Pembina Gorge State Park Ohv Area

Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area sits in the far northeast corner of North Dakota near Walhalla, and it holds the only OHV campground in the state park system. An extensive multi use trail system runs a few miles from the campground, open free of charge to dirt bikes, four wheelers and side by sides. The gorge itself is the most rugged terrain in North Dakota, which makes this a genuinely different riding experience from anywhere else in the state.

The Only OHV Campground in the State Parks

That distinction is worth explaining. North Dakota has state parks with trails and state parks with campgrounds, but Pembina Gorge is the one built with riders in mind.

The campground offers larger camping pads and designated trailer parking areas, which sounds minor until you have tried to fit a truck and a two place trailer into a standard site. Riders can camp, unload and be at the trail system within a few miles.

Free Trail Riding

There is no fee to use the multi use trail. It is designed to accommodate both non motorized and motorized traffic, including all three classes of OHVs, meaning dirt bikes, four wheelers and side by sides.

The width limit is 60 inches. That is tighter than the 62 inch limit used across the Black Hills, and it rules out many full size side by sides, so measure before you load.

Trail maps are published by the state parks department, and all North Dakota state park and recreation area trail maps are available in the OuterSpatial app.

Rules Worth Reading

North Dakota enforces a clear set of requirements here, and several are age based.

Current registration and liability insurance are required, and all motorized vehicles must be insured. The trail is open to registered Class 1, 2 and 3 OHVs at a maximum of 60 inches wide.

Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet. Children 11 and younger cannot operate an OHV at all. Ages 12 through 15 must hold an OHV safety certificate. Ages 16 and over need a valid driver’s license.

Beyond that, follow trail signage, stay on the trail, wear proper riding gear and respect the private land adjacent to the route. That last one matters here, since the trail runs through a mix of ownership.

Permitting details, safety classes and the full rules are published by North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

The Pembina Gorge

The gorge is the reason this place exists as a recreation area. Carved by the Pembina River, it holds the largest uninterrupted block of forest left in North Dakota and the steepest terrain in a state better known for being flat.

For riders used to prairie trails, the elevation change and the tree cover are a genuine change of pace. It is also one of the few places in North Dakota where a riding weekend feels like a trip somewhere rather than a drive to a field.

Getting There

The recreation area is near Walhalla in the northeast corner of North Dakota, close to the Manitoba border. Grand Forks is roughly two hours south.

Camping reservations go through the state parks reservation system. Check the park page before traveling, since seasonal conditions and trail status can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to ride the trails?

No. The multi use trail is free to use.

How wide can my machine be?

60 inches maximum. That is narrower than many full size side by sides, so measure before loading.

What vehicles are allowed?

Registered Class 1, 2 and 3 OHVs, meaning dirt bikes, four wheelers and side by sides, up to 60 inches wide.

Do I need registration and insurance?

Yes. Current registration and liability insurance are both required.

What are the age rules?

Children 11 and under cannot operate an OHV. Ages 12 to 15 need an OHV safety certificate. Ages 16 and over need a valid driver’s license. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT approved helmet.

Is there camping for riders?

Yes. Pembina Gorge has the only OHV campground in the North Dakota state park system, with larger camping pads and designated trailer parking.

Where can I get a trail map?

From the North Dakota Parks and Recreation website, or through the OuterSpatial app, which carries all state park trail maps.

Where is Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area located?

Near Walhalla in the northeast corner of North Dakota, close to the Manitoba border and about two hours north of Grand Forks.

More information on Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area OHV; Click here https://www.parkrec.nd.gov/pembina-gorge-state-recreation-area-ohv

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