Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Dickinson, ND

North Park Campground provides numerous pet-friendly sites across its large property in Dickinson. The campground features full hookups for RVs, clean bathroom facilities, and spacious tent sites where pets are welcome. Camp On The Heart, located along the Heart River, also accommodates pets with full hookup sites. These established campgrounds maintain clean grounds with trash service and offer amenities like picnic tables, showers, and water hookups that benefit both campers and their animals. Patterson Lake Recreation Area allows pets at both its modern electric sites and primitive camping areas. The campgrounds remain peaceful at night with minimal disturbances, creating a comfortable environment for pets and their owners. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Dickinson, North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Cottonwood Campground, approximately 40 minutes west of Dickinson, permits pets in designated areas with proper leash control. Dogs must stay on leashes no longer than 6 feet and remain under owner supervision at all times. Nearby Sully Creek State Park offers seasonal camping from April through November with pet-friendly sites and access to trails. When venturing beyond developed campgrounds, dispersed camping options exist on public lands where pets can enjoy more freedom. The Grassland Boondocking site near North Billings provides free camping with pet access, though campers should bring adequate water supplies for themselves and their animals. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the region, requiring pet owners to prepare for temperature variations and limited shade at some locations.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Dickinson, North Dakota (33)

    1. North Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Dickinson, ND
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-8498

    "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."

    2. Patterson Lake Rec Area

    5 Reviews
    Dickinson, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 456-2074

    "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."

    3. Camp On The Heart

    2 Reviews
    Dickinson, ND
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-9600

    "My only complaint would be the very rough gravel entrance road. Just go slow and all will be fine!"

    4. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    71 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs.  "

    "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."

    5. American RV Park

    1 Review
    Belfield, ND
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 370-5792

    $35 - $40 / night

    6. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    58 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "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."

    "It’s a little bumpy so take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback. A quick word of warning: rattlesnakes could be in the bushes!"

    7. Patterson Lake Boat Ramp

    2 Reviews
    Dickinson, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 456-2074

    8. Medora Campground

    45 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Convenient location for exploring Medora. It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees."

    "Our site was a pull in from one road, and the neighbors sites was a pull in from the parallel road, leaving us to share space - literally two picnic tables next to one another."

    9. The Crossings Campground

    6 Reviews
    Belfield, ND
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 501-3344

    $42 / night

    10. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-2024

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Dickinson, ND

340 Reviews of 33 Dickinson Campgrounds


  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Spectacular

    This is one of my favorite campsites to date. It’s totally dispersed camping, and there’s a lot of dirt road dust, however our site was super quiet and dark for beautiful stargazing. The other five star reviews are in my opinion legitimate. 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. We almost went here for a second night, but got a first come first serve site inside the park for the next night.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Medora Campground

    Medora the Beautiful

    This is our first time staying at a public campground, so I was thinking, maybe it wouldn’t be that great… This place has everything you need and more! Convenient location for exploring Medora. It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees. Great playground, It has a little store connected to the office that has little goodies that you might need for your stay. While in Medora, you must get a caramel roll from Country Cafe (I think that’s the name, cash only and right behind the Badlands motel) best caramel roll I have ever had in my life!

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida)

    Busy boat launch but friendly and respectful campers

    Five primitive campgrounds with wells and vault toilets. The two stars are for how this place is taken care of. Not well kept.

    Decent fishing for North Dakota. Try your hand at catching crappie, walleye, catfish, perch, white bass, pike, bluegill, large and smallmouth bass. Bait store nearby!

  • Jackie F.
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Medora Campground

    Best Choice for the Area

    Tried to stay inside TRNP next door but learned quickly there weren’t any hookups. This place had some harsh reviews on Campendium app however we found it delightful. The biggest woe here is that the sites are extremely tight. Our site was a pull in from one road, and the neighbors sites was a pull in from the parallel road, leaving us to share space - literally two picnic tables next to one another. Other than that though, gorgeous scenery well maintained sidewalks that you can hike or bike right into town. A public dog park at the end of the street. And our section was brand new. The electric poles were new. The sewer hookup at our site seemed a bit big but we have an adapter. Overall would highly recommend if in Medora!

