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Facilities

Established Camping

Magpie Campground

Magpie Campground, near Fairfield, North Dakota, is a hidden treasure for those seeking a peaceful escape in nature. This spot offers a handful of sites that are nicely spaced out, giving you that coveted sense of privacy while still being close to the great outdoors.

The campground is a prime location for accessing the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which boasts over 100 miles of stunning trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors rave about the beautiful views and the tranquility of the area, with one camper noting, “The stars were beautiful and the camp was so quiet.” You can expect to see wildlife, including coyotes at dusk, adding to the natural charm of your stay.

Amenities are simple but sufficient, with picnic tables, fire rings, and clean pit toilets available. While there are no showers or electric hookups, the rustic vibe is part of the appeal. Campers have mentioned the refreshing water from the hand pump, especially welcome during hot summer days.

Getting to Magpie Campground involves a bit of a drive on unpaved roads, but the journey is worth it for the serene atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or trying out glamping, this spot is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of North Dakota’s landscape.

Description

USDA Forest Service

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!

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Location

Magpie Campground is located in North Dakota

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

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

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 3, 2024

Secluded access to the heart of the badlands

I’ve stayed here multiple times. The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it’s even more secluded. Every time I’ve been here, the camp is never over 1/2 full. 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. Either head south on Magpie road to Magpie trailhead, or follow the campground road away from the main road past the cattleguard and find the connecting trail there. From there, either head west towards Devil’s Pass or east towards the ice caves. At dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Cullen C., July 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Cullen C., July 3, 2024
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Cullen C., July 3, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022

Quiet, remote

8 camp spaces, mostly hunters, no cell coverage

Site7
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 20, 2022

Great stop near the national park!

We were headed to the north unit of TRNP and found this nice campground. Small and private, only one other group there who were visiting with their horses. 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. My Toyota Corolla isn’t the best “off roading” car, but we got there safely. Definitely would visit again!!! Paid $10 cash for the evening.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Melissa B., May 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Melissa B., May 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Melissa B., May 20, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Great views!

I was able to see the northern lights here once! Good trail access

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Adam L., July 8, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2021

Free & Easy

Easy access off Hwy 2. We were there in first week of June & had place to ourselves, but there are MANY sites, most on the reservoir. Not a walking or swimming beach, but lots of birds & waterfowl, and gophers! Grass sites & trees, pit toilets & that’s it.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Great site off the beaten path

This site was very scenic and secluded, with trees between the sites making them much more private. Great hiking nearby, and only a couple other people there on a weekend in June. Great option if other sites are booked. $10 cash.

Site7
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Tristan F., June 14, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

Scenic and Quiet

We camped here for two nights, the first night was tricky for us to gage exactly where to camp because it we arrived at 3am. We ended up sleeping just outside of the site (haha so close!), but we found it in the morning! A lot of people hike/bike in from the Maah Daah Hey Trial what we initially thought you had to do. The sign for hiking/biking in to this site is outside of a gated area, but the actual camping is INSIDE this gated area! (Go figure 😂) We found out the next day you can actually drive into these sights as well! The GPS sent us to a dead end, but if you go a bit further down the road, there will be a sign indicating Magpie CG. We camped here in the middle of the week and we saw only three other camping groups during our two days here. There is a we’ll to pump your own water from and a super clean, enclosed pit toilet. The sights have a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill attached. The stars were beautiful and the camp was so quite. There were a lot of flies but there where hardly any mosquitos or other biting bugs. Would recommend to for anyone to visit and would definitely go back. Such a beautiful area!

  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Laura C., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Laura C., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Laura C., August 13, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2020

Worth the drive for the peace

The campsite is a good 25 min off the highway on a dirt road so don't plan to go back-forth a lot. But it's worth it for the peace and surrounding beauty. That's what you came for right? 

We stayed Sat-Mon in late June and it wasn't crowded at all. I think the most we saw were two other camp sites filled. Even if it was at capacity, you wouldn't hear or see much of others. The sites are spaced apart and surrounded by trees. 

The water pump is a blessing since it was in the 90s when we visited. You really have to work the old fashioned pump but the crisp water is worth it. The pit bathroom is cleaned and was stocked with toilet paper. 

We wandered around the hiking area (Magpie Trail starts nearby) which follows a small creek.

Site4
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Magpie Campground by Jenny K., July 15, 2020
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Magpie Campground?

    Camping at Magpie Campground can starts at $6.00.

  • Are fires allowed at Magpie Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Magpie Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Magpie Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Magpie Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Magpie Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is unknown.