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Camping areas surrounding Belfield, North Dakota provide access to badlands scenery and prairie landscapes with several established facilities and dispersed options. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, approximately 15 miles west, serves as the region's centerpiece with Cottonwood Campground offering tent and RV sites without hookups. The Little Missouri River corridor contains multiple campgrounds including Medora Campground and Red Trail Campground, both providing full hookup options for RVs. Dispersed camping is available at Scoria Pit on public grasslands, while smaller private facilities like The Crossings Campground in Belfield itself provide basic amenities for travelers.
Seasonal considerations heavily influence camping experiences near Belfield, with most campgrounds operating between May and September. Winter weather makes many sites inaccessible, while summer brings potential for thunderstorms and high temperatures across the open terrain. Developed campgrounds in Medora typically charge $30-35 per night for full hookup sites, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park sites run $14-20 per night without hookups. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with most dispersed sites having limited or no connectivity outside town boundaries. A visitor noted, "This is one of my favorite campsites to date. It's totally dispersed camping, and there's a lot of dirt road dust, however our site was super quiet and dark for beautiful stargazing."
Camping experiences in the region frequently center around proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its wildlife viewing opportunities. Buffalo, elk, deer, and wild horses regularly move through campgrounds, especially in the park's Cottonwood Campground. One camper reported, "I woke up one morning with a buffalo walking 10 yards from my tent." Most established campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings, though visitors should note that fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Travelers seeking solitude often prefer the dispersed grassland sites over the more developed options in Medora. For travelers passing through, several RV parks offer overnight accommodations with varying levels of amenities, though sites tend to be close together during peak season when the area hosts tourists visiting the national park and attending the popular Medora Musical.
"I visited this campground for 1 night while driving across North Dakota. It's super easy to access from I-94, but you feel like you're a million miles away from the interstate."
"Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"It was easy to come from Medora, North Dakota to the site, but it appears that you only get an entrance and exit on the Medora side."
"The road in was fairly flat, and basically right off the highway. You can have the option of lots of privacy as well. Most of the sites are quite a distance away from each other."
"There's a picnic table, but it was very hot outside without shade. There's a great creek within walking distance that you can cool off in and let the dogs run around."
"Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"It was right next to an equestrian area, so some horses being trained and whinnying just next door."
"We had total privacy, a fire pit that you could see the bluff from, trees all around, and the only thing you heard were horses from the horse camp area."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at Red Trail campground in Medora, ND in September 2021. This is a great little park right outside Theodore Roosevelt National park."
"Walking distance to downtown and very short drive to the national park! The site was kind of unlevel but the laundry machines were great!"
from $27 - $46 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $42 / night
Check Availability"General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway)."
"Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"
from $20 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
Check Availability"The owner happened to still be there about to leave, and opened back up to check us in, and guided us to our site, giving us close access to the Laundry we were badly in need of."
"We were able to stay hooked up to our truck to make the exit in the morning speedy."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe stopped here to break up our long haul trip east. It is beautiful location. The sun sets over a gorgeous hill and rises over the pond (lake). No need for an alarm clock. The birds are very active at 4:30 am and keep you entertained.
The two downsides: Cigarette butts littering the site Highway nearby.
For the price, it is perfect.
GuideThere was plenty of room at the top. Very flat, open land. You can still hear the traffic from the interstate. There is free-roaming livestock, just be aware.
GuideNicely kept, fire ring and grill, picnic table under a shade tree, trash can at campsite and in vault toilets, easy pull through. If it had water and even a central dump, I’d give it a 5
GuideThe train literally runs past less than a football field away. You cannot stay more than 14 days. Little to no shade except for in the evenings.
GuideWe camped here to visit the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. It is about 10 minutes from the visitor center and just off interstate 94 exit 18. We could see the highway but no excessive road noise. The sites are mostly level, paved anered have picnic tables and fire rings. Nice host named Darth. There is a dump station and a place to get water by the pavilion -you need a long hose or use theirs to rs. It is convenient to the petrified forest trail. We had to go up the entrance road to get a Verizon signal. My travlfi router delivered 5G on SIM 2 which is probably T-Mobile.
TravelerVery bumpy dirt access road but lovely views and right off the highway!
TravelerNice picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Pit toilets that look nice from afar. I didn't use them. Beautiful sunset with lots of birds and cow bellering in the distance.
GuideThis was the cheapest option we could find ($28.50 for a tent) within walking distance of Medora. Bathroom facilities were nothing fancy but showers were hot. Overall this spot is a decent option for the convenience of staying in Medora.
GuideThe sites were well maintained and close to the entrance of the north unit of Teddy Roosevelt. For the cost (nothing) it is a great convenient option, just claim you spot early because they fill up fast! It also looked like there were some additional spots down the hill to the east of the toilet, but not accessible if muddy.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Belfield, North Dakota extend beyond the established campgrounds into the vast Little Missouri National Grasslands. The region sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation with badlands terrain transitioning to rolling prairie. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while winter brings sub-freezing conditions with occasional heavy snowfall that makes many backcountry camping areas inaccessible from November through April.
