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