Camping boosts North Dakota tourism

Despite the economic downturn plaguing the nation, North Dakota has seen increases in tourism over the past three years and camping is one of the reasons behind it.

A recent study commissioned by the state's tourism board has found that state park visitation is up 21 percent this year alone.

According to the Grand Forks Herald, visitors from Canada are helping to fuel the boost. Other U.S. visitors are also flocking to the state, according to Grahams Island State Park manager Henry Duray. "Lower fuel costs, better weather and excellent fishing have given us our best year since 2006. Our campgrounds were booked solid and our goal is to expand their number in the future," he said.

Some of the things about North Dakota that may appeal to RVers and campers include the state's recent honor of being name the friendliest in the U.S. by Cambridge University. In addition, AAA says a North Dakota vacation is the most affordable of any state. It is also home to more wildlife refuges than any other state, with abundant wildlife viewing and birding opportunities.

North Dakota has 15 state parks with nearly 900 electrical camping sites and 500 primitive sites. There are also hundreds of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, scenic drives, festivals and attractions to visit.