Camping sites near Arnegard, North Dakota cluster around Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, where elevations range from 1,900-2,500 feet. The area experiences dramatic seasonal temperature shifts, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below 0°F. Campers should prepare for limited cell service throughout the region's Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, where many campgrounds operate seasonally from May through September.
What to do
Trail access from camp: CCC Campground serves as a gateway to the Maah Daah Hey Trail. According to one camper at CCC Campground, "Great site to start your hike or ride on the fantastic MaahDaahHey trail." Another visitor noted, "The Maah Daah Hey and Long X trails start at this campground. We did a great 11ish mile mountain bike loop by heading up Maah Daah Hey and down Long X."
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies provide excellent star viewing at several campgrounds. A camper at Juniper Campground shared, "Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing! I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way and everything!" Sites away from Watford City offer the darkest skies.
Visit historic sites: Lewis and Clark history can be explored while camping in the region. A visitor staying in Alexander mentioned, "Lewis and Clark museum just as you enter the city." The museum provides context about the expedition's journey through this area of North Dakota.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Bison sightings are common at several camping areas. At Juniper Campground Group Site, a visitor reported, "BISON EVERYWHERE!! If you have kids don't let them wander around, the bison are close and plentiful!!" Another camper at Juniper noted, "Great little campground. Friendly hosts, clean, plenty of spots and didn't even fill up for the holiday weekend. Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were."
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. A camper at Summit Campground shared, "There are plenty of spots available with even ground and fire pits." While at CCC Campground, a visitor noted, "The sites are large and mostly level. There must be horse trails out of this area as there were quite a few horse trailers camping."
Ranger programs: Educational presentations enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Juniper Campground remarked, "Plenty of trees provide privacy in this nice National Park campsite that's just a short walk to the banks of the Little Missouri River. Has the standard National Park features, but our kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs."
What you should know
Water limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted water access. At Sather Lake, a camper advised, "Hand pump water available at the day use area. Pack in pack out... 16 miles from nearest store in beautiful surroundings so be prepared and don't forget anything." At CCC Campground, another visitor noted, "The only water is a well that you have to pump yourself with a handle, so come with your black/grey tanks empty and water tank full."
Cell service variability: Connectivity is spotty throughout the area. A camper at Summit Campground reported, "Okay cell service, but great with a booster." At Sather Lake, another visitor warned, "No Verizon service."
Noise factors: Certain campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Summit Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Right on the highway so loud traffic all night... Easy walk to a great view of the badlands." Another camper confirmed, "There is steady road noise from I-85. A fair amount of large trucks passing most of the time."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with shade: Summer temperatures can be extreme. A camper at Juniper Campground noted, "Plenty of trees provide privacy in this nice National Park campsite that's just a short walk to the banks of the Little Missouri River." Cottonwood trees along water sources provide the most reliable shade in the region.
Wildlife safety briefings: Teach children about safe wildlife viewing. A visitor at First Responders Park shared, "7 spots across from the park. 30/50 amp electric with water and dump. Water was not turned on when we were here. Bar and a restaurant a short walking distance away." The small town setting provides a controlled environment for families.
Pack for variable weather: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common. One camper at CCC Campground warned, "October can be cold! It got down below freezing in the first week of October. It gets windy. There's a site in the B loop that offers a good amount of protection from wind from most directions."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Arnegard offer minimal or no hookups. A visitor at White Buffalo RV Park stated, "RD RV Park is not really setup for overnight campers. There are no showers, toilet or water. This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained."
Generator restrictions: National Park campgrounds regulate generator usage. A camper at Juniper Campground explained, "The campground is as advertised, no showers or electric. I was happy that they had quiet hours at 8 pm for generators." Come prepared with alternative power sources.
Size considerations: Many sites have limited space for larger rigs. One RVer at Juniper Campground advised, "When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs. So if you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site. Camphost was great. Watford City about 20 minutes away for groceries & gas."
