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.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$100 / night
"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."
"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."
$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."
$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"
$10 / night
"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!"
ScoutA 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.
LegendI 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.
GuideA 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
GuideWe 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.
GuideWhen 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! There are no hook-ups, and no dump station. 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. They do allow generators, but it would be nice if they didn't. We have solar panels so we always get annoyed with generators ruining the peace and quiet. 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. We would definitely consider this a good back-up in the future if the NPS campground is full.
RangerAmazing! We took our two boys August of 2015. 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 fishing. Then we drove around and saw 3 herds of wild horses. we saw Buffalo also. Though not as many as in the north unit. the bathrooms have running water and are immaculately clean. the campgrounds are clean and well kept and the oark rangers were friendly.
LegendGeneral: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening.
Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved.
Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them.
Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).
GuideWe stayed 3 nights in a PT FHU for $177. The sites are dusty red dirt (but that's the natural landscape of the area) and a little close together. The staff is very friendly and they have a small store on site. 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. The proximity to Teddy Roosevelt NP is the winner to stay!
LegendThis was a real gem. 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.
First we were amazed that it was open when nearly all state, local, and federal campgrounds were closed. Next we were impressed by the quality of the sites: clean, mowed, fire pits, nice picnic tables, paved road (and I think the slabs were paved?), but the OMG was the individual shower rooms with radiant heat that was motion activated.
There are no hookups, despite what other sites may claim. But hydrants were plentiful and the clean flush toilets and hot free showers made this a perfect place for you if you don't need to be hooked up to water and power. It was only $6 a night and that was not a discount, that was full price!!!
The interstate was just over the ridge, out of site but you knew it was there. This is I-90 in Western ND, so traffic noise was not an issue at all. The first night I was woke by a plane flying overhead, so you know that the Interstate was truly not an issue at all.
Actually, being close to the interstate meant being close to the park, which is fabulous. We loved the Grand Canyon a few years ago, but meaning no disrespect, this was a far more enjoyable experience. You have the color, the rugged creation, but you are going in it, and through it, and on top of it. Buffalo, prairie dogs, Big Horn Sheep,
wild horses, deer, eagles, warblers, jack rabbits, antelope, and that is just what we saw in a day and a half!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Belfield, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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