U
Ursula 
Ranger
RangerJuniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Nice campground, we are here offseason so no water or bathrooms. No electric hook ups year round. Beautiful Bad Lands surrounding us.
Equestrian Camping near Belfield, ND
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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.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Belfield (12)
1. Medora Campground
"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."
"Just a mere walk away from the lovely town of Medora and perfect driving distance from the National Park and the Presidential Library."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Boots Campground
"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability4. Coal Creek Campground
"Road nearby is very quite, with only the occasional oil/gas work truck basically. The trailhead had a few people in and out."
"Great place to stay if you’re exploring the NP and don’t mind a bit of a drive, definitely easier to find a site than at the NP or closer campgrounds."
from $10 / night
Check Availability5. Burning Coal Vein Campground
"Fantastic remote Badlands campground with pure solitude, access to MDH trail, and excellent campsites. Hand pump water on site and vault toilet too."
"Great access to the Columnar Junipers hike and bluffs for beautiful overlook of this part of the Little Missouri National Grassland."
6. Roundup Group Horse Camp — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
from $100 / night
Check Availability7. Wannagan Campground
"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."
8. Magpie 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."
"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."
from $6 / night
Check Availability9. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"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"
from $30 / night
Check Availability10. Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
"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."
"When we visited the North Unit of Roosevelt National Park, their campgrounds were closed, so we had to seek one outside the park. This was extremely close to the park and had great views!"
from $10 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 53 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 29 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 4 min from Billings, MT
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Belfield, ND
3 Photos of 12 Belfield Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Belfield, ND
170 Reviews of 12 Belfield Campgrounds
- MMathew S.
GuideCoal Creek Campground
Remote Campsite Along Scenic Drive
I came here after I couldn’t find a campsite in or closer to Theodore Roosevelt National park. The campsites are a bit close together but still offer some privacy, nice views from the higher ground sites, and some of the best star gazing I’ve ever seen. Great place to stay if you’re exploring the NP and don’t mind a bit of a drive, definitely easier to find a site than at the NP or closer campgrounds.
- Walter F.
TravelerCcc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Wide open
Nearly all sites are 50+' long and flat. No trees to speak of. Electric, and excellent toilets. The water is avaliable but doesn't taste good.
- TTeresa L B.Guide
Burning Coal Vein Campground
Peaceful
Locally recommended, worth the drive down a dusty road. Well worth the trip. Looking forward to a Sunset and sunrise drive hoping to see some elk!
- RRickGuide
Medora Campground
Good for short stop over
Great location to Roosevelt NP and town. Found park pretty much as stated in reviews. Restrooms and showers bit dated but clean. Lots were super narrow in several sections. One sections very open with no shade. Found my guess rude by walking through your lot. Was ok for a short stay.
Erica D.TravelerMagpie Campground
Peaceful
I like that it is off the beaten path. The 2 times I've stayed there may have been 2 other campers. Very quiet and you can just relax.
John P.GuideBurning Coal Vein Campground
Solitude
Fantastic remote Badlands campground with pure solitude, access to MDH trail, and excellent campsites. Hand pump water on site and vault toilet too.
Travis A.RangerBuffalo Gap Campground (ND)
Nice little campground
Buffalo Gap campground has three showers, flush toilets, dump station, dumpsters and potable water. Great place for a base camp to explore from. I highly recommend visiting President Teddy Roosevelt Library. Phone service is almost non-existent. I had to park next to a hill overlooking the camp to get a signal.
- DDaniel S.Traveler
Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Great setting in the ND Badlands
This campground is a National Forest Campground. There are 18 sites with 5 requiring reservations and the rest are FCFS. There are also 5 or 6 horse sites with small corrals at each site. There are several pit toilets that are very clean and appear to have been repainted this year. The toilets are ADA friendly. The sites are spacious with 15/30/50 amp service. The tent or smaller camper sites have 15/30 amp service. There are a couple of community water faucets set up around the campground. There is no dump station. This campground is about 1 mile from the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. Just across the Little Missouri River. The views from this campground into the badlands is spectacular. There are a couple of trails for hiking and horseback riding from the campground. The cost is $10 per night and $5 if you have the senior pass.
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?
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 51 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Belfield, ND?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belfield, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Belfield, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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