North Dakota OHV Trails: All Four Riding Areas

North Dakota’s riding opportunities are spread across four very different places, so choosing a destination can feel less straightforward than loading up and heading out. Pembina Gorge, Roughrider, Turtle Mountain and Kimball Bottoms each offer a distinct kind of ride, with different terrain, access and planning needs. This guide explains what to expect and how to prepare for each one.

Comparing North Dakota’s Four OHV Riding Areas

The four areas commonly discussed by North Dakota riders are not interchangeable. One offers wooded loops, another follows a river corridor, and another is a sandy open-play area. The right fit depends on your machine, the kind of terrain you enjoy and how much time you have for the trip.

Riding area	General location	What the ride feels like	Useful planning note
Pembina Gorge	Near Walhalla in northeastern North Dakota	Wooded trails with rolling terrain and scenic views	Check trail status and any width restrictions before unloading
Roughrider OHV Trail	Between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice	A long, linear ride along the Missouri River corridor	Plan transport and turnaround logistics before setting out
Turtle Mountain	Northwest of Bottineau	Forested riding with designated routes and shared-use considerations	Confirm the entrance and current route information before the trip
Kimball Bottoms	Along the Missouri River south of Bismarck	Open, sandy riding and play-area conditions	River levels and flooding can affect access and available ground

Pick an area based on the ride you want

If your group wants a defined trail experience with a sense of moving through a landscape, Pembina Gorge may be the best match. Riders looking for a longer point-to-point outing may prefer Roughrider, while families and mixed-experience groups may appreciate the variety of open terrain at Kimball Bottoms. Turtle Mountain appeals to riders who want a forest setting and are comfortable sharing the area with other outdoor users.

Think about the day you actually want, not just the distance to the trailhead. A young rider who gets tired after an hour may enjoy a compact play area more than a long route. A group with several machines and one support vehicle may find it easier to plan a loop or an out-and-back than a one-way ride that needs a separate pickup.

It also helps to match the machine to the terrain and route rules. Width can matter on narrower trails, while tire choice and ground clearance affect how comfortable a ride feels on sand, mud or uneven ground. For a broader look at the state’s trail network, see [North Dakota OHV Trails: All Four Riding Areas].

Plan for access, status and the drive

A trail shown on a map is not automatically open, dry or easy to reach. Weather, maintenance, flooding, seasonal conditions and local restrictions can affect access. Before driving several hours, check the official trail or land-manager information for current status, parking guidance and any route-specific rules.

If you use a mapping app such as onX Offroad, treat it as a planning aid rather than the final authority on access. Compare its route information with current official maps and notices, especially when a route approaches private land, a road crossing or a managed recreation area. A downloaded map can also help when cell coverage is limited, but it does not replace posted signs or current closures.

Build a little flexibility into the day. A long haul to a riding area is frustrating when a gate is closed, the ground is too wet or the parking area is full. Confirm the address or trailhead location, estimate how long unloading will take, and have a backup plan for a shorter ride or a different activity nearby.

Pembina Gorge

Pembina Gorge is near Walhalla in the northeastern part of the state and is known for its wooded setting, rolling terrain and scenic views. The riding experience can feel quite different from the wide-open prairie landscape many people picture when they think of North Dakota. Riders looking for a detailed overview can read [Pembina Gorge: North Dakota's OHV Trail Park].

What the ride is like

The gorge’s trails wind through a landscape shaped by wooded slopes and changes in elevation. That makes it a welcome change for riders who are used to flat, open routes, but it also means you should pay attention to corners, sightlines and changing trail conditions. A trail that feels comfortable when dry can become more demanding after rain.

Pembina Gorge is often a good choice for riders who want a destination ride rather than a broad, unrestricted play area. The designated trail setting encourages you to follow the marked network and stay on permitted routes. If your group includes new riders, agree on a pace before you start and stop somewhere safe when you need to regroup rather than crowding a narrow section.

Trail widths and vehicle suitability matter here. Check the current information for any applicable width limits before bringing a side-by-side, especially if your machine is close to a stated maximum. The 60-inch restriction is a useful reminder that not every route is suitable for every vehicle; confirm the specific rules for the area and route you plan to use. See [The 60-Inch Gate at Pembina Gorge] for more on why width checks matter.