  • Bradley H.
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Camp On The Heart

    Nice park for a short stay

    $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!

    Medora, North Dakota, 40 minutes west, is Home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical Theatre. I highly recommend both and the Musical will renew your passion for our great country!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • Whistle P.
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Cabins of Amidon

    Loved this place! ❤️

    We’d been staying in State parks the last few weeks, with deep toilets and showers that require quarters. Here we had flushable toilets, HOT showers with good pressure and free laundry! We also liked having the bar on site to grab snacks, drinks, food etc. Also there was cool stuff to see! There’s a one room schoolhouse exhibit across the road at the fairgrounds. White Butte (tallest point in North Dakota) is a great hike super close. You can also get to Medora for TRNP or Regent for the Enchanted Highway in about an hour. Very centrally located.

  • S
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Cabins of Amidon

    Great Little Hideaway

    Fun little spot in the middle of the Great Plains of western North Dakota.

    Just off Highway 85 at Amidon, ND. Population 25!

    Great one nighter or a very quiet longer stay. Come prepared! No groceries except in small store in Bowman 21 miles away.

    No trains no trucks!

    We had a couple beers and a good pizza in Mo’s Bunker Bar just steps away from our trailer.

    Nine average to small size spaces with water, electric, and sewer! $35

    A younger couple bought this in 2006 and have done some hard work to renovate a basement into a bar . It is a sight to see and play darts or pool and have pizza or root beer floats!

    Nice clean bathrooms and private showers with wonderful hot water. Laundry was available.

    We just happened to show up on the first day of the Slope County 101 Annual Fair and rodeo. Got to mix with local people. Corn hole games, FFA auction, exhibits and games!

    There was a demonstration of a 100 year old steam power engine and a combine working as kids threw wheat shafts on the conveyor.

    White Butte, the high point of ND is very close! A mile or so hike to the top!

  • D
    May. 23, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Where the buffalo roam

    Camped late April for 5 days, so it was offseason one pit toilet open one water spigot open in the campground.  There are two loops, the south look which is tenting and smaller sized trailer sites but it was not yet open while we were there,  The North Loop is mainly pull through sites and can handle larger sized RV's.  This is dry camping, there are no hookups.  You can experience some nice hiking and opportunities for wildlife viewing.  Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning.   Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs.  Currently Western North Dakota is experiencing a drought, and being early in the season for the campground, it was dry and dusty but did not prevent us from hiking and exploring the park.  There is a convenience store in Medora ND right outside the park entrance that you can purchase basics but there was no grocery store.  Part of the scenic loop drive is closed due to road erosion but you can still travel most of it though its an out and back with turnarounds for larger vehicles. We would defiantly camp there again, but if you need the luxuries of an RV "park", you will not find that here.  The campground is well maintained and clean.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2016

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Nice NP Campground Convenient to I-94

    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. Arriving at the Teddy Roosevelt NP main entrance late in the day, the booth was closed and the "Campground Full" sign was up. I decided to check for myself and I'm glad I did. They sometimes put the campground full site up when the ranger leaves for the night- always check for yourself.

    The campsites were basic- picnic table, fire ring, and close proximity to some basic bathrooms. My site was grassy and easy for a tent. The campground didn't allow hammocks or anything attached to trees. The rangers were very friendly and actively patroling the campground. There were NP events at the campground each night.

    The cost for a site was $16 (and 20$ to enter the park if you don't have a pass). You cannot get change from the ranger and you cannot use a credit card to register. The closest place to get change, firewood, gas, etc. is Medora which is about 7 miles away. The convenience store there has anything you might want.

