Off-Road Trails: North Dakota

North Dakota is located at the very top of the continental United States. While most of us might think that it is cold here year-around without any break from the snow, that is far from the truth. Off-roading here is a favorite pastime for many residents, and the two parks listed are great for families and new riders to tackle the trails.

Like many of these northern areas, North Dakota is filled with awe-inspiring scenery throughout the year. As you'll see, below, there is one OHV area in the state that is located right along the Missouri River. This premier placement delivers unmatched scenery in the area and provides a fun and entertaining spot to the off-road lifestyle.

Load up, gather your supplies, and we'll see you on the trails!

Rolling Plains Adventures

If you think the rolling plains of North Dakota don’t offer enough adventure for you, you’re in for a surprise. Homesteaded within the plains of North Dakota in 1882, near the Missouri River, Destination Yamaha’s Rolling Plains Adventures, located in McKenzie, ND, is one of North Dakota’s leading outdoor outfitters since 2000. For the hunter, you’ll find some of the best pheasant and duck hunting in the country. What is really special is the hometown treatment and genuine kindness from the hosts that will keep you wanting to return year after year. They offer guests Yamaha Grizzly XT-R and Viking EPS rentals to explore the region and you’re sure to find something amazing along the way.

• Size 400 Acres
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Bismark, ND

Kimball Bottoms OHV Area

Located right along the Missouri River, Kimball Bottoms OHV Area consists of 400 areas of open recreation lands. If you can fit it on your tow rig, boating is another popular pastime in this area. No matter what type of recreation you enjoy most, this is a great spot to camp with your RV in the primitive camping sites along the main entrance, right next to the boat ramp. One note is to check with the Army Corps of Engineers before you head out to recreate because this area is known for flooding when the river waters creep up the banks.

• Distance 12 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Bottineau, ND

Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area

Small in size but still very fun, Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area has about 12 miles of trails for drivers to enjoy. The location is just six miles northwest of the city of Bottineau, which has a full host of supplies for your camping trip to this state park. There is also lodging in the town, along with parts resellers just in case anything goes wrong out on the trails. If you have kiddos learning to ride, the youth trail at this state park is a great place to teach them the ropes.

• Distance 30 miles
• Skill Level Any
• Trailhead Walhalla, North Dakota

Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area

This area is open during the summer season from mid May through mid October. The area is open to motorized traffic on designated trails and has 30 miles of scenic, wooded trails that come to views of the vast open country and the Three Sisters Hills. The trails are good for just about any skill-level of rider. USFS regulations apply and there are some size restrictions in place. You need only a current North Dakota ORV sticker to ride. The trailhead is about 5 miles outside of Walhalla, so you have some amenities close by.