Glamping accommodations near Dickinson, North Dakota place visitors within the unique badlands terrain characterized by colorful clay buttes, deeply eroded valleys, and sparse vegetation. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F while winter brings harsh conditions with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making May through September the prime season for luxury outdoor stays. The region's low light pollution creates exceptional stargazing opportunities at many upscale camping locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing treks: Cottonwood Campground's proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers unmatched wildlife encounters. "We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget," notes one Cottonwood Campground visitor.
Stargazing: Magpie Campground offers exceptional dark sky viewing. A camper reports, "I was able to see the northern lights here once!" The remote location minimizes light pollution, creating perfect conditions for astronomical observation.
Hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail: Access over 100 miles of renowned hiking paths from several glamping locations. A visitor at Magpie Campground explains, "Either head south on Magpie road to Magpie trailhead, or follow the campground road away from the main road past the cattleguard and find the connecting trail there."
Water recreation: Several glamping sites offer river access for wading and exploration. At Sully Creek State Park, visitors appreciate the natural water features: "Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Medora Campground offers well-spaced glamping accommodations. As one visitor notes, "Quiet even though spots are close together." This balances community atmosphere with personal space.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at most glamping locations. A Sully Creek visitor commented, "Clean, warm, free showers!!" while another mentioned the "great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River."
Night sky views: The regional dark skies create memorable experiences. "The stars were beautiful and the camp was so quite," shared a Magpie Campground visitor, highlighting the remote location's minimal light pollution.
Scenic landscapes: The badlands setting creates dramatic backdrops for luxury camping. A Cottonwood Campground visitor observed, "This spot is unbelievable. Gorgeous views. Buffalo in the campground. Quiet, private enough, clean pot toilets, secure bear garbages."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many premium glamping sites require advance booking. Heart Butte Reservoir offers reservable cabins alongside traditional sites. "There are many nice, private and shaded campsites. The beach is beautiful. Fishing is good," notes one visitor.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense at exposed sites. A Sully Creek visitor advised, "Position your tent carefully to place trees between you and the airport beacon, and you'll be happier."
Water quality varies: Potable water sources differ between locations. A Cottonwood Campground reviewer noted, "The one criticism I have of this campsite is the potable water tasted horrible."
Limited shade: Many glamping locations have minimal tree cover. A Magpie Campground visitor explained, "The sites have a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill attached. There were a lot of flies but there where hardly any mosquitos or other biting bugs."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Little Missouri National Grassland provides water recreation opportunities that children enjoy. A Medora Campground visitor shared, "It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees. Great playground."
Kid-friendly activities: Several glamping locations offer youth-oriented recreation. "There is a playground and it's a great place to bike for kids," noted a Heart Butte Reservoir visitor.
Wildlife education: Turn animal sightings into learning experiences. A Cottonwood visitor explained, "Buffalo in the campground. Quiet, private enough, clean pot toilets, secure bear garbages. Just amazing!"
Budget-friendly options: Glamping costs vary widely across the region. A Glen Ullin Memorial Park visitor noted, "Cheap (tent=$6.00) easy to pay for via Apple Pay, the pit toilets are clean and the other campers are really quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Big rig owners should research space limitations. A Sully Creek visitor advised, "Nice to have 3 loops separated by use and rig size- big rigs, horses and small RVs and tents."
Hookup availability: Glen Ullin Memorial Park offers basic electrical connections. A visitor mentioned, "There is a camp host but I didn't meet them. Super amazing quick way to pay via a QR code and Apple Pay!!"
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some glamping locations. "We stayed overnight only. Lots of rumble strip noise from the nearby roads. If you are in a camper with the air running then you would be ok," advised a Glen Ullin visitor.
Dump station access: Multiple locations provide waste disposal facilities. A Heart Butte visitor noted, "Off the main road there is the office with a dumping and filling station, showers that were very clean, flushable toilets and sites with electricity."