North Dakota Trails Near Bismarck
Finding a good ATV or UTV ride near Bismarck can take more planning than loading up and following a map: access rules, trail conditions, and the difference between a route and an open riding area all matter. This guide explains the closest options, what each is like, and how to check access before you head out.
ATV and UTV riding areas near Bismarck
The closest well-known places to investigate are Kimball Bottoms and the Roughrider OHV Trail. They offer different kinds of rides: one is an open play area, while the other is a defined route. A third name, the Desert, also appears in local riding information, but confirm its current access and rules before treating it as an open public riding area.
| Riding area | What to expect | Best fit | Before you go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimball Bottoms | Open riding area near the Missouri River south of Mandan | Riders who want room to explore within the area’s boundaries | Check current access, water conditions, and any posted closures |
| Roughrider OHV Trail | A defined route connecting Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice | Riders who prefer a point-to-point trail outing | Check trail status, staging details, and where riding is permitted |
| The Desert south of Bismarck | A local riding location referenced in area information | Riders who have confirmed the route and access are open to them | Verify land ownership, permitted routes, and current rules |
Kimball Bottoms for open-area riding
Kimball Bottoms is a familiar name for riders looking for an open riding area near Bismarck. It lies along the Missouri River south of Mandan, and its open-area character makes it different from a marked, linear trail. Riders can spend time exploring within the area rather than following one set route from a beginning to an endpoint. For a broader overview of the site, see [Kimball Bottoms: North Dakota's Open Play Area].
Open terrain can feel freeing, but it still does not mean you can ride anywhere you see ground. Stay within the designated riding area and obey signs, barriers, and seasonal restrictions. River conditions and changing ground can also affect which parts are practical or safe to access. Don’t assume a familiar-looking track is open just because someone has ridden it before.
Before setting out, check whether the area is open and where riders are meant to park or unload. If water, mud, or recent weather may have changed access, build in time to reassess rather than pushing through. [Flooding at Kimball Bottoms] is a useful related topic to keep in mind when planning around the Missouri River.
Roughrider OHV Trail for a defined route
The Roughrider OHV Trail is a more structured option. It connects Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Rice along a route near the Missouri River. Because it is a point-to-point ride rather than a compact open area, plan for the full outing: where you’ll start, where you’ll finish, how you’ll return, and where a trailer can be left safely. Read [Roughrider OHV Trail Links Fort Abraham Lincoln and Fort Rice] for more about the route.
A route’s endpoints can make the logistics more important than they first appear. If your group has only one tow vehicle, arrange a shuttle or another return plan before unloading. If riders are meeting from different places, agree on the staging location and a backup plan in case a trail segment is closed. A point-to-point trail is not the best place to improvise transportation after the ride is underway.
Trail access and connecting roads are not automatically part of the OHV route. Follow the posted route and avoid riding onto neighboring land or roads unless they are specifically open to your machine. For related route details, see [Fort Abraham Lincoln to Fort Rice] and [Roughrider OHV Trail's 22 Miles Along the Missouri River].
The Desert and other local route names
The Desert south of Bismarck is another name riders may encounter when looking for nearby terrain. Treat it as a lead to investigate, not proof that every visible track is open to public OHV use. Land boundaries, access points, and riding permissions can be easy to misunderstand from a road or satellite view. The overview [Desert Road South of Bismarck] can help you identify the topic, but confirm the specific route and access rules before you go.
A map can show a road or path without showing whether it is legal to ride. Check for signs at the entrance, posted land, closures, and any rules that distinguish between road travel and off-road riding. If an access point is unclear, choose a location with clearly stated public OHV access rather than relying on an unmarked trail or someone else’s tracks.
When mapping nearby options, onX Offroad can help you review route lines and surrounding land boundaries before leaving home. Use it as a planning aid, not as permission to ride: confirm access with the relevant land manager and follow signs on the ground. For a wider look at organized riding locations, [North Dakota OHV Trails: All Four Riding Areas] puts Bismarck-area options in statewide context.
Choose the kind of ride that suits your group
The best Bismarck-area ride depends on whether your group wants open space, a defined trail, or a short outing with minimal logistics. That distinction matters for newer riders, families, and groups with multiple machines. A route that feels simple on a map can become a long day if the staging plan or return trip is not settled first.
