A 25-minute drive on dirt roads leads to this Forest Service campground in the Little Missouri National Grassland, where campers find sites spread among trees with space between them. The remote location keeps visitor numbers low - even weekend stays rarely see more than half the sites occupied.
Each site includes a picnic table and metal fire ring with attached grill. A hand-operated water pump provides drinking water, though it requires some effort to work the old-fashioned mechanism. The enclosed pit toilet stays clean and stocked with supplies. Sites toward the back of the campground offer additional privacy from other campers.
The campground serves as a gateway to the Maah Daah Hey Trail system, with over 100 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails accessible directly from camp. Cullen C. notes that "at dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance." The nearby Magpie Trail follows a small creek through the area.
Road conditions require attention, particularly for low-clearance vehicles, though standard cars can make the journey with care. The $10 nightly fee operates on a cash-only basis. For those seeking additional options in the region, camping near Little Missouri National Grassland includes several other Forest Service sites within reasonable driving distance.
Description
Turn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground. This fenced camp features 11 camp spurs. A handicap accessible vault toilet and a potable water well are available during the summer months. A convenient meeting area for those traveling to Devil's Pass or the Ice Caves. A great shaded area in the summer!
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMagpie Campground is located in North Dakota
Directions
Turn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground.
Coordinates
47.30937938 N
103.47419418 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 26 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 11 min from Minot, ND
- 4 hrs 21 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 57 min from Billings, MT


