Badlands hiking trails: Several trails access the rugged terrain near Belfield, with campsites offering convenient access points. A visitor at Sully Creek State Park noted, "Beautiful campground outside of Theodore Roosevelt NP. Stayed in the latter loop with beautiful view of Badlands cliff. Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!"
Mah Dah Hey trail access: This 144-mile non-motorized trail traverses the Little Missouri Grasslands with multiple camping options along the route. One camper reported about the renamed Sully Creek State Park, "This park is no longer known as Sully Creek and changed names to Rough Riders. It has nice facilities, great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River."
Stargazing: The limited light pollution and open prairie creates ideal night sky viewing conditions. A camper at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping observed, "This boondocking spot is a must-visit for spectacular views, even with a late-night arrival! We got in at 11:30 PM and drove straight to the cell phone tower. The panoramic vistas the next morning were incredible and made the night drive completely worth it."
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the region's low-cost camping options compared to other national park gateway communities. A reviewer at Buffalo Gap Campground mentioned, "We spoke to the very friendly camp host the next morning and he confirmed the nightly charge of $6 per site. If you have the National Park Senior pass it is only $3!!! Quite the bargain for a night's stay in a very clean and convenient campground."
Privacy in dispersed sites: The grasslands offer spacious boondocking locations without designated boundaries. One camper at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping shared, "I went June 23rd, 2024. We got there near sunset and was able to find a spot after driving for a bit. Had a gorgeous sunset and it was very quiet."
Uncrowded atmosphere: Even during peak summer periods, many camping areas maintain a sense of solitude. Another Scoria Pit visitor noted, "We stayed 2 nights in July in this area and it was great! Plenty of spots, so we didn't feel like we were on top of other campers. Close to the National Park which was why we stayed."
Water availability limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted water access, particularly at primitive sites. At Cottonwood Campground, a visitor mentioned, "I stayed here for a few nights at the start of a road trip. The sites was a reasonable size and easy to navigate. The one criticism I have of this campsite is the potable water tasted horrible."
Wind exposure: The open terrain creates significant wind conditions that impact camping comfort. One camper at Scoria Pit observed, "Rooftop tent campers be aware the top ridge is so windy the first night we stayed we were whipping around all night but the second night we stayed on the lower ridge and the wind was much better."
Shower options: Free or low-cost shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds. A visitor to Buffalo Gap Campground reported, "Due to other reviews we had anticipated paying to take a shower; however the coin slots were taped over and we showered for free with plenty of pressure and hot water."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor at North Park Campground noted, "It is very pretty and it has a nice playground for the kids. It is not large and there was no on-site host or attendant at the entrance so it is best to make your reservations on-line."
Swimming opportunities: During hot summer months, community pools provide cooling options. One camper at Medora Campground shared, "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."
Wildlife viewing with children: Early morning wildlife viewing increases chances of seeing bison, wild horses and other animals. A visitor to Cottonwood Campground reported, "We were one of a few campers in this campground. Amazingly vast and wild! Highly recommend!!! We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget."
Utility hookup considerations: Several campgrounds have unusual hookup placements requiring additional equipment. A visitor at The Crossings Campground reported, "Nothing fancy but a good location from both Theodore Roosevelt national parks. Full hook ups, but make sure you bring plenty of sewer hose if your RV is any size. The same goes for electric and water hose."
Leveling requirements: Terrain throughout the area tends to have uneven surfaces. A camper at The Crossings noted, "It's just a big field, so the spots are mostly flat but are lumpy with bumps and giant ant mounds. If you want to explore the NPs and stay cool, it's decent."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds, impacting remote workers. A visitor at Scoria Pit mentioned, "Lots of spots in a beautiful area. Good cell service as well."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at the Belfield ND campground?
Campgrounds in the Belfield area offer varying amenities depending on the location. Camp On The Heart provides full hookups for RVs with nice views of Heart River, though access is via a rough gravel entrance road. For those seeking more rustic options, Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking offers quiet, undeveloped sites with excellent stargazing opportunities but no facilities. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like water and toilets, while the more developed RV parks may offer electrical hookups, dump stations, and shower facilities. Be prepared for limited cell service at some of the more remote sites.
Where is the Belfield campground located in North Dakota?
The Belfield area offers several camping options in western North Dakota. The Crossings Campground is located in Belfield itself, providing convenient access for travelers along Interstate 94. Nearby, CCC Campground offers beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands and is situated within the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. Belfield is strategically located just east of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the region's natural attractions while avoiding the higher costs and crowds of staying directly in Medora.
How much does it cost to stay at the Belfield campground?
Camping costs in the Belfield area vary by location and amenities. Camp On The Heart charges approximately $30 per night for full hookup sites. At Red Trail Campground near Medora, prices range from primitive sites to full hookup options with electric, water, and sewer connections. For budget-conscious travelers, CCC Campground in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers a more affordable alternative to staying in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Dispersed camping options in the area are typically free but require self-sufficiency as they lack amenities. Always check current rates directly with the campground, as prices may have changed since these reports.
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