Kimball Bottoms Ohv Area

About Kimball Bottoms OHV Area

Kimball Bottoms OHV Area sits along the Missouri River just south of Bismarck, North Dakota, on Army Corps of Engineers land. Riders know it as The Desert or the Bismarck Desert. It covers roughly 410 acres with about 25 miles of trail, play areas, sand bars and a couple of islands that become accessible when the river runs low. It is free to ride and open year round.

Sand Along the Missouri

The terrain here is mostly sand, which is where the desert nickname comes from. Trails run through many trees along the river bottom, with some loose dirt, a few water crossings and very little in the way of rock or steep hills.

Difficulty rates mostly intermediate with some beginner terrain and a small amount that will challenge experienced riders. There are no jumps and few berms, so this is trail and play riding rather than motocross.

The trails are not marked, but the terrain is easy enough to navigate that most riders manage without a map. Trail blazing is permitted, which is unusual and part of why the area feels open rather than routed.

When the Missouri is low, sand bars and islands open up that are not reachable at normal water levels. Riders who know the area watch the river gauge for exactly that reason.

Free and Open to Everything

There is no fee for parking, entry, riding or camping.

Vehicle restrictions are minimal, which sets this apart from most of the OHV areas in the region. There is no maximum vehicle width. Motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs and side by sides are all permitted, along with registered Jeeps and SUVs, and unregistered dune buggies, sand rails and four by fours. The area is especially popular with ATVs and Jeeps.

A North Dakota Trail Access Permit is required, along with a spark arresting exhaust on all vehicles, and noise limits apply. Helmets are required by state law for riders under 18, though they are a good idea for everyone.

Camping and the River

Several primitive campsites sit alongside the main entrance road just past the boat ramp, under mature shade trees with views of the river. Camping is allowed in developed sites only.

The area is popular for more than riding. Fishing, boating and swimming all happen here, which makes it a reasonable destination for a mixed group where not everyone rides.

Fuel, diesel and a convenience store are a few miles north toward Bismarck. Potable water, RV hookups and a dump station are available at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park to the northwest.

Flooding Is the Thing to Check

This is the most important practical note. The area sits on the Missouri River bottom and it is prone to flooding.

Trails are open year round, but high water can close or submerge large parts of the property with little warning. Contact the Army Corps of Engineers office in Bismarck at 701-255-0015 before heading out, particularly in spring and after heavy rain upstream.

Getting There

From Bismarck, take State Route 804 and University Drive south about 7.5 miles, then turn south on Desert Road and continue roughly 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

Plan on a full day. With 25 miles of trail across the river bottom, there is enough here to fill one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to ride at Kimball Bottoms?

No. Parking, entry, riding and camping are all free, though a North Dakota Trail Access Permit is required.

What is it also called?

The Desert or the Bismarck Desert, names that come from the sandy terrain along the river.

How much trail is there?

About 25 miles across roughly 410 acres.

Is there a vehicle width limit?

No. Unlike most OHV areas in the region, Kimball Bottoms has no maximum vehicle width.

What can I ride?

Motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs and side by sides, plus registered Jeeps and SUVs and unregistered dune buggies, sand rails and four by fours.

Are the trails marked?

No, but the terrain is generally easy to navigate. Trail blazing is permitted.

Is camping available?

Yes, in developed primitive sites along the main entrance road past the boat ramp, under shade trees by the river.

Why should I call before going?

The area borders the Missouri River and floods. Contact the Army Corps of Engineers in Bismarck at 701-255-0015 to check conditions.

Where is Kimball Bottoms OHV Area located?

Desert Road, Bismarck, North Dakota 58504, about nine miles south of the city along the Missouri River.

More information on Kimball Bottoms OHV Area; Click here https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/

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