Dakota Prairie National Grasslands encompasses several campgrounds offering a range of accommodations from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks. The area includes established campgrounds like Buffalo Gap Campground near Sentinel Butte and Cottonwood Campground within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, along with dispersed camping opportunities on public lands. Most campgrounds provide tent and RV sites, while properties like Medora Campground and Red Trail Campground offer additional options including cabins, yurts, and glamping setups within a short drive of the national grasslands.
Road conditions and campground availability vary significantly by season, with many facilities operating from late spring through early fall. Buffalo Gap Campground typically operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while Sully Creek State Park remains open from April through November. Winter camping options are limited, though Cottonwood Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park maintains year-round access. Dispersed sites on grassland areas provide free alternatives to developed campgrounds but lack amenities like running water and toilet facilities. A visitor noted, "This campground is small, beautiful, well-maintained, and convenient to Theodore Roosevelt National Park."
Campers consistently praise the area's stunning badlands scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park represents a significant draw, with several visitors mentioning buffalo, wild horses, and prairie dogs among wildlife sightings. Developed campgrounds like Buffalo Gap feature amenities such as flush toilets, heated showers, and designated fire rings, while maintaining reasonable pricing—typically $6-20 per night, with discounts for pass holders. Highway noise affects some camping areas, particularly those closest to Interstate 94, though most visitors find it manageable. One camper commented about Buffalo Gap: "From reading other reviews, this is the best you'll find in the area. Bare bones camp sites, mostly in the open. I found a nice space in a grove of trees, and there were a few others like it."
"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."
$20 - $60 / night
"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."
$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."
"Just a mere walk away from the lovely town of Medora and perfect driving distance from the National Park and the Presidential Library."
$15 - $25 / night
"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."
$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)."
"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"
$27 - $46 / night
"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!"
"Close to interstate. Which you can hear. Heard a train go by a few times. Lake gets a few fisherman throughout the day. Only 4 spots which filled up before dark. No water or dump."
"The highway can be a bit loud but it’s not that bad. It looked like 4 spots and decent enough size. Great views of the lake."
"Right next to the Theodore Rosevelt National library and National park. Last mile is unpaved but the road is not bad. Highly recommended."
"We camped next to a cellphone tower that made a high pitch noise.. it was our 1st dispersed camping trip, hopefully this information helps someone"
$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."
"Very bumpy dirt access road but lovely views and right off the highway!"
GuideI spoke to the camphosts about a possible site and was informed the FCFS policy stopped this May/2026. Reservations online only. I tried to edit the information on the info page but it wouldn't let me enter text🙂
GuideGreat campground, quiet! Nice shaded spots for tents, carcamping. Trees for hammocks!! Laundry facility with quick dryers. Has trolley to take you to activities... Steak on pitchforks! There is a train going by but it is almost not noticeable. Staff is friendly!
ScoutThe sites are marked. There's 13 sites. Some can fit more than one camper. Get there early they seam to show up late and leave early. There is a turnaround at the end of the road. We camped next to a cellphone tower that made a high pitch noise.. it was our 1st dispersed camping trip, hopefully this information helps someone
TravelerStopped for one night 07/19/26 without a reservation, while traveling west on HWY I94 in our 30' RV pulling a motorcycle trailer. Exit #213 HWY 16 north 1/2 mile to Green Valley Ln. Hard to find as the sign on HWY 16 is illegible. The place looked deserted with the exception of 3 seasonal campers, a couple of abandoned campers, and a delapidated trailer house. The only people we saw during our stay was an elderly lady leaving one of the seasonal campers, and a group of MT WIldlife & Fisheries biologist, who had staged their boats and equipment at the campground for a Paddlenose Sturgeon survey they were conducting on the nearby Yellowstone river. The grounds may have been mowed this season, but was littered with downed branches. It was obvious that this campground has been neglected for many years, and gets very little use by local, and transient campers alike. The previous owners were an elderly couple, and the current owner is an elderly man (or so we were told). It has potential under new (younger) ownership, and an infussion of $$$ and labor. We used the 30A power to run our AC during the evening without any issues, but didn't use the water or sewer (but they were there). Payment is cash on the honor system, paid through a slot on the office building door ($30 for site w/elect). Why did we stay? I was too exhausted to drive any further. Would we stay again? NO.
RangerDoes are very well spaced out. This is dispersed camping so no real services, but plenty of wonderful nature. Right next to the Theodore Rosevelt National library and National park. Last mile is unpaved but the road is not bad. Highly recommended.
RangerSpending a couple nights while visiting TRNP. This campground is pretty large, with many different site types. Some shaded and some not. Some are rather close to each other. Ours had the sewer hookup inconveniently located so we had to park our trailer at an angle. Showers/bathrooms are old, but decent and clean. Would recommend for a couple nights stay.
TravelerEasy road to get up in our class A, 38 ft coach pulling a van too. Breathtaking views, we were up top in the "middle" section where there were 4 other spots. The place seemed to turnover daily. Us and 1 other were there for 3 days consistently. It did seem to be "full" by the night. I'd recommend getting there around 2pm to secure a spot.
