
Buffalo River State Park
Scenic state park featuring rolling prairies, a tranquil river, and a refreshing swimming area. Ideal for peaceful strolls and nature escapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant autumn colors

Buffalo River State Park
Best Time
Vibrant autumn colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic state park featuring rolling prairies, a tranquil river, and a refreshing swimming area. Ideal for peaceful strolls and nature escapes.
"A great campground with fantastic walking trails, though be mindful of strict park regulations."

🎯 Book Lodging Early
Cabins and RV sites fill up fast, especially for fall colors. Reserve your spot in advance! :house:
🐾 Leash Laws Are Strict
Dogs must be leashed at all times, even in portable kennels. Be mindful of park rules. :dog:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prairie Landscapes
Expansive prairie vistas offer a serene natural escape. Perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking in the open sky.

Buffalo River Trail
A scenic trail offering peaceful walks along the riverbanks. Enjoy the unique beauty of this riparian zone.

Swimming Area
A refreshing spot to cool off during warmer months. Enjoy a dip in this designated swimming area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Seasons
Understand Park Regulations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lodging Early
Cabins and RV sites fill up fast, especially for fall colors. Reserve your spot in advance! :house:
🐾 Leash Laws Are Strict
Dogs must be leashed at all times, even in portable kennels. Be mindful of park rules. :dog:
What parks would you recommend for taking a stroll?
🚶♀️ Easy Trails for All
Short, easy trails are perfect for runs, dog walks, or family strolls. Enjoy the prairie and river views. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Campsite Shade Varies
Some inner-facing campsites lack shade. Consider this when choosing your spot. :sun:
Hiking near the Fargo area?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lodging Early
Cabins and RV sites fill up fast, especially for fall colors. Reserve your spot in advance! :house:
🐾 Leash Laws Are Strict
Dogs must be leashed at all times, even in portable kennels. Be mindful of park rules. :dog:
🚶♀️ Easy Trails for All
Short, easy trails are perfect for runs, dog walks, or family strolls. Enjoy the prairie and river views. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Campsite Shade Varies
Some inner-facing campsites lack shade. Consider this when choosing your spot. :sun:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the park's quiet campgrounds, well-maintained facilities, and easy walking trails offering pleasant prairie and river views. However, some guests have found the park's enforcement of pet leash laws to be overly strict and intrusive, leading to a less welcoming experience for pet owners.
"Close enough to Fargo to consider it a local park. Nice clean campground that is really quiet and had nice people working and camping. I had site 3e and was pleasantly surprised at having two snall shade trees. Short and very easy trails make for a nice solo run, dog-accompanied hike or even just a leisurely family stroll. Pretty prairie and river views!"
Deanne Collins
"Not autism Meltdown friendly otherwise lovely
I cooked hot dogs on the grill and went 2 sites down to the bathhouse to wash our dishes and take these photos.
In that time, (20 minutes) my son melted down over being denied a 4th hotdog the sheriff was called and arrived.
Yes he melted down. Yes he was cursing. No he didn’t leave the campsite. He was yelling at his sister. It was NOT after hours.
Brandon Heide was very nice but my 13 year old was written up for disturbing the peace. No one else said anything to them and I could not hear him from the bath house.
Showers clean
Fire pit great
Wood burned well ($8)
Large site with a trail straight to the river."
Beverly Malone
"Im only giving it two stars because this was actually a great campground and fantastic walking trails. However the excessive patrolling and side eye glances from the park rangers coming by every other hour makes a person feel extremely uneasy. We are trying to go to every state park in Minnesota so this was our 8th state park and 13th campground in general since getting our 5th wheel. We have one of those mobile dog kennels for our 3 small dogs. 2 mini poodles (7 pound dogs) and a min pin (16 pound dog) It keeps them safe and they can have a more enjoyable experience camping by not having to get tangled up in each other's leashes and then pull out of their harnesses in the process. We were warned ⚠️ not 30 min into our setup they still had to be on leashes within the fenced area. And I was confused like I said this is our 8th visit to a start park and we have set their pen up at every place and not once has any park ranger said we were doing something wrong. I just thought well maybe its just there job to say something and we'd be left alone the rest of the time. We continued to have an enjoyable experience after other then the park being over ran with way too many rangers. We took the dogs for a walk around the campground so we could make note of nice spots we wouldn't mind staying at in the future. Came back had a fire, made smores, my husband and I were sitting by the fire. Our small dogs in our laps just enjoying the