Best Dispersed Camping near Dickinson, ND
The western North Dakota landscape surrounding Dickinson features a mix of dispersed camping options, with most sites concentrated near Theodore Roosevelt National Park about 30 miles west. Patterson Lake Boat Ramp offers basic amenities including picnic tables, toilets, and trash service within close proximity to Dickinson. More remote options extend westward toward Medora, where Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping (also known as Grassland Boondocking) provides free camping with panoramic badlands views. These public lands support both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of accessibility depending on vehicle size and road conditions.
Road quality varies significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites accessible via gravel or dirt roads that may become challenging after rainfall. As one camper noted, "We arrived just after rain. That made things messy to get in. There is a large mud pit on one side of the road and tire ruts on the other. Once you get past that, you're pretty golden." Wind exposure presents another consideration, particularly at higher elevations where gusts can reach 60 mph. Cell service tends to improve with elevation, with campers reporting good Verizon and AT&T coverage at higher sites. Most dispersed areas lack amenities, requiring self-sufficiency for water, waste disposal, and other essentials.
Campers consistently highlight the exceptional views as the primary draw of the region. The Scoria Pit area receives particularly strong reviews for its panoramic vistas and proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, approximately 10 minutes away. "We had an amazing spot on top of hill. Could see for miles. Saw nice mule deer buck," reported one visitor. Wildlife sightings include deer, cattle, and occasionally feral horses. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional, with one camper describing, "These stars were INCREDIBLE. We were fortunate to be there on a clear night and the Milky Way was painted out for us." Sites typically remain quiet during daytime hours but fill up around sunset, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