GuideJust a mere walk away from the lovely town of Medora and perfect driving distance from the National Park and the Presidential Library. Staff were kind and helpful throughout and the camp spot was great. Showers can feel like a sauna in the summer and you will need bring your own water for the tent sites otherwise perfect place to stay.
TravelerThere are 15 sites with most at the top of the plateau. Plenty of space to feel private, while maintaining the security of seeing others.
Dakota Prairie National Grasslands campsites offer diverse terrain across 1.2 million acres spanning both the Little Missouri National Grassland and Grand River National Grassland. Located primarily in western North Dakota, the grasslands feature rolling prairies intersected by dramatic badlands formations with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 3,600 feet. Camping options vary significantly in accessibility, with many dispersed camping areas requiring high-clearance vehicles to navigate unpaved roads that deteriorate after rainfall.
Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail: This 144-mile trail system connects both units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park through the Little Missouri National Grassland. At Sully Creek State Park, you can access the trail directly. "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," notes Mac M.
Wildlife photography opportunities: Early mornings provide optimal conditions for spotting native species. At Cottonwood Campground, campers regularly encounter large mammals. "We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget," reports Caitlin B., while another camper mentioned wild horses: "We saw wild horses running through the prairie."
Stargazing at higher elevations: The grasslands offer minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. The dispersed camping areas on higher ridges provide excellent vantage points. "The panoramic vistas the next morning were incredible and made the night drive completely worth it," shares a camper about their experience at the Grassland Boondocking site, noting they drove "straight to the cell phone tower" for the best views.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the space between established sites. At Buffalo Gap Campground, "Sites are available on a first-come-first serve basis, but even by nightfall plenty of sites were still available in each loop," notes Hannah W. The campground features "clean, mowed, fire pits, nice picnic tables, paved road" according to Charles C.
Free shower facilities: Several campsites offer unexpected amenities. Buffalo Gap Campground provides "individual shower rooms with radiant heat that was motion activated" with one camper expressing surprise at "the OMG was the individual shower rooms with radiant heat that was motion activated."
Cost-effective options: Free dispersed camping throughout the grasslands makes extended stays affordable. At Grassland Boondocking, campers note "Plenty of spots all the way to the cell tower on the top bluff" and that it's "Great place with lots of great spots to camp! Not cramped but not all alone."
Weather considerations: Strong winds affect higher elevation sites, particularly in spring and fall. One camper at Grassland Boondocking notes, "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."
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with drinking water. At Cottonwood Campground, a camper notes "the one criticism I have of this campsite is the potable water tasted horrible."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the grasslands. Most higher elevation sites have better connectivity. "Good cell service as well," mentions a camper about Grassland Boondocking, while others recommend checking coverage before venturing into more remote areas.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate only from late spring through early fall. "Accessible and easy to find. It has sites with fire pits and tables. No camping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays," notes a camper about Camel's Hump Lake, highlighting unusual closure days that might catch visitors off guard.
Pool access nearby: During hot summer months, children can cool off at the Medora city pool. At Medora Campground, "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person," according to Beth B.
Supplies and grocery planning: Limited shopping options require advance planning. "Medora is a small town, easy to bike or walk. No grocery store, only small convenience store so make sure you stock up if you are staying for a few days," advises a Medora Campground visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting animals from safe distances. "This spot is unbelievable. Gorgeous views. Buffalo in the campground. Quiet, private enough, clean pot toilets, secure bear garbages," notes Glenn I. about Cottonwood Campground.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for RVs. At Boots Campground, "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks," shares a camper.
Dump station availability: When onsite facilities are closed, alternate options exist. A Buffalo Gap Campground visitor notes, "The dumpstation was unavailable due to necessary repairs during our stay. The host informed me the Buffalo Gap Ranch has dumpstation we could use for a minimal fee. The ranch is 2.5 miles past the entrance to the campground. I paid $5 to use their facility."
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully to maximize space between neighbors. "Sites are perfectly fine. The park is stunning," notes a camper at Cottonwood Campground, while others recommend driving through campgrounds first to select the most private available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trails and areas are shown on the Little Missouri National Grassland map?
The Little Missouri National Grassland map typically highlights the Maah Daah Hey Trail system, which spans over 140 miles through the badlands, connecting the north and south units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The map also shows key areas like the Burning Coal Vein, Bennett Creek, and Wannagan Creek regions. Dispersed camping areas are marked, including Scoria Pit dispersed sites which offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Coal Creek Campground is also featured, located about 10 miles south of Medora on a well-maintained dirt/gravel road.
Where is Buffalo Gap Campground located in Dakota Prairie National Grasslands?
Buffalo Gap Campground is located in the Little Missouri National Grassland section of Dakota Prairie National Grasslands in southwestern North Dakota. The campground is situated approximately 20 miles south of Medora, making it a convenient base for exploring both the grasslands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The campground is accessible via Highway 85, with a turn onto a well-maintained gravel road leading to the site.
What amenities are available at Wannagan Campground in Dakota Prairie National Grasslands?
Wannagan Campground offers basic facilities typical of more rustic Forest Service campgrounds. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water access. The campground provides picnic tables and fire rings at each site. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities available, making it best suited for tent camping or self-contained RVs. For those seeking more amenities, nearby Red Trail Campground in Medora offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, though it tends to be dustier during windy conditions.
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