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Coal Creek Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Coal Creek Campground in North Dakota is surrounded by flat plains and open landscapes. The area experiences temperatures ranging from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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Location

Coal Creek Campground is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.77667310211535 N
103.5159570166089 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2025

Quiet, secluded, scenic and well-maintained

I was under the impression that this was a dispersed campground, but it is not ($10 per site). It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.

Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites. Vault toilets are newer and clean. Last 8.6 miles of road is well maintained gravel and wide enough for all types of RV, but unsure if there are pull-through sites.

Minimal flying bugs … no repellant required although we did set a citronella candle out.

Elevation: 2710’. We had site #5 and had great views and privacy.

Site#5
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Coal Creek Campground by Victor E., September 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Coal Creek Campground by Victor E., September 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Coal Creek Campground by Victor E., September 14, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2024

Perfect out of the way campground

A wonderful little USFS campground about 10 miles south of Medora and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The road turns to dirt/gravel just after leaving town, but is smooth and well maintained for the oil/gas companies. The campgrounds in the NP were full so we were worried people would spill out into this spot, but there was nobody here when we got in on a Sunday morning in early June, and only a handful of other campers came and went during our weeklong stay. Road nearby is very quite, with only the occasional oil/gas work truck basically. The trailhead had a few people in and out. Almost every site has a good view of the surrounding colorful North Dakota badlands, but the sites on top of the hill (5-10) have a better vantage point. Overall a great peaceful spot to detox, relax, and serve as a basecamp for the south unit of Teddy Roosevelt. Definitely adding this to our go to places when visiting TRNP or even just passing through NoDak.

Facilities: Pair of vault toilets near the check-in kiosk, clean and well stocked; spur to access the Maah Dah Hey trail from the campground; campground is fully fenced with cattle guard at entrance to keep out larger animals

Cell Service: Surprisingly great for both Verizon and T-mobile, more than enough to work with

Starlink: While we didn't need to use it, every site has a good open view of the sky

Solar: Every site has a good open view of the sky to rake in the rays

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Coal Creek Campground by Matthew B., June 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Coal Creek Campground by Matthew B., June 4, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Coal Creek Campground located in North Dakota?

Coal Creek Campground is located approximately 10-11 miles south of Medora, North Dakota. It's a US Forest Service campground accessed via a dirt/gravel road that extends south from Medora. The road is well-maintained, making it accessible for most vehicles despite the unpaved surface. The campground is situated in a natural setting with trees and brush creating a scenic environment in western North Dakota.

Is Coal Creek Campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

Yes, Coal Creek Campground is located approximately 10-11 miles south of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This makes it a convenient alternative when park campgrounds are full. The proximity allows for easy day trips to explore the national park while staying at a quieter, less crowded campground outside the park boundaries.

How does Coal Creek Campground compare to other campgrounds in Medora?

Coal Creek Campground offers a more primitive and secluded experience compared to other Medora area options. Unlike in-town or national park campgrounds, Coal Creek features well-separated sites with natural vegetation providing privacy. The campground charges $10 per site and provides basic amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits. Sites are level with hard gravel surfaces. While it lacks the full facilities of developed campgrounds in Medora or the national park, Coal Creek provides a quieter, more natural setting with fewer crowds. It's an excellent alternative when other campgrounds are full or for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Are there photos available of Coal Creek Campground?

Photos of Coal Creek Campground can be found on various camping websites and forums. These images typically showcase the campground's level gravel sites, picnic tables, fire rings, and the natural vegetation that provides privacy between sites. You can find visual references of the vault toilets and the overall layout of this small Forest Service campground. For the most current images, check the official US Forest Service website or popular camping platforms.