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Best Equestrian Camping near Belfield, ND

172 Reviews

Roundup Group Horse Camp in Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the primary equestrian camping option near Belfield, North Dakota. The camp specifically accommodates horses and their riders with basic amenities in a natural setting. Sites at this primitive horse camp are reservable from May 1 through October 31, giving riders access during prime riding seasons. Fires are allowed at designated spots within the camp, but visitors should note that drinking water, electric hookups, and trash services are not available. The lack of amenities reflects the camp's focus on providing an authentic backcountry horse camping experience rather than resort-style facilities. Picnic tables are provided at each site, allowing riders to enjoy meals after a day on the trails.

The camp provides direct access to the extensive trail system within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering riders varied terrain and stunning badlands scenery. Riders often encounter wildlife including bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs during trail rides through the park. The Little Missouri River runs near the camp, providing a natural water source for horses after obtaining proper permits. While the campground does not offer specific horse corrals, riders must bring their own containment systems such as portable corrals or high lines. The park maintains strict regulations regarding horse feed (certified weed-free hay required) and manure management to protect the natural ecosystem. Coal Creek Campground, though not specifically designated for horses, serves as an alternative option with more developed amenities including drinking water and toilet facilities for those seeking a less primitive camping experience.

Map showing campgrounds near Belfield, North DakotaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Belfield, North Dakota (13)

    1. Medora Campground

    44 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "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."

    2. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-2024

    "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."

    3. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    22 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $20 / night

    "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)."

    "Very close to the entrance to Teddy Roosevelt NP, it was perfect for our camper.  Big rigs would be fine there, but I did not see any drive through sites."

    4. Boots Campground

    4 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    16 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    "The location is great as the park entrance is just a few miles away, along with the gateway town of Medora. Reservation and check in was all digital which was nice."

    "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks. We're pro members and couldn't figure out how to get the pro discount. No tables or fire rings."

    5. Coal Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    17 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Road nearby is very quite, with only the occasional oil/gas work truck basically. The trailhead had a few people in and out."

    6. Roundup Group Horse Camp — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    1 Review
    Medora, ND
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $100 / night

    7. Burning Coal Vein Campground

    5 Reviews
    Amidon, ND
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "Great access to the Columnar Junipers hike and bluffs for beautiful overlook of this part of the Little Missouri National Grassland."

    "Fun little place to camp, and fun little hike to the Butte, or hop on the Maah Da Hey Trail and hike for miles."

    8. Wannagan Campground

    2 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "Well off the beaten path. The campground was completely empty when my wife and I stayed the night. There’s a nice trail with the trailhead right next door. Also has a water well. Will stay again."

    "There is a short trail right from the site that leads up to great viewing spot complete with a bench. I believe the fee is $6 a night, bring exact cash or a check, no change to be made."

    9. Magpie Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    $6 / night

    "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."

    "The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders."

    10. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    32 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $30 / night

    "Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean.

    The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife."

    "The weather was amazing. we spent the day in the town of Medora which has so much to do and so filled with history .back at the campground, which we located a spot right next to the river ,the boys went"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Belfield, ND

4 Photos of 13 Belfield Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Belfield, ND

172 Reviews of 13 Belfield Campgrounds

  • Tucker B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2021

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Small Tent Area within Equestrian Campground

    This site was massive and would've had room for 5 or 6 tents (not sure on limits though).

    It was right next to an equestrian area, so some horses being trained and whinnying just next door.

    No cell service (AT&T at least) but quick proximity to Medora and Teddy Roosevely National Park!

  • B
    May. 12, 2019

    Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    A Cheap Alternative

    A cheaper alternative to TRNP’s Juniper Campground. This campground offers beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands. Additionally, you can access the Maah Daah Hey Trail and explore the Badlands from here. The campground is well kept and is typically pretty quiet. There are no showers, but there is toilets and accessible drinking water.

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 4, 2016

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Now I know why Teddy Roosevelt loved North Dakota! Check out Juniper to camp!

    I have already posted my review for the Theodore Roosevelt South campground - Cottonwood. I won't repeat myself too much. Believe it or not, but I would put the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park even ahead of Yosemite.

    The trees and the canopy in the Juniper campground is really cool. Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean.

    The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife. Never have I been so close to so many animals in the wild. I saw a lot of wildlife in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but not as much as I did here.

    I never thought I would ever want to visit North Dakota. Honestly, I cant wait to go back. This place will blow your expectations, especially if you take an adventure on a hike or two. In the North unit, I highly suggest stopping at the River Bend Overlook and hiking down to the CCC shelter for some amazing views. Then drive to the end of the road and take a quick hike to Sperati Point.

