U
Ursula 
Ranger
RangerCottonwood Group Site — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Beautiful campground but we are definitely off season. No water or dump station. No electric hook ups year round.
Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park features several campgrounds across its north and south units, each providing access to the rugged badlands landscape of western North Dakota. Juniper Campground in the north unit and Cottonwood Campground in the south unit offer established camping within park boundaries, while surrounding areas like Dakota Prairie National Grasslands provide additional options. Both tent and RV camping are supported throughout the region, with most National Park sites featuring basic amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, and picnic tables. Dispersed camping opportunities exist on nearby public lands, particularly in the grasslands surrounding the park.
The camping season generally runs from May through September, with some sites like Summit Campground and Magpie Campground remaining open year-round. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot with limited shade at many sites. "The site is really clean and is surrounded by grass. During the drive you can see buffalo on the side eating," noted one visitor to Juniper Campground. Winter camping is possible but facilities are limited and travelers should prepare for harsh conditions. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, and campers should be aware that wildlife, particularly bison, frequently move through campgrounds. Many established campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, though dispersed options typically remain available.
Campers consistently highlight wildlife viewing as a primary draw for camping in this area. Bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs are commonly spotted, sometimes within the campgrounds themselves. "Buffalo walking through the campground- how awesome," remarked one visitor about their experience at Juniper. The north unit receives fewer visitors than the south unit, offering a quieter experience with equally impressive scenery. Reviews frequently mention the spectacular badlands vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Though amenities are basic at most sites, with few offering showers or hookups, the natural setting compensates for the rustic conditions. Several reviewers note the helpfulness of park rangers and camp hosts, who provide information about hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.
Best Campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park (72)
1. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"Believe it or not, but I would put the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park even ahead of Yosemite. The trees and the canopy in the Juniper campground is really cool."
"While this may be in the middle of nowhere, it is worth the trip off the beaten path. From what I understand, the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is even leas visited and less crowded."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
"Absolutely beautiful campground right across the river from Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s north unit. The scenery is breathtaking."
"It is a close drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which is nice because we could spend all day at the park and then easily make it back in time to cook dinner and enjoy the site as well."
from $10 / night
Check Availability3. Magpie Campground
"The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders."
"They said they had good trails, but we didn’t have much time to explore. Beautiful views and very peaceful. Only downfall was the long drive on the rough/ unpaved roads."
from $6 / night
Check Availability4. Summit Campground
"Right on the highway so loud traffic all night. 1 pit toilet, 4 sites with picnic tables. Easy walk to a great view of the badlands."
"This is a great free place to stay right outside the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. There are 4 rv spots along with some tent camping opportunities."
5. Grassy Butte Community Park
"We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade."
6. Bennett
"There are some nice long hiking trails, bison and other prairie critters. This is wide open country with no real facilities (no trash either). Yay: simple camping and lovely scenery, wildlife."
7. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."
"What can I say, I went to Theodore Roosevelt National Park just to hangout with my brother and do some camping. I had very low expectations considering it is located in North Dakota."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability8. Scoria Pit Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
"We stayed here while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Amazing views and very quite."
"Camped for 1 night before going to theodore roosevelt national park the nxt day! It was nice! A lot of campers. Lots of spaces! Please be noce and clean after"
9. Juniper Campground Group Site — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"Really beautiful site here with lots of easy and moderate trails to explore with lovely sunrise/sunset and wildlife! Similar feel to Badlands with some fewer crowds."
from $60 / night
Check Availability10. Medora Campground
"Close spots just outside of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Some spots are very close, but have stunning views of the buttes behind and the Little Missouri River."
"Great location! This campground isright next to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and across the street from The Medora Musical. Restrooms & showers are clean and the have a laundry."