peaceful night. And Here comes a park ranger again. They stopped and walked up to tell us where the storm shelters were located if bad weather rolled through. And I thought that was nice. And then she said and as a reminded please keep ur dogs on a leash. I said yes thank you. Not thinking she ment at that very moment as they were on our laps. Just thought they ment in general. The next morning we were packing up for home and the park manager stops by and she's like my park intern made note that this was your second warning for your dogs being off leash within their mobile kennel. That was what finally broke the camels back. I said my peace told her this was a very nice park but they need not worry we would not be back. Moral of this story it says dog friendly but I promise you this place tolerates them at best because they have to. They will make it there whole mission of your weekend to make you feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. We have loved every state park we have visited in its own little way and have NEVER had any ill encounters with any of the park rangers we have met along the way. After reading multi reviews of Buffalo River I've seen we are not alone in our unfortunate experience. We will not go back to this one. And I will absolutely let it be known if the rangers decide to put a bulls eye on ur back it will be there all weekend. Do yourself a favor pack up and leave. They are relentless as the mosquitoes that swarm the campgrounds."
Ranea Dressen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buffalo River State Park is conveniently located between Glyndon and Hawley, making it a close drive from Fargo. It's often considered a local park for Fargo residents.
The park features short and easy trails suitable for walking, running, and leisurely strolls. Driving is also an option to access different areas like the campground and picnic sites.
Public transportation options directly to Buffalo River State Park are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific fee information can vary, state parks often have day-use fees or camping fees. It's advisable to check the official Minnesota State Parks and Trails website for the most current pricing.
Park grounds are typically accessible year-round during daylight hours. Campground and facility hours may vary, so checking the official park website is recommended.
Yes, booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons like fall. You can usually do this through the Minnesota State Parks and Trails reservation system.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails offers various passes, such as annual permits, which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking on prairie and river trails, picnicking, swimming in the designated area, and camping. The park is also great for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Yes, the park offers easy hiking trails through prairie landscapes and along the Buffalo River. These trails are suitable for all fitness levels.
Buffalo River State Park has picnic sites available for visitors to enjoy meals amidst the natural surroundings.
There is a designated swimming area within the park for visitors to enjoy during warmer months.
The park's easy trails and swimming area make it a good option for families. However, be mindful of park regulations regarding pets and noise.
🎫 🐾 Pet Policies
Yes, Buffalo River State Park is dog-friendly. However, there are strict leash laws, and dogs must be leashed at all times, even within portable kennels.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. This rule is enforced to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.
No, the park strictly enforces leash laws. There are no off-leash areas for pets.
Pets are generally allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on trails, but must always be leashed. They are typically not allowed in buildings or designated swimming areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is generally welcoming, parents should be aware of the strict leash laws for pets. Ensure all family pets are kept on a leash at all times to comply with park regulations. The quiet campground atmosphere also makes it a good spot for a relaxed family getaway.
🐶 Pet Owners
If you plan to bring your furry friend, be prepared to adhere to these rules diligently. While the trails and campground are accessible, the enforcement of leash laws is a significant aspect of the visitor experience here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Park Regulations and Visitor Experiences
This has led to a perception among some that the park 'tolerates' pets rather than truly welcoming them. While the park is officially dog-friendly, potential visitors should be aware of and prepared to strictly adhere to all leash laws and regulations to avoid similar experiences.
Despite these concerns, many visitors find the park to be a great campground with fantastic walking trails. The key seems to be understanding and respecting the park's specific rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
The Beauty of Prairie Landscapes
These prairie environments are not only visually appealing but also ecologically significant, supporting a variety of plant and animal life. The park's commitment to preserving these natural areas makes it a valuable destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit