50 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The western North Dakota landscape surrounding Dickinson features a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas that serve as gateways to the badlands region. North Park Campground and Camp On The Heart provide full-hookup options within city limits, while Patterson Lake Recreation Area offers year-round camping with lake access just southwest of town. Most local campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities. The proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, approximately 35 miles west in Medora, makes Dickinson a strategic basecamp for exploring the region's dramatic badlands terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s despite the northern latitude, with limited shade at many sites. As one camper noted about Patterson Lake, "None of the campsites are very close to the lake... and there's a train track right nearby with trains that run pretty much throughout the night." Winter camping is possible at year-round facilities, though amenities may be reduced. Many campgrounds operate with limited services during off-season months (typically October through April), with some facilities like showers and flush toilets closed until the main season begins in May.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank among the top experiences mentioned by visitors to the region. Campers at Theodore Roosevelt National Park frequently report bison walking through campgrounds, along with sightings of elk, deer, wild horses, and prairie dogs. The landscape transitions from prairie to badlands, offering distinctive camping environments. "Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning," noted one camper at Cottonwood Campground. Sites with river or lake views tend to fill quickly during peak season. Noise considerations vary by location, with some campgrounds affected by nearby industrial facilities, train tracks, or highway sounds, while others provide more secluded experiences, particularly at dispersed sites in the national grasslands west of Dickinson.
"The owner happened to still be there about to leave, and opened back up to check us in, and guided us to our site, giving us close access to the Laundry we were badly in need of."
"We were able to stay hooked up to our truck to make the exit in the morning speedy."
"Nice park on the lake. Electric and water on the west side, dump station there too.$26 The two site on either end are 50 amp the rest are 30 amp. East side is dry camping at $16."
"My only complaint would be the very rough gravel entrance road. Just go slow and all will be fine!"
"Also had fireworks that night near the campground."
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $42 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
GuidePros: convenient to TRNP, new presidential library, & town of Medora, good laundry facility & nice walking paths. Cons: sights were extremely close together, restrooms were clean, but could use some updating
TravelerGreat boondocking spots. 16 in total. First come first serve. Try to get there by 3:00 to have a decent pick, although any of them are good!’
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
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.
Camping sites near Dickinson, North Dakota range from full-hookup RV parks within city limits to remote dispersed sites in the surrounding grasslands. The region sits at approximately 2,400 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during peak camping season. Winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures, though several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services.
Explore badlands terrain: Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking offers free camping on public land with stunning views of the badlands landscape. One camper noted, "Plenty of spots all the way to the cell tower on the top bluff. Nice gravel road. Even if you stop before the top, explore the space. Beautiful vistas all around." This site is located about 35 miles west of Dickinson.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Cottonwood Campground provides an ideal base for park exploration. "The campsites are perfectly fine. The park is stunning," reports one visitor. The campground offers year-round access with sites available for $10 per night, many with river access.
Enjoy water recreation: Camping near Patterson Lake offers water activities during summer months. The recreation area features both modern and primitive camping options with boat access. Sites on the west side provide electric and water hookups for $26, while the east side offers dry camping at $16.
Wildlife viewing: Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking provides opportunities to experience badlands wildlife in a natural setting. "We stayed 2 nights in July in this area and it was great! Plenty of spots, so we didn't feel like we were on top of other campers," one visitor shared about this free camping option.
Clean facilities: North Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and laundry facilities. A camper mentioned, "Campground is huge but feels quite cozy and friendly. Helpful office staff and they take you to your site. Close to everything in town and only 30 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Full hookups. Level sites. Laundry and bathhouse were clean and convenient."
Budget-friendly options: The Crossings Campground offers affordable full-hookup camping near Belfield. "It's like Boondocking with full hookups! No thrills but peaceful and has very good WiFi," reported one camper. Sites cost around $25-30 per night, significantly less than other established campgrounds in the area.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise disruption from nearby infrastructure. At Patterson Lake, "There's a train track right nearby with trains that run pretty much throughout the night," according to a camper.
Limited shade: Sully Creek State Park (now known as Rough Riders) has minimal shade in some camping areas. "Very open area not much shade making the site not very private. Staff is nice and accommodating. Showers are $1 for 8 minutes," one visitor noted.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds reduce services during winter months. While some remain open year-round, expect limited amenities during the off-season from October through April, with full services typically resuming in May.
Playground access: Medora Campground offers family-friendly amenities including recreational facilities. "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," a camper reported.
Private tent sites: North Park Campground provides secluded areas for tent camping. One visitor shared, "The person I spoke with was fun and knowledgeable! I rode in after hours to find my reservation paperwork duly taped to the office door. The campsite was pleasantly private with fencing and plenty of space."
Educational opportunities: Bring binoculars for wildlife observation, especially at Sully Creek State Park. A visitor observed, "Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!"
Hookup locations: At The Crossings Campground, RVers should prepare for unusual utility placements. One camper advised, "Make sure you have plenty of sewer and water hose in case you get one of those spots."
Level sites: Camp On The Heart provides full-hookup sites along the Heart River. "$30.00 a night gets you full hook up and a nice place to park your rig. Nomad campers have a separate section apart from the long term campers. Short term have the best view of Heart River. My only complaint would be the very rough gravel entrance road. Just go slow and all will be fine!"
Cell connectivity: Some remote camping areas offer surprisingly good cell service. The Crossings Campground provides "rock solid smoking fast T-Mobile 5G" according to one reviewer, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected while camping near Dickinson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Dickinson, ND?
The Dickinson area offers several quality camping options. Patterson Lake Rec Area is right in Dickinson, providing convenient water access and basic amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida) offers five primitive campgrounds with wells and vault toilets, plus excellent fishing opportunities for walleye, catfish, perch, bass, and more. The area is known for its fishing but campers should note that facilities are basic. Many campers also use Dickinson as a base to explore nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park and its surrounding recreation areas, where you'll find more developed camping options.
What RV parks are available near Dickinson, North Dakota?
RV travelers near Dickinson have several good options to choose from. Red Trail Campground in nearby Medora offers full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. It's conveniently located near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it popular for exploring the area. For those seeking a quieter experience, The Crossings Campground near Belfield provides water hookups and can accommodate larger rigs. Many RV parks in the region operate seasonally, with some offering limited services during shoulder seasons. Reservations are recommended during summer months, especially for weekend stays, as these facilities can fill quickly during peak tourism season.
How much does camping cost in Dickinson, ND?
Camping costs around Dickinson vary based on amenities and location. Camp On The Heart offers full hookup sites for $30 per night, with great views of Heart River for short-term campers. Budget-conscious campers can find more affordable options at North Park Campground near Dickinson, which provides basic amenities at lower rates. For those willing to forgo amenities, dispersed camping on nearby public lands offers free or low-cost options. Some campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, with rates sometimes increasing during peak summer months. Most campgrounds accept cash and major credit cards, with some offering weekly or monthly rates for extended stays.
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