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.

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!

Magpie Campground

Join the fun near Grassy Butte. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Grassy Butte is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Grassy Butte, ND. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Grassy Butte

The Best Camping Near Grassy Butte, North Dakota

A little difficult to access if you’ve never been but worth it. Direct access to 100+ miles of the Maah Daah Hey trail!

Great scenic campsite, wonderful tree filled area where there typically aren’t many, or any really.

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.

Worth the drive for the peace

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!

Scenic and Quiet

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.

Great site off the beaten path

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

Free & Easy

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


Great views!

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. 

Great stop near the national park!

8 camp spaces, mostly hunters, no cell coverage


Quiet, remote

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: &gt;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

Photos of Magpie Campground

Real photos from real campers