Buffalo River State Park — Hotel in Moorhead

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...

Pros: Brand new and very clean shower facility, decent views and a couple fish in the rivers.

Cons: Campsites are packed in like sardines. Like the tent next to you is in spitting distance. There are no trees to separate the sites so unless you like sitting outside your camper all day and staring at the guy next to you, this isn’t the place for you. Secondly, even though the bathroom and shower house was nearly brand new and very clean, most of it was closed due to COVID. So there were two toilets and two showers available for the packed 40+ campsites. You can’t tell me that’s “social distancing”. If they really wanted to “social distance,” they would have closed every other campsite in the whole loop. I swear I visibly flinched every time the guy in the tent next to me sneezed. Speaking of which, the swimming pond was closed for the season due to COVID as well— AKA the only thing to do at this boring, dismal state park. If I’m not going to get the coronavirus sharing one bathroom with 200 people, I’m definitely not going to get it swimming at a beach. Additionally, the showers only run on one setting: boiling hot. Which is perfectly fine for say mid February when they’re closed but for a 95 degree day on the prairie? Not so much. I washed off the sweat only to replace it with new sweat seconds later. I considered bathing in “agricultural run off” creek down the road but didn’t want to grow an extra arm. Thirdly, there’s poison ivy and stinging nettle EVERYWHERE. Forget bringing your kids on hikes unless you want to spend the remainder of the day in the blistering heat rubbing cream on places you never knew, could need it.

Overall, this is hands down the worst, and most boring state park I have ever been to in the state of Minnesota. If you’re thinking about staying...

Our family recently spent a weekend at Buffalo River State Park and it ranked among our favorite outdoor escapes. The park is only about 15 minutes from Fargo yet feels like a world away. We set up camp in a quiet, shaded site right along the river, and enjoyed crisp mornings filled with birdsong and fresh prairie air. We explored several of the park’s well-marked trails, wandering through a mix of dense hardwood forest and sprawling tallgrass prairie. We especially loved the River View Trail—with its wooden bridge and cut-bank overlook—where we paused often to watch songbirds flit and beavers splash below . Our daughter had a blast exploring the prairie blooms— asters, prairie clover, and blazing star painted the fields in summer color. A favorite family memory was cooling off in the park’s man-made swimming pond. The sandy beach and shallow water offered relief from the summer heat and enough space for our daughter to splash safely, surrounded by plenty of greenery. Though the pond has been closed temporarily, the Buffalo River itself provided a soothing alternative for wading and fishing on hot afternoons . Evenings were spent around the campfire while a distant train’s whistle reminded us of the region’s history. Modern restrooms and shower facilities were a welcome comfort, and our site came with electric hook-up, picnic table, and fire ring . We appreciated the park’s cleanliness and thoughtful design. Buffalo River State Park offers scenic beauty, wildlife, quiet relaxation, and a touch of adventure—all within easy reach of home. It is perfect for families seeking a relaxed weekend in nature without long drives. We will...