tourism website. Needless to say, the state park has plenty of scenic stomping grounds. "Beautiful hidden gem with lots of wonderful trails," one rambler shared in a Google review, noting that the place is definitely "worth the drive."

North Dakota was once named the worst state to hike in the U.S., which probably comes as a real shock to anyone who's spent time trudging through Pembina Gorge State Park. The state park has more than 16 miles of mixed-use trails that run across the grassy bluffs, green meadows, and lush forests that blanket the region. From hiking and biking to horseback riding and even off-highway vehicle driving, there are plenty of ways to see the natural sights.

Traipse through the trees via the popular Three Sisters Trail, which is one of almost a dozen paths you can ramble along. The route covers a little over 1.5 miles of ground, taking you deep into the dense woodlands as you skirt the edge of the gorge. The state's massive stretch of undisturbed forest canopy is made up of a mix of deciduous hardwoods, including bur oak, quaking aspen, green ash, cottonwood, and American elm, so try to spot some of the different tree varieties as you mosey along.

The Lady Slipper Loop branches off from the Three Sisters Trail, winding further into the wilds for about 2 miles. This route is non-motorized, so you can enjoy a peaceful walk without having to worry about zooming four-wheelers or dirt bikes. The nearby Trapper's Ridge Trail spans about 4 miles and connects to several other rugged paths, too. Just a quick note: trails may occasionally experience closures due to bad weather or other inclement conditions, so be sure to check the state park's Facebook page or download the OuterSpatial app for status updates ahead of your visit.

Pembina Gorge State Park's newly laid out campground is situated on the edge of the gorge near the Pembina River, offering some pretty great views of the surrounding tree-studded lands. If you're up for a more rustic camping experience, be sure to pack up all the camping gear you need for a comfortable night outdoors because there are five walk-in tent sites available on the south side of the campground. Although this section, called the Longline Loop, is more primitive, there is a picnic area and vault toilet nearby, along with a lovely scenic overlook.

If you're traveling in a rig, there are also 44 RV-friendly camp spots at the adjacent Rendezvous Loop. They all come equipped with electric and water hookups, and a handful of premium spots have a sewer line, too. To get a better feel for the place, you can find a helpful map of the campground online. State park officials do have plans to add more amenities, including a comfort station with shower and bathroom facilities in the main camping loop. 

You can also expect to see several homey cabins pop up in the future, along with a visitor center. If you're looking for more outdoorsy spots in North Dakota to pitch a tent, consider making the drive out to Minot, a serene, under-the-radar camping paradise that sits about 200 miles southwest of Pembina Gorge State Park.