from $30 - $60 / night
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Drive Time
- 2 hrs 32 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 39 min from Minot, ND
- 4 hrs 26 min from Rapid City, SD
- 5 hrs 3 min from Billings, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
96 Photos of 72 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Bennettk
Summit Campground
Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National GrasslandsS
Elkhorn CampgroundJ
Sather Lake
Wannagan Campground
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Scoria Pit Dispersed Site - Grassland BoondockingR
free camping in the grasslandsJ
Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)
Medora Campground
Recent Reviews near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
487 Reviews of 72 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds
Juliana J.Rangerfree camping in the grasslands
Change of Pace from the Mountains
I’ve been car camping around the US for several weeks now and typically find spots within national forests or BLM land where I can tuck away and have privacy, so I was nervous when the camping option around here was grassland. But damn is this place not stunning! I can see and hear my neighbors, but they’re at least 500ft away and I still feel like I’ve got the place to myself with the trees and bush separating us. I just go on the other side of my car to pee 😅 Spots are clearly numbered and really well maintained. There’s a fire pit, but I saw a sign posted saying “no fires”. I arrived right before sunset and so glad I did as it was truly beautiful. I drove up the hill always to ensure I had a good view of the surrounding scenery, and it’s a 360 stunner. This would be a great place for group camping! The lots seem to get farther apart as they number up.
Philip P.
GuideCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Excellent campsite for overnight
Great stay at campsite #9 which felt very private due to the enormous tree which we parked behind. Nice little walk to the river.
Lesley G.
TravelerScoria Pit Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Great Grassland spot
Close to Medora and Cottonwood Camp ground - which was totally booked. Used the Dyrt app and found this. It’s perfect.
Kleine L.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful and convenient
This spot is gorgeous. My dog and I both loved it. Convenient location right off of 94. Sites are open but spaced out. I felt safe here as a solo traveler.
There are about 6-7 other spots, but as other reviews said, they fill up. When I got here at 4 on a Tuesday (end of September), all the formal spots were taken but mine (site 2 I think), although I noticed other rigs coming in later and squeezing themselves in.
- EElleTraveler
Dispersed Camping outside Theodore Roosevelt NP
Open space
Close off I94 (minimal noise). We stopped at the first clearing - large and pretty level. Plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery. FT remote working nomads and this place is perfect!
- WWill W.Guide
Rough Rider State Park Campground
Convenient, quiet
Car camped in tent camping site at end of September. Still lots of campers, but was still quiet. Slept like a baby. CG has a new 6 individual shower/toilet rooms although only 2/6 were open.
Staff was friendly and helpful. Used free WiFi although it did not extend much past the office. Verizon service was 1 bar at my site.
Cost was $28+ ($16 fee, $7 ND State Park fee, and $5+ reservation fee even though I didn’t reserve in advance?).
Julie K.RangerDakota Prairie Grasslands
Your Own Private Grasslands
Dispersed camping on a hilltop with big views. You leave the main dirt road on a smaller but very good dirt road then exit right to a double track for about 50’. We had no trouble in our van without 4WD. The grasslands are big with a lot of places to pull off.
- MMathew S.Guide
Coal Creek Campground
Remote Campsite Along Scenic Drive
I came here after I couldn’t find a campsite in or closer to Theodore Roosevelt National park. The campsites are a bit close together but still offer some privacy, nice views from the higher ground sites, and some of the best star gazing I’ve ever seen. Great place to stay if you’re exploring the NP and don’t mind a bit of a drive, definitely easier to find a site than at the NP or closer campgrounds.
Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park's badlands landscape sits at elevations between 2,000 and 2,700 feet, creating a stark temperature contrast between summer days that can exceed 100°F and nights that drop below 50°F. The park's North Unit typically receives fewer visitors than the South Unit, despite comparable wildlife viewing opportunities. Camping areas span from established National Park sites to primitive dispersed options on the surrounding Dakota Prairie National Grasslands.
What to do
Wildlife viewing walks: 30 minutes before sunrise: The early morning hours provide prime wildlife spotting opportunities when animals are most active. "Plenty of wildlife came through the camp. Sites are spread apart. Bathrooms are clean," notes a visitor to Juniper Campground.
Star gazing: From high points away from town lights: The dark skies above the badlands offer excellent celestial viewing opportunities. "Panoramic vistas the next morning were incredible and made the night drive completely worth it," reports one camper at the Grassland Boondocking area outside Medora.
Prairie hiking: Maah Daah Hey Trail access: This extensive trail system connects multiple campgrounds and offers day hikes of varying difficulty. "The Maah Daah Hey and Long X trails start at this campground. We did a great 11ish mile mountain bike loop by heading up Maah Daah Hey and down Long X," shares a visitor to CCC Campground.
