Some stays are polished and predictable. Others stick with you because they’re a little rough around the edges. Spending the night in the covered wagon at Fort Ransom State Park definitely landed in the second category.
Tucked into the rolling hills of the Sheyenne River Valley, Fort Ransom feels quieter and more intimate than the vast plains North Dakota is known for. The landscape folds in on itself—prairie grasses, wooded ravines, and winding trails that make the park feel almost hidden. Staying overnight in the covered wagon felt like stepping into a tiny piece of history, a chance to slow down and experience the prairie on its own terms.
The wagon itself is charming in concept: wooden wheels, canvas sides, and a simple interior that immediately resets expectations. This is not luxury glamping. It is shelter, atmosphere, and imagination doing most of the work.
Because the wagon is exactly what it claims to be—wooden, exposed, and nestled in the natural landscape—it has also become home to some unexpected guests. Wasps claimed many of the nooks and crannies, lingering in seams and corners like they owned the place. Thankfully, the wagon came with a can of wasp spray, which made coexistence possible if a little tense. That said, the spray can run out (as it did for us), so bring your own backup if you want to keep the corners clear. If you are allergic to wasps or bees, this might not be the stay for you—these insects are very much part of the experience.
Visiting in early May meant the only restroom available was a pit toilet, reinforcing the back-to-basics nature of the stay. No running water, no showers, no modern conveniences—just the essentials, a little spray for safety, and a reminder that Fort Ransom prioritizes the landscape and history over comfort.
As evening settled in, the prairie quiet took over. The light softened, the wind whispered through the grass, and the park slipped into a stillness that felt expansive rather than empty. Sitting outside the wagon, it was easy to imagine travelers from generations past crossing this terrain slowly, measuring progress in daylight rather than minutes.
Morning came crisp and bright. Coffee in hand, we stepped outside to watch the prairie awaken—and there they were: pheasants, numerous and vivid, scuttling and calling through the grasses as the sun rose. It was a magical, early-morning spectacle, reminding me that part of camping is simply being present for moments like these.
Sleeping in the wagon was simple and imperfect, but deeply memorable. It felt grounded, honest, and fully connected to the land—something modern accommodations rarely achieve.
Fort Ransom’s covered wagon isn’t for travelers chasing comfort or convenience. It’s for people who value experience, who can embrace a few inconveniences, and who delight in a stay that’s rooted entirely in place. Wasps, pit toilets, pheasants, and all, it was a night that felt unmistakably North Dakota—and one I would gladly relive for the story alone.
Know Before You Go:
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to wasps or bees, consider alternative accommodations. These insects are very much part of the experience.
- Wasp spray: The wagon may come with a can, but it can run out (as it did for us). Bring your own backup just in case.
- Restrooms: Only a pit toilet was available in early May. Bring hand sanitizer and plan accordingly.
- Clothing: Nights can be chilly even in late spring—layers are essential.
- Wildlife: Early mornings are prime time for spotting pheasants and other prairie creatures.
- Back-to-basics mindset: No running water, showers, or modern amenities are available in early spring. Bring food, water, and patience if camping before the park’s shower and bathhouses are open.
- Reservations: Booking ahead is crucial if you want the experience.