Tent camping near Arnegard, North Dakota centers around the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park regions. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during daytime hours, while nights cool significantly even in peak season. The area sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation with sparse tree cover, creating windswept camping conditions across the badlands and prairie landscapes.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Fort Buford State Historic Site offers tent camping near significant North Dakota landmarks. Campers appreciate the historical connections, with one visitor noting it's an "Amazing place to learn about history of North Dakota, this is where Sitting Bull and his son surrendered and Lewis and Clark Trading Post. They do demonstrations on old time trades."
Fish along river access points: Snowden Bridge camping area provides direct access to Missouri River fishing. According to one regular visitor, it's "right along the Missouri River. Great fishing access, wooded and close to town. Have seen great wildlife, excellent summer stargazing. Not a very big spot and only two camp sites close to the vault toilet."
Hike backcountry trails: The badlands terrain offers numerous hiking opportunities from primitive campsites. Elkhorn Campground connects directly to Theodore Roosevelt historical sites, with a camper mentioning "Nearby is Elkhorn Ranch Unit trail leading to Theodore Roosevelt Ranch site. No buildings but interpretive signage."
What campers like
Affordability: Several campgrounds operate on self-registration systems with minimal fees. At Elkhorn Campground, campers note the "$6 cash or check, put the money in the envelope and drop it in the box, clip the tag to your site #." This makes best tent camping near Arnegard, North Dakota accessible for budget travelers.
Wildlife encounters: The prairie ecosystem supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Bennett Camp, visitors report "There is a lot of buffalo out hear and there is a lot of dung." Other campers mention seeing various prairie animals throughout the region.
Solitude and open spaces: Many campers value the remoteness and lack of crowds at these sites. Fort Buford campers appreciate that "Nobody has pulled in around us. Nothing better than free camping with solitude these days!" Another camper at Elkhorn noted "Campsite was empty, so we had different sites to choose from."
What you should know
Water availability: Potable water is limited across tent camping sites near Arnegard. At Elkhorn Campground, a camper noted the "Hand pump was hard to pump which produced light brown water which wasn't something we wanted to drink, so bring in your own water." Bennett Camp also requires campers to "byo or filter/boil" water according to reviews.
Weather conditions: The region experiences extreme temperature changes and sudden storms. Campers should prepare for both heat and rapid weather shifts. One Bennett camper noted "In the day time the temperature gets really hot," while unpredictable weather can develop quickly.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. One camper at Elkhorn reported "Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD" to reach the campsite, highlighting the need for vehicles capable of handling rough terrain.
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate water supplies: The limited water access and questionable water quality make bringing your own water essential. For each family member, plan for at least 1 gallon per day, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Choose campsites with facilities: While primitive camping appeals to many, families may prefer sites with minimal amenities. Snowden Bridge offers "two camp sites close to the vault toilet" which provides convenience for children while maintaining the natural camping experience.
Plan for temperature extremes: The significant day-to-night temperature variations require appropriate clothing and gear. Summer days can be intensely hot with limited shade, as Bennett Camp reviews mention sites "without shade" making daytime activities challenging.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds near Arnegard lack RV amenities. At Fort Buford State Historic Site, RVers note they "camped here in a 35 ft 5th wheel" despite no hookups being available, demonstrating that self-contained units can manage at these primitive sites.
Site selection considerations: The open terrain affects RV camping comfort. When tent camping near Arnegard, North Dakota, look for sites with natural windbreaks where possible. Elkhorn Campground offers "a spot with some shade" according to visitors, which helps moderate temperatures inside RVs during summer months.
Self-sufficiency requirements: With minimal services available, RVers must arrive fully stocked. Bring adequate water, as one Elkhorn camper advised, and be prepared for no dump stations. Fort Buford campers mention the campground "has tables, fire rings, and trash cans" but no other RV services.