What campers like
Quiet camping outside peak season: May and September: Shoulder seasons offer more solitude while maintaining good weather conditions. "We spent two nights at this campground in early October. We had it nearly to ourselves," reports a camper from CCC Campground, adding "October can be cold! It got down below freezing in the first week of October."
Helpful park rangers: Educational programs: Staff often provide valuable information about the park's features and wildlife. "Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings. Stunning views and wildlife experiences," explains a reviewer at Juniper Campground.
Unique sleeping options: Beyond tents and RVs: Some area campgrounds offer distinctive accommodations. "I believe that you can rent covered wagons here to sleep in as well if you are looking for a truly unique and western experience," notes a camper at Medora Campground.
What you should know
First-come sites fill quickly: Arrive by early afternoon: Many campgrounds in the area operate without reservations, requiring early arrival. "The absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts. We got here at about 1pm on a Sunday thinking there shouldn't be a problem, yet there were probably only about 4 spots left," cautions a Juniper Campground visitor.
Water limitations: Bring your own or know sources: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so don't come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water. The other spigots marked as unsafe have really high fluoride content," warns another Juniper Campground camper.
Time zone confusion: Near boundary line: Some locations sit near the time zone change which can affect planning. "Funny tidbit, the campground is on the border of the time zone border, so my devices would change times and I thought there was a problem, took me a while to figure it out," mentions a visitor to Juniper Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly ranger programs: Prairie dog presentations: Educational opportunities can engage children with local wildlife. "Our kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs," shares a camper from Cottonwood Campground in the south unit.
Playground access: Town facilities: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "This place has everything you need and more! It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park, beautiful grounds with huge trees, great playground," notes a reviewer at Medora Campground.
Wildlife safety instruction: Bison encounters: Children need clear guidance about keeping distance from park wildlife. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were," cautions a Juniper Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site size constraints: Check length restrictions: Many campgrounds were designed before large RVs became common. "When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs. So if you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site," advises a visitor to Juniper Campground.
Limited hookup options: Plan for boondocking: Full service sites are scarce within park boundaries. "Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks," explains a camper at Juniper Campground.
Nearby services: Watford City access: Supplies are available in nearby towns rather than in the park. "Watford City about 20 minutes away for groceries & gas," shares a reviewer from Magpie Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Is camping allowed inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes, camping is allowed inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The park offers designated campgrounds for overnight stays. Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit provides a peaceful setting along the Missouri River with spacious sites for tents and RVs. For those looking to camp near the park but outside its boundaries, Sully Creek State Park is just ten minutes from the national park entrance and offers an alternative camping option with shower facilities ($1 for 8 minutes). National Park campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have modest fees. Backcountry camping is also permitted in specific areas with a free permit available from visitor centers.
Can I bring my RV to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Can I bring my RV to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes, RVs are welcome at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, though services are limited inside the park with no hookups available. For full hookups, Red Trail Campground in Medora offers spacious sites with full hookup services right outside the park's South Unit entrance. Another excellent option is North Park Campground, which provides level sites with full hookups about 30 minutes from the park. The campground inside the park can accommodate smaller to medium-sized RVs, but has length restrictions and no hookups. During peak season, arriving early is recommended as sites fill quickly. Many RVers choose to stay at nearby private campgrounds with full amenities and make day trips into the park.
Where are the campgrounds located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Where are the campgrounds located in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park has two main campgrounds located in different units of the park. Cottonwood Campground is situated in the South Unit along the Missouri River, offering spacious sites with beautiful riverside views. In the North Unit, Juniper Campground provides a serene camping experience with tree cover and stunning landscapes. Both campgrounds are first-come, first-served and offer basic amenities like vault toilets and potable water (seasonal). The South Unit's Cottonwood Campground is near the town of Medora, while the North Unit's Juniper Campground is closer to Watford City, allowing visitors to experience different sections of this diverse national park.
Are there campgrounds near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Are there campgrounds near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes, there are excellent camping options near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. CCC Campground in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands is located right across the river from the North Unit, offering breathtaking scenery with three different loops (A-C). While most sites lack shade, a few in loop B do provide some coverage. Another option is Buffalo Gap Campground, a small 37-site Forest Service campground near the North Unit. It has no hookups or cell service but provides a quiet camping experience in two loops. The North Unit also contains Juniper Campground within the park boundaries for those wanting to stay inside the national park itself.
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