Explore the beauty of North Dakota on horseback as you ride over 239 miles of trails spread across the state. Riders can enjoy some of the most scenic vistas riding through the North Dakota Badlands, the Sheyenne River Valley or the rolling hills of the Pembina Gorge. Several state parks also provide equestrian support facilities and camping areas.
Where to ride
Fort Ransom State Park: Riders can enjoy over 13 miles of trails including a segment of the North Country Trail, a 4,600-mile trail that stretches from Lake Sakakawea State Park to Vermont. Rolling hills and wooded river valleys make for picturesque rides.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: Riders can enjoy over 6 miles of trails that run along the bluffs situated above the Missouri River. Riders will enjoy beautiful views of the river and scenic landscapes just miles from the capital city.
Rough Rider State Park: The park is located along the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which has over 144 miles of trails open to horseback riding. This world-class single track trail runs through the North Dakota Badlands and will offer an experience unlike any other.
Little Missouri State Park: Riders can enjoy over 45 miles of trails in the rugged North Dakota Badlands. These views are one of a kind and this trail system is only open to horseback riding and hiking.
Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area: has 10 miles of trails that meander through State Forest Land in the Turtle Mountains.
Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area: has 21 miles of trails that run through the stunning Pembina Gorge. Equestrians will ride through the largest continuous undisturbed forest in North Dakota and view expansive landscapes.
Rough Rider Trail: has 16.5 miles of multi-use trail open to horseback riding.
Where to camp
Fort Ransom State Park: has 68 corrals available and a wide variety of camping options including modern, group and primitive sites. Fort Ransom also has full-service cabins and yurts to rent if you are looking for a unique way to camp. If you are booking a cabin or yurt and traveling with a horse, please call the park to reserve corral space.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park: has a special campground for horse campers complete with eight corrals.
Rough Rider State Park: has 73 corrals available for use and a number of different campsite options available.
Little Missouri State Park: has 83 corrals available and a number of different campsite options available to visitors.
What you need to know
In addition to a park entrance fee, equestrian riders need to purchase a horse pass. Daily and annual options are available and are required per horse. The money generated from these fees goes toward maintaining horse trails.
Daily fee: $6/horse
Annual fee: $30/horse
- Users are responsible for the upkeep of corrals and other impact areas. Please clean up hay and manure daily and before you leave, both in the park corrals and all use areas.
- Ride only on trails designated for horse use. Ask park staff for information about park areas that are closed to horseback riding such as campgrounds, playgrounds, or picnic areas.
- Tie horses to corral posts or horse trailers, not to trees. The use of hobbles is prohibited.
- Many of the trails are located on privately-owned land. Please respect the rights of landowners and keep your horses on the designated trail right-of-way.
- Leave all gates as you found them.
- All North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail maps are available in the OuterSpatial App.
Bringing horses into North Dakota
Information on health certificates and tests can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's website.