Best Tent Camping near Belfield, ND
The Little Missouri National Grassland near Belfield, North Dakota provides several primitive tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Burning Coal Vein Campground offers tent sites in a protected shallow valley with good shade and picnic tables at each site. West River Road provides free dispersed camping opportunities for tent campers willing to venture onto unpaved roads. For those seeking more established sites, BLM Schnell Recreation Area, located near Richardton, maintains primitive tent camping with basic facilities.
Tent sites throughout the region generally feature dirt or grass surfaces with minimal development. Most established campgrounds like Burning Coal Vein provide picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while dispersed areas require campers to bring all necessary supplies, including water. The access roads to many tent camping areas require careful navigation, especially after rain. A recent review noted the road to West River was "deserving a 4WD" and another camper mentioned "the short road in was in need of a bit of repair" at Burning Coal Vein. Campgrounds typically charge $6-10 per night, collected via self-registration envelopes.
The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional solitude and natural beauty, particularly for those willing to venture beyond the most accessible sites. Areas farther from main roads provide opportunities to view wildlife, including feral horses near West River Road. One visitor reported, "There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening." Tent campers at Burning Coal Vein enjoy access to hiking trails, including the Columnar Junipers hike and connection to the longer Maah Da Hey Trail. Most sites have minimal light pollution, offering excellent stargazing opportunities. Summer temperatures can be extreme, and many sites lack natural shade, so appropriate gear for sun protection is essential for tent campers.