Open riding area or point-to-point trail
An open riding area such as Kimball Bottoms may suit a group that prefers to choose its own pace and explore within a designated area. It can also be easier to regroup than a linear trail, since riders are not steadily spreading out along a route. Agree on boundaries and meeting points before anyone rides off, especially if the group includes children or less experienced drivers.
A point-to-point trail such as Roughrider offers a different experience. The route gives the ride a clear direction, but it also asks for more planning around distance, timing, and transportation. Consider the slowest rider, the machine with the shortest practical range, and how long your group wants to be out. If a rider turns back, make sure everyone knows where and how the group will reconnect.
Match the terrain to your machine and experience
Before choosing a ride, consider your machine’s size, condition, and intended use. A wide side-by-side may need more room to maneuver than a smaller ATV, and a route’s width or surface can change how comfortable it feels. Check any posted restrictions rather than assuming a trail that is open to OHVs is suitable for every machine.
For a first outing near Bismarck, keep the plan manageable. Pick a location with a clear access point, tell the group what to expect, and avoid building a full day around a route you have not checked. A spare strap, basic tools, water, and a charged phone are practical even on a ride close to town. Near the river or on exposed ground, changing weather and conditions can make a short ride feel more demanding than expected.
Check access, maps, and conditions before leaving
Local riding plans can change with weather, closures, land access, and trail work. A little checking before departure can prevent the frustrating situation of arriving with a trailer only to find that the entrance is closed or that a route is not open to your machine.
Confirm the route with more than one clue
Start with information from the agency or land manager responsible for the riding area. Look for current closures, designated access points, vehicle restrictions, and any notices about mud or flooding. Then compare that information with the signs at the site. If a map and a posted sign appear to conflict, don’t ride past the sign while you try to sort it out.
Map apps can help with orientation, but a line on a screen is not the same as permission. onX Offroad can be useful for previewing possible routes and identifying nearby boundaries, particularly when you’re planning a new outing. Still, use the land manager’s guidance and on-site signs to make the final call. The related guides [North Dakota OHV Trail Map Downloads] and [North Dakota Grassland Motor Vehicle Use Maps] offer more map-planning context for riders exploring beyond the immediate Bismarck area.
Plan around weather and closures
Rain can make some surfaces difficult to ride and can increase damage to trails. River-area access may also change with water conditions. If the ground is saturated, a route is closed, or the entrance looks unsafe, postpone the ride rather than creating ruts or risking a recovery problem. The overview [North Dakota Trail Closures After Rain] is especially relevant when recent weather has been unsettled.
Have a backup plan that is genuinely open to your machine, not simply another place you’ve heard about. Check the alternative’s access and restrictions before you load up. If you use onX Offroad to compare possible destinations, note the legal entrance and any boundaries you need to respect; then verify those details with the responsible manager. That extra check is far easier than discovering a closure after driving across the region.
Prepare for a smooth and responsible ride
A nearby ride still deserves a basic plan. Registration and permit rules, parking, communication, and group expectations are easy to overlook when the destination feels close to home. Taking care of them beforehand helps keep the day focused on riding rather than sorting out preventable problems.
Sort out paperwork and staging
Confirm that your machine has the registration or permit required for the ride and that you understand which rules apply to your situation. North Dakota residents and visitors may have different requirements, so don’t assume a home-state sticker answers every question. Start with [North Dakota Registration and Trail Access] and, if you’re visiting from another state, [North Dakota's Non-Resident OHV Permit].
Staging deserves the same attention. Confirm where trailers may be parked and avoid blocking gates, roadways, or other users’ access. If you have a longer trailer or are bringing several machines, check [North Dakota Trailheads With Trailer Parking] before departure. Leave enough room for others to load and unload, and make sure your group knows where to meet if someone arrives late.
Set simple group rules before anyone starts
Agree on a meeting place, a turnaround time, and a way to contact one another. Keep the group together at intersections and regroup after a challenging section. Make sure every rider knows the planned route and understands that no one should leave the designated area to catch up or explore a shortcut.
Respect other people using the area, including hikers, equestrians, landowners, and fellow OHV riders. Slow down around parking areas and give others room. Pack out what you bring in, avoid spinning tires on wet ground, and leave gates as you found them. A little courtesy goes a long way toward keeping access welcoming for the next group.
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.