  • Matthew B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Coal Creek Campground

    Perfect out of the way campground

    A wonderful little USFS campground about 10 miles south of Medora and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The road turns to dirt/gravel just after leaving town, but is smooth and well maintained for the oil/gas companies. The campgrounds in the NP were full so we were worried people would spill out into this spot, but there was nobody here when we got in on a Sunday morning in early June, and only a handful of other campers came and went during our weeklong stay. Road nearby is very quite, with only the occasional oil/gas work truck basically. The trailhead had a few people in and out. Almost every site has a good view of the surrounding colorful North Dakota badlands, but the sites on top of the hill (5-10) have a better vantage point. Overall a great peaceful spot to detox, relax, and serve as a basecamp for the south unit of Teddy Roosevelt. Definitely adding this to our go to places when visiting TRNP or even just passing through NoDak.

    Facilities: Pair of vault toilets near the check-in kiosk, clean and well stocked; spur to access the Maah Dah Hey trail from the campground; campground is fully fenced with cattle guard at entrance to keep out larger animals

    Cell Service: Surprisingly great for both Verizon and T-mobile, more than enough to work with

    Starlink: While we didn't need to use it, every site has a good open view of the sky

    Solar: Every site has a good open view of the sky to rake in the rays

  • Angie G.
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Bluff at Sully Creek

    I booked a tent site in the Cedar area of the Sully Creek State Park Campground and it was so much better than the ones at TRNP! 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. I was going to put up my hammock by the firepit but heard the hum of bees in a stump close by so I didn’t do it. This sites has room for 2 tents (one on each side of it). Bathrooms were a short walk and showers were coin-operated and clean. I loved this park!

  • Mac M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Mesa views on Little Mo at Medora

    A perfect campground for equestrian campers or those visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Just 3-4 miles from Medora ND and park entrance. Open views, good trails, great birding. The sites have electric, accessible water and dump site. Showers snd vault toilets kept very clean.

  • Jessica S.
    Mar. 18, 2017

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Sully Creek State Park

    Gorgeous park. Very small with limited camping spots. The Little Missouri River is right here and the trailheads for the Maah Daah Hey Trail and Maah Daah Hey II (The Deuce) are in this tiny park as well. Great views of the surrounding badlands, exceptional horse and hiking trails. A variety of amenities are offered incuding some electrical, water, pay showers and vaulted toilets and horse corrals. No paved roads. Very close to Medora.

  • Melissa B.
    May. 20, 2022

    Magpie Campground

    Great stop near the national park!

    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.

  • Love4travel T.
    Jun. 29, 2022

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Scenic setting and beautiful park too bad the park ranger’s attitude ruied it

    We would’ve stayed longer if the park ranger wasn’t so cranky. We called the states 800# and was on hold 30 minutes. In the meantime, I was trying to make reservations online. It was very confusing despite the nice camp hosts trying to help. A line was forming behind us and we had driven all day. We just wanted a place to land. Based on the host’s recommendation, we finally booked a site in the back under a large shade tree by the river. Apparently, this section is for horse people. The park ranger pulled up and yelled at us b/c we didn’t have a horse. I tried to soothe him and explain the situation. He grudgingly let us stay for the night and proceeded to collect another $7 for our vehicle. After park fee $25 + reservations fee $6 + vehicle fee $7 we paid $37 for electric hook up only and a crabby lecture. Thanks but no thanks -moving on.

Guide to Belfield

Equestrian camping options near Belfield, North Dakota provide direct access to extensive trail systems across the badlands terrain. The Little Missouri National Grasslands surround much of the area, offering over 1 million acres of public land with varied topography ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 feet in elevation. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during daytime hours, while evenings cool significantly, creating ideal conditions for riding during morning and evening hours.

What to do

Trail riding access points: Magpie Campground serves as an excellent basecamp for riders seeking backcountry experiences. "The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders," notes Cullen C., who suggests exploring westward toward Devil's Pass or east to the ice caves.

Bison viewing opportunities: Juniper Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers wildlife encounters right from your campsite. "While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp," reports Chris A., providing a unique wildlife viewing experience without leaving your site.

Swimming options: During hot summer days, Medora Campground offers refreshing alternatives. "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person," writes Beth B., noting the pool is conveniently located on-site for cooling off after trail rides.

What campers like

Badlands scenery: Sully Creek State Park provides stunning views of the unique geological formations. "Stayed in the latter loop with beautiful view of Badlands cliff. Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!" shares Janet K., highlighting the natural setting.

Wildlife sightings: Visitors frequently encounter wildlife throughout the area's horse trails. "Riders often encounter wildlife including bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs during trail rides through the park," notes a visitor to Juniper Campground, where Chris A. confirms bison "grazed through the camp" during their stay.

Trail connectivity: Horse campgrounds near Belfield connect to extensive trail networks. At Magpie Campground, riders appreciate the access points: "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," suggests Cullen C.

What you should know

Certified feed requirements: All equestrian camping areas require certified weed-free hay to protect native grasslands from invasive species. This requirement is strictly enforced throughout Theodore Roosevelt National Park and surrounding public lands.

Water availability concerns: Water access varies significantly between sites. At Buffalo Gap Campground, Dana K. notes, "Clean, well space and fairly private campsites. Free showers are a plus!" However, at Juniper Campground, Jennifer K. cautions about water quality: "The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so dont come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Belfield, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Belfield, ND is Medora Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 44 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belfield, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Belfield, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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