Trailhead, camping and wet-weather planning

Start by confirming the current trailhead location, parking arrangements and operating information. A familiar place name is not enough to guide a trailer to the right entrance, particularly if you are visiting for the first time. Before leaving, save the route to the trailhead and any official contact details you may need.

If you hope to camp, check what facilities are available and whether reservations or other arrangements are needed. Camping can make a ride feel like a proper weekend getaway, but it also means planning for food, water, fuel and the time required to unload and secure your machines. Information about the area’s overnight options is covered in [North Dakota OHV Camping at Pembina Gorge].

Rain deserves special attention at Pembina Gorge. Wet ground can become slippery, and riding when the trail is soft may damage the surface or create ruts that remain after conditions improve. Check for closures before driving out, and be prepared to change plans if the area is closed or the trail is not in suitable condition. [North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain] explains why a post-rain status check is more than a convenience.

Roughrider OHV Trail

Roughrider is a long, linear OHV route in the Missouri River corridor between Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice. It is a different kind of outing from a compact loop: riders need to think through where they will start, how far they want to travel and how they will get back to their vehicles. For a route-focused overview, see [Riding North Dakota's 22-Mile Roughrider OHV Trail].

Understand the point-to-point layout

Because Roughrider connects places rather than simply circling one trailhead, transportation is a key part of the plan. If you ride one direction and finish somewhere else, you need a reliable way to return to your starting point or retrieve vehicles. Groups sometimes arrange a shuttle, but that takes coordination and enough drivers.

Before you set out, decide whether the whole route is right for your group. A long ride can be enjoyable for experienced riders with suitable machines, but it may be tiring for children, newer riders or anyone who prefers frequent breaks. Agree on a turnaround point if you are not planning to complete the full route, and make sure everyone understands the plan.

Use a map to understand the route and access points, then confirm the latest information from the responsible agencies. A downloaded map in onX Offroad or another mapping tool can help you follow your planned route if service drops, but official trail information and signs should guide decisions about access. Don’t assume that a visible track on a screen is an open OHV route.

What to prepare for along the Missouri River

The river corridor brings scenic stretches, changing conditions and practical considerations that are easy to underestimate. Carry water, basic tools, a first-aid kit and a way to communicate if someone gets separated or has a mechanical problem. On a longer route, even a small issue—such as a loose strap or a puncture—can turn into a much bigger delay if you are far from the trailhead.

Take care at crossings, access roads and areas where other visitors may be present. Slow down when visibility is limited and give pedestrians, cyclists and other trail users space. Keep dust and noise in mind, too: a considerate pace makes the ride more pleasant for everyone sharing the corridor.

Check the day’s conditions before you go, particularly after heavy rain or river-related flooding. A route may look fine on an older map but be affected by current ground conditions or temporary closures. For a clearer sense of the corridor and its connections, read [Roughrider OHV Trail Links Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Rice]. If your group needs help choosing a place to stage vehicles, review [North Dakota Trailheads With Trailer Parking].

Turtle Mountain

Turtle Mountain sits northwest of Bottineau and offers a forested setting that feels markedly different from the open spaces around Bismarck or the western badlands. Riders should plan around designated access and shared use: people may be riding horses or using other parts of the area for recreation. The overview [Turtle Mountain Riding in North Dakota] is a helpful starting point.

Finding the entrance and following the route

Before you leave home, confirm which entrance you intend to use and how to reach it. The Sjule Road entrance is an important reference for riders planning a visit, but it is still worth checking current access details rather than relying on a vague pin or an old screenshot. Trailer length and turning space can affect how comfortable the final approach feels.

Once there, follow the designated route information and respect posted signs. In a wooded area, it can be harder to see far ahead than on an open prairie trail. Keep speed conservative around blind turns, narrow stretches and places where another user might appear unexpectedly. Stop in a safe spot if your group needs to regroup.

Download or save your route before setting out, especially if you expect limited cell reception. Mapping tools such as onX Offroad can be useful for keeping a planned route available offline, but maps should be checked against current official information. If a route or access point is unclear, don’t guess based on a line on your screen.

