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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
