Camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
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."