Sharing space and choosing a suitable day

Turtle Mountain is not simply an ATV-only environment. Shared use means riders should expect to encounter people on horseback or other users, and should approach slowly enough to respond safely. Give horses plenty of room, avoid sudden acceleration and follow any instructions from the person handling them. A few extra minutes of patience can prevent a frightening encounter.

The right day matters, too. Wet or muddy ground can make a forest ride harder to control and can increase the chance of damaging a route. If there has been heavy rain, check official status and be willing to postpone. A ride that becomes rutted or impassable is unpleasant for the group and can make future maintenance more difficult.

If your group has a mix of experience levels, choose a conservative route and agree on a regrouping plan. Keep faster riders behind the lead rather than letting them disappear around bends. A simple plan—who leads, who sweeps, where to stop and what to do if someone has trouble—makes a shared trail day feel much less stressful.

Kimball Bottoms

Kimball Bottoms is an open riding area along the Missouri River south of Bismarck. Its landscape and riding style differ from the narrower trails at Pembina Gorge or the longer corridor at Roughrider. For an introduction to the area, see [Kimball Bottoms: North Dakota's Open Play Area].

What open-play riding involves

At an open-play area, the day may feel less like following a single marked trail and more like choosing among available terrain. That freedom can be fun, but it also calls for extra awareness. Keep track of where your group is, pay attention to other machines, and avoid assuming that open ground means every part of the area is available for riding.

Sand can be enjoyable and forgiving in some situations, but it still affects handling. A machine may respond differently in loose ground than it does on a firm road, and a passenger can feel every quick turn or sudden change in speed. Riders should keep an appropriate pace, especially when children or inexperienced drivers are in the group.

Because the area is near the Missouri River, conditions can change with water levels and flooding. Check access before making the drive and be prepared for the available riding area to differ from what you remember from a previous visit. Do not use an old trip report as a substitute for current information.

Parking, water and group planning

Arrive with a clear plan for where to park, unload and regroup. In an open area, people may spread out quickly once they start riding. Set a meeting point that everyone can recognize, agree on how long each ride will last and make sure less experienced riders know how to contact the group if they fall behind.

Bring more water than you think you will need, particularly on warm or windy days. Open terrain offers less shelter from sun and wind, and a group can become tired sooner than expected. Check tires and straps before leaving the parking area; catching a problem at the trailer is much easier than discovering it after the group has spread out.

Keep an eye on changing conditions and respect closures or restricted areas. If access is affected by flooding, don’t try to find an unofficial way around a closure. A closed route is a clear signal to change plans, not an invitation to explore a different bank or approach. Planning another nearby activity in advance can save the day if the riding area is unavailable.

Planning a Safe, Low-Stress Ride

A good riding day begins before the machines come off the trailer. The most common frustrations—arriving at the wrong entrance, discovering a closure, forgetting a key item or splitting up from the group—are usually preventable with a short check-in and a realistic plan.

Check maps, rules and trail status

Start with current information from the land manager or the agency responsible for the riding area. Confirm the trail is open, identify the correct entrance, and check for route restrictions, width limits, parking instructions and any notices about weather. Information can differ between areas, so don’t assume the rules you followed at one trail apply at another.

Use digital maps as a supplement. An app such as onX Offroad can help you plan a route, see your location and save map information for offline use. Before the trip, compare the route with official sources and make sure your phone or GPS device is charged. A paper map can be a useful backup in remote areas or when a device fails.

Make sure everyone in the group knows the basics: the meeting point, the route plan, who is leading and what to do if machines become separated. If riders have different abilities, set a pace that the least experienced person can manage. It is easier to stop for a short break than to bring a stressed rider back into the group after they have been left behind.

Pack for the terrain and the weather

Pack essentials according to the route, not just the season. Water, food, a first-aid kit, basic repair supplies, a tire-repair option and a tow strap are practical starting points. A longer route such as Roughrider calls for more careful preparation than a short outing near a parking area, but even a brief ride can go sideways if a machine needs attention.

North Dakota weather can make a comfortable morning feel very different by afternoon. Bring layers, eye protection and gear that helps manage sun, wind, dust or a sudden change in temperature. Secure loose items on the machine or in a vehicle; a bouncing bag or unsecured tool can become a distraction or a hazard.

