Best Tent Camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

Searching for the best camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, ND? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, ND. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

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Best Tent Sites Near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands (7)

    2. Visitors Center - Beach

    1 Review
    Sentinel Butte, ND
    14 miles
    Website

    "This was a small rv park we stayed at for 3 night there is space for around 7 units. And some tent space as well. It was clean and we liked it alot."

    3. Custer Snow Camp

    1 Review
    Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, ND
    0 miles
    Website

    4. Burning Coal Vein Campground

    5 Reviews
    Amidon, ND
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "No hookups - one vault toilet - picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Boondocking only. National Forest land - part of the Little Missouri River Grasslands. Hiking from park."

    "The sites looked to be spaced out fairly well, many of them had a picnic table, there is a bathroom on site and also a water pump that did not seem accessible by vehicle, so I doubt you could fill an rv"

    5. Elkhorn Campground

    2 Reviews
    Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "We were in a spot with some shade for our tent. Close to clean pit toilet."

    6. Bennett

    2 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "There are some nice long hiking trails, bison and other prairie critters. This is wide open country with no real facilities (no trash either).

    Yay: simple camping and lovely scenery, wildlife."

    "This site has a water pump, fire rings, and tables. In the day time the temperature gets really hot and the restroom has a smell come out. This site was very big and could hols a couple tents."

    7. Glendive Short Pines OHV Area

    1 Review
    Glendive, MT
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

2 Photos of 7 Dakota Prairie National Grasslands Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

359 Reviews of 7 Dakota Prairie National Grasslands Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Burning Coal Vein Campground

    Burning Coal Vein Campgroung

    No hookups - one vault toilet - picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Boondocking only. National Forest land - part of the Little Missouri River Grasslands. Hiking from park. Outstanding views - BIG lots - peaceful. Love it!

  • Jenny H.
    Aug. 7, 2020

    Glendive Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Ok if you need a gravel pad and hookups

    Behind the Astoria hotel, the Glendive Campground feels like an afterthought. If you need a place to stay for the night and hook up to water, sewer, and electricity, this place will do. If you can drive another 50 minutes (east), you’ll find more options in Medora.

    Even in August, when I called ahead the front desk said they never fill up and I don’t need a reservation. No fire pit, there are about 40 sites and several are next to about 6 or 7 dead and leafless trees - check the weather before parking your prize under one! No fire rings, and this year the restrooms and showers are closed “due to COVID”. Seems convenient... despite MT being a mandatory mask state, the front desk worker at the Astoria where you check in did not have a mask and there was no signage. However, there was a sign that the breakfast buffet at the hotel was cancelled.

    Many of the pedestals need repair and the vent on our sewer was broken off. I removed a pile of dead branches in order to pull our trailer into position. However, the reality is that you don’t need much if you bring your own equipment. I just wonder how not offering bathroom facilities to tent campers helps slow the spread of coronavirus... gives me something to ponder as I don’t enjoy any amenities offered.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    Convenient to the highway

    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). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening. 

    Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved. 

    Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them. 

    Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

    It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).

  • phillip L.
    Jul. 27, 2016

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    so much Buffalo

    All the sites were the same but I got to stay at site 15. The site is huge and is made for group camping not solo. There's a picnic table and fire ring. The park cost about 20 dollars to get into. There are restrooms that are pretty well maintained but had no showers. I went on a hot day so they prohibited fires for that day to prevent wildfires. There are a lot of animals and you may notice small animal droppings on the campground. The droppings are dried out so it doesn't have a strong odor. They don't let you collect firewood to prevent damaging the wildlife so I recommend bringing your own supply of wood. There are a lot of trails in this park. I took the Wind Canyon trail which offered the view of the Missouri river. There is also a lot of prairie dogs and buffalo. You are exposed to the sun and there are no trees for shade. This is also the same for the campsite. It is really hot. The visitor center is really friendly and they suggest places in the park you should visit.

