Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers diverse pet-friendly camping options across its 1.2 million acres of grassland habitat. The area contains rugged badlands terrain with elevations ranging from 1,900 to 2,800 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s, making early morning or evening the optimal times for outdoor activities.
What to do
Wildlife viewing along trail systems: Buffalo Gap Trail connects directly to Buffalo Gap Campground, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Beautiful and quiet. Super close to Medora ND," notes camper Peggy M. The trails offer frequent sightings of native wildlife throughout the grasslands.
Hiking the Petrified Forest Trail: Located near the campgrounds, this trail showcases unique geological formations. A visitor at Cottonwood Campground recommends it highly: "The petrified forest hike is a must!" The trail offers moderate terrain suitable for most hikers.
Night sky observation: The grasslands provide exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution. "We got in at 11:30 PM and drove straight to the cell phone tower... The panoramic vistas the next morning were incredible and made the night drive completely worth it," reports a camper at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping. Most campgrounds have open areas ideal for night sky viewing.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds feature well-designed layouts. At Sully Creek State Park, a camper appreciates how "Sites are shaded and private. Quiet and primitive with others that wanted to get back to nature. Not one single generator!!" This park offers three separate camping loops.
Riverfront access: Camping near the Little Missouri River provides water recreation options. "We stayed in site #9 and it had a walking trail to the water and it overlooked the mountains. We also saw wild horses running through the prairie," shares one Cottonwood Campground visitor. Several sites along the river accommodate both tents and RVs.
Affordable pricing: Many camping options offer reasonable rates. A visitor to Buffalo Gap Campground notes: "It was only $6 a night and that was not a discount, that was full price!" This makes the area accessible for multi-night stays compared to other national grasslands.
What you should know
Limited services: Most dispersed camping locations lack facilities. At Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping, campers mention: "We were able to use all the facilities at the Painted Canyon Visitor center for morning rituals (aka teeth brushing bathroom in a toilet, face washing etc). We did drive to a Rough Rider State park for a shower which was $5 a person."
Seasonal shower availability: Facilities vary by season. One camper at Red Trail Campground points out: "The shower house, but it is another amenity that is closed during the off-season, so we cannot give our opinion on that service." Check operating dates before arrival.
Highway noise: Several campgrounds sit near Interstate 94. A Buffalo Gap visitor reports: "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." Similarly, at Camel's Hump Lake: "You can hear the highway traffic on I94, but it isn't bad."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The grasslands provide valuable learning experiences. "We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget," shares a visitor at Cottonwood Campground about their wildlife encounter. Rangers often host educational programs during summer months.
Recreation options: Medora Campground offers various family activities. "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person. Medora is a small town, easy to bike or walk," notes a camper. The campground provides a convenient base for family excursions.
Safety considerations: Weather can change quickly in the grasslands. "You may hear a neigh of a horse since they all horses. If you are a horse person they have a good setup in my opinion," mentions a visitor at Sully Creek State Park. Families should maintain safe distances from all wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some sites. A visitor to Boots Campground advises: "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks." Bringing additional leveling equipment is recommended.
Dump station availability: Plan waste management carefully. "There is no dump station. It does have a potable water station for your RV," notes a visitor at Cottonwood Group Site. The Buffalo Gap Ranch offers a dumpstation for a minimal fee according to campers.
Site selection strategy: Choose strategically for comfort. "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," advises a Scoria Pit camper. RVers should consider wind exposure when selecting sites.
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