Before loading up at the end of the day, do a quick head count and inspect machines for obvious damage. Clean off mud when practical, especially if it could dry onto moving parts or hide a problem. If you discovered a closure, damaged section or confusing access point, report it through the appropriate official channel rather than relying only on a social post.

Riding With Other Users and Respecting the Land

Responsible riding helps keep these places enjoyable and accessible. The four areas have different terrain and management, but the basics are the same: stay on permitted routes, respect signs, slow down near other people and avoid riding when conditions are likely to damage the ground.

Follow marked routes and local directions

Stay on designated trails and within approved riding areas. Wandering off a route can damage vegetation, create new tracks that others may mistake for legal access, or lead onto land where you do not have permission to ride. If a trail seems to end, turn back rather than creating a shortcut.

Posted signs, gates and closure notices matter even when a route looks passable. They may indicate private property, habitat concerns, maintenance work or a temporary safety issue. If you are unsure whether a route is open, stop and check rather than continuing on the assumption that someone else has already confirmed it.

A map can help you understand where you are, but it cannot grant permission to ride. This is particularly important when a track approaches private land or crosses a boundary. Keep a current route map available and use official guidance to resolve uncertainty. For broader advice on sharing routes and being considerate, see [North Dakota Trail Etiquette Locals Expect].

Adjust your riding to conditions and other people

Slow down when visibility is poor, dust is heavy or the trail is busy. Leave enough space between machines to see hazards and avoid a sudden stop turning into a collision. In a group, keep the pace appropriate for the least experienced rider and check in regularly, especially after a turn or a change in terrain.

If you meet horses, pedestrians or other trail users, ease off the throttle and give them room. A loud engine approaching quickly can unsettle a horse or startle someone who is on foot. Wait for a safe opportunity to pass, follow any posted guidance and avoid revving or making abrupt movements nearby.

Wet ground deserves particular care. Tires can dig deep ruts in soft soil, and the damage can linger after the surface dries. Check trail status after rain and be ready to postpone when conditions are poor. [North Dakota Trails Closed by Wet Weather] offers more context on why a closed or muddy trail should be treated as a reason to wait, not a challenge to push through.

Choosing the Right Area for Your Group

The best riding area depends on the people coming along as much as the map. A confident group with a full day available may enjoy a longer route; a family with younger riders might be happier with a shorter outing and a nearby place to rest. Match the destination to the day you want rather than trying to force every trip into the same plan.

For families and newer riders

For newer riders, prioritize easy logistics, clear expectations and a manageable ride length. Choose a plan with a simple turnaround point and a comfortable place to regroup. Explain how to handle stops, turns and separation before starting, and make sure each rider understands the route plan.

Kimball Bottoms can suit a group that wants open terrain, while a defined trail setting may feel easier to navigate for riders who prefer following a route. Neither option is automatically beginner-proof: conditions, other users and machine handling still matter. Start slowly, take breaks and turn back if anyone feels uncomfortable.

At Pembina Gorge or Turtle Mountain, pay extra attention to route width, visibility and shared-use considerations. Before bringing a youth machine or a wide side-by-side, check the applicable rules and route information. If the group includes riders with very different abilities, consider splitting into two groups only if you have enough experienced adults and a clear plan for keeping everyone safe.

For a full-day trip or weekend away

A full-day outing calls for more than a destination pin. Work out your departure time, fuel plan, travel route, parking and return logistics. For Roughrider, decide in advance how the group will handle the point-to-point layout. For Pembina Gorge, confirm the trailhead and camping details if you plan to stay overnight.

Create a loose itinerary with room for delays. Loading, unloading, safety checks and breaks take longer than many groups expect, especially when several machines are involved. Let someone who is not on the ride know where you are going and when you expect to return, and update them if plans change.

Before heading out, save the information you will need offline and carry a backup. [North Dakota OHV Trail Map Downloads] can help you plan map access, while [North Dakota Trail Status by App and Phone] points to ways to check conditions before setting out. A reliable plan still includes the possibility of changing destinations when weather, access or the group’s energy level calls for it.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.