  • Mary S.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Peaceful camping in Theodore Roosevelt NP

    This campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora ND has 76 sites. Half of the sites, the even-numbered ones, are not reservable. Sites 55-66 are walk in tent sites; parking spots and grills for these sites are numbered so you have a specific site.

    We arrived before 10:30 am on a Sunday and sites were being claimed quickly. There were 7 of us choosing sites at that time. The hosts had a whiteboard that listed available sites; we took a photo of the list and chose quickly as we drove around because sites that were listed as available were already being claimed. We ended up on a reservable site that was open for the next several nights. The host couple was really on the ball and their attention helped keep the site selection process orderly.  After you put your tag up, they fold it over later in the day and mark your departure date. This is a practice that is used in many campgrounds.

    Cottonwood has been full every day since Memorial Day so you can't show up in the evening or possibly even mid-afternoon and expect to find an open site.

    This campground has no hookups but has flush toilets, sinks, potable water spigots, a sink for washing dishes/disposing of grey water, a place for filling water tanks, trash disposal and firewood for sale. There are charcoal grates for cooking that can also be use for campfires, but there are no fire rings; your campfire will be a few feet off the ground in something that I think of as a grill!

    Showers? No, but there area couple campgrounds in Medora that have showers for $5.

    If you stay here, you're obviously here to see Theodore Roosevelt NP. Both the campground and park are worth a visit. The scenery is incredible and gave us a new view of North Dakota. There is a hike near Pleasant Valley Ranch where you can use a few trails to make a 5+ mile loop that will show you everything the park has to offer - Little Missouri River (and you have to cross it at the beginning and end), prairie dog towns, bison herds and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this as a way to see the park from a better vantage point than the highway.

    One complaint - the position of our site (#19) had some people think it was acceptable to cut through our site on their way to the bathroom. Do you walk through someone's home to shorten your walk? Didn't think so but 3 people did within 30 minutes.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 17, 2021

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Stayed 1 night

    Place had everything I needed, including a shower. Website states they are coin showers but mine was free so unsure if they just updated to free showers. Primitive sites are $17/night but you also have to pay the $7 state park fee. All sites had a fire ring and picnic table and had distance between neighbors. Trash available, nice vault toilets and a dump station. No ATT service but would definitely stay again on a weekend. About 80% full on a Saturday night mid may. Only 5 minutes to get to medora and the national park.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2022

    Camel's Hump Lake

    Nice lake

    This is a nice camping spot. 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. Campsites are right on edge of lake.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Awesome spot beautiful views close to park

    We had an amazing spot on top of hill. Could see for miles. Saw nice mule deer buck. Lots of camping spots. Empty during the day gets close to full an hour or so before dark. 10 min from National park entrance. No water or dump. Can be very windy. Very close to petrified forest.


Guide to Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

Tent camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands in North Dakota offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds available, you'll find options that cater to different preferences and needs.

Tent campers should check out Elkhorn Campground

  • Elkhorn Campground provides a secluded experience with clean pit toilets and a hand pump for water, though it's advisable to bring your own.
  • The site features a large picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • Located near the Elkhorn Ranch Unit trail, it offers access to scenic hikes and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Some prices for tent camping range from $6 to $20

  • At the Visitors Center - Beach, you can enjoy a small RV park with tent space for around $6 per night, making it an affordable option.
  • The Burning Coal Vein Campground charges about $10 per night and features well-spaced sites with access to hiking trails.
  • For a more rustic experience, the Bennett site offers simple camping for around $20, surrounded by wildlife and stunning prairie views.

Explore local attractions like the Maah Da Hey Trail

  • The Burning Coal Vein Campground provides access to the Maah Da Hey Trail, perfect for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • Nearby, Elkhorn Campground is close to the interpretive signage at the Theodore Roosevelt Ranch site, adding an educational aspect to your visit.
  • The Bennett site is ideal for those looking to explore the vast Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands is West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed with a 2-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, with real photos and reviews from campers.