Cabin camping near Amidon, North Dakota offers visitors access to the badlands terrain of southwestern North Dakota at elevations around 2,700 feet. This region experiences dramatic temperature swings, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter temperatures dropping well below freezing. The Little Missouri River basin forms a distinctive landscape of eroded buttes and mesas that define the camping experience.
What to do
Hiking to White Butte: Located minutes from Cabins of Amidon, White Butte is North Dakota's highest point and requires about a one-mile hike to reach the summit. "White Butte, the high point of ND is very close! A mile or so hike to the top!" notes a visitor who stayed at Cabins of Amidon.
Visit historical exhibits: The area features regional history displays including a preserved one-room schoolhouse. "There's a one room schoolhouse exhibit across the road at the fairgrounds," reports one camper who explored the area while staying at Cabins of Amidon.
Attend local events: Seasonal community gatherings offer authentic experiences. One camper recounted, "We just happened to show up on the first day of the Slope County 101 Annual Fair and rodeo. Got to mix with local people. Corn hole games, FFA auction, exhibits and games!"
Swimming access: Some campgrounds in the region offer pool facilities. "The grounds are nice and the office has a small store with some souvenirs and camp essentials... It has a city pool right on site that is heated," reports a visitor at Medora Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Cabin accommodations serve as convenient bases for park exploration. "Great location in Medora. Clean bathrooms and showers. Quiet even though spots are close together," shares one Medora Campground visitor.
Affordability compared to park lodging: Cabin options typically cost less than hotels. "Great location, pretty. Sites are small, tight and un-level. Close to Theodore Roosevelt NP. Good cell reception. Good for stop over only," notes a reviewer of Boots Campground.
Digital connectivity: Despite the rural setting, some properties offer surprisingly good internet access. "This is a bone basic FULL HOOK UP campground with rock solid smoking fast T-Mobile 5G... Minutes from Medora attractions and TRNP for half the price: $25/night," reports a guest at The Crossings Campground.
On-site food options: Some cabin camping locations include dining facilities. "We had a couple beers and a good pizza in Mo's Bunker Bar just steps away from our trailer," shares a Cabins of Amidon guest.
What you should know
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival as food shopping is restricted. "No groceries except in small store in Bowman 21 miles away," advises a camper about provisioning near Amidon.
Variable site quality: Cabin accommodations differ substantially in comfort level. "Site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks. No tables or fire rings. Just hookups," notes one Little Missouri National Grassland visitor.
Self-check-in procedures: Many properties utilize digital registration systems. "Reservation and check in was all digital which was nice. There is no office on site, but we didn't need anything. The owner is very responsive to messages," explains a camper who stayed at Boots Campground.
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. "The WiFi worked great. All the neighbors and campers were friendly," reports a May visitor to The Crossings Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Look for properties with kid-friendly facilities. "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person. Medora is a small town, easy to bike or walk," advises a parent who stayed at Medora Campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical demonstrations provide learning experiences. "There was a demonstration of a 100 year old steam power engine and a combine working as kids threw wheat shafts on the conveyor," recalls a visitor to Trappers RV Park.
Temperature planning: Summer heat can be intense, requiring cabin cooling capabilities. "We needed full hookups since it was 103 degrees that day and only $30," reports a camper about their experience at The Crossings Campground.
Evening entertainment: Research nighttime activities for families. "While in Medora, you must get a caramel roll from Country Cafe (cash only and right behind the Badlands motel) best caramel roll I have ever had in my life!" recommends a Medora visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Some sites have unusual utility configurations. "The hookups for water and sewer in our site was on the opposite side than any other park we stayed so make sure you have plenty of sewer and water hose," cautions a visitor to The Crossings Campground.
Space limitations: Cabin sites can be tightly arranged. "Sites are small, tight and un-level. Site 2 gives you room to park and put chairs out, some of the others are so close you can almost touch your neighbor standing in your door!" warns a Boots Campground guest.
Arrival timing: Late check-ins may find limited lighting and guidance. "We pulled in at 8:30 pm and immediately noticed the few campers that were parked had no lights on. We could barely see where our spot was as there was no check in, you just go right to your spot," shares a Boots Campground visitor.