    There are lots of great hikes accessible in the park, but the park is not crowded like other National Parks, so be sure to get a trail map and directions for hiking as all trails are not well marked.


Guide to Dickinson

Dickinson, North Dakota sits at 2,411 feet elevation in the southwestern part of the state, where the terrain transitions between rolling prairies and badlands. Summer temperatures often exceed 85°F while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. Wind is a constant factor in the region, with gusts commonly reaching 20-30 mph across open camping areas.

What to do

Hiking Maah Daah Hey Trail: Accessible near Sully Creek State Park, this trail system offers challenging terrain for day hikes. "A perfect campground for equestrian campers or those visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Just 3-4 miles from Medora ND and park entrance. Open views, good trails, great birding," notes Mac M. of Sully Creek State Park.

Birdwatching in badlands habitats: The diverse ecosystems attract numerous bird species. "Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!" reports Janet K. about the campground loops at Sully Creek.

Scenic driving: The 36-mile loop road in Theodore Roosevelt National Park takes approximately 2 hours round trip. Beth B. from Medora Campground advises: "National park entrance South is next door and scenic trail drive is about 2 hours round trip (there is construction so one part of road is shut down...no loop...you have to turn around)."

Swimming: Patterson Lake Recreation Area includes swimming access during summer months. According to Sarah H., "There are showers and a playground, but the sites are too close to each other and too high in price. The lake seems to get the algae every summer as well so no swimming."

What campers like

Budget-friendly dispersed camping: Free camping options exist near national parkland. "The coordinates might not be correct. If you cross a second cattle guard, you went too far," Alice C. warns about finding the correct access point to Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking. "This boondocking spot is a must-visit for spectacular views, even with a late-night arrival!"

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. Wayne M. appreciated North Park Campground, noting: "The bathroom and laundry facilities were spotless with all the expected amenities. Campground staff visited to ensure all was well and to give me useful pointers about the local area."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk provide prime viewing times. Caitlin B. shared her experience at Cottonwood Campground: "We were one of a few campers in this campground. Amazingly vast and wild! Highly recommend!!! We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget."

Privacy in tent camping areas: Some locations offer secluded sites. "The campsite was pleasantly private with fencing and plenty of space," reports Wayne M. about North Park Campground's tent sites, adding it was "Totally quiet during the night!"

What you should know

Seasonal availability varies: Several campgrounds operate only during warmer months. "Sully Creek State Park offers seasonal camping from April through November with pet-friendly sites and access to trails," according to visitor information.

Weather challenges: Temperature swings can be extreme. "Rooftop tent campers be aware the top ridge is so windy the first night we stayed we were whipping around all night but the second night we stayed on the lower ridge and the wind was much better," advises Lynsey M. about Grassland Dispersed Camping.

Water access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted water availability. "Get here early. It's worth it!" recommends a camper about securing one of the limited dispersed sites, which have no water facilities.

Train noise: Rail lines run near several campgrounds. Larry H. notes about Patterson Lake Recreation Area: "Near some train tracks but they don't seem to blow the horn as much at night. The staff was friendly."

Tips for camping with families

Pool access: Some campgrounds offer swimming facilities. Amber W. recommends Medora Campground: "It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees. Great playground."

Playground equipment: Several sites feature dedicated play areas. Beth B. mentions Medora Campground has "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person."

Wildlife education: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting with children. Glenn I. says of Cottonwood Campground: "This spot is unbelievable. Gorgeous views. Buffalo in the campground. Quiet, private enough, clean pot toilets, secure bear garbages."

No grocery stores in smaller towns: Stock up before arrival. Beth B. cautions about Medora: "No grocery store, only small convenience store so make sure you stock up if you are staying for a few days."

Tips from RVers

Extended hose requirements: Some hookup layouts require longer connections. Joe C. advises about The Crossings Campground: "Full hook ups, but make sure you bring plenty of sewer hose if your RV is any size. The same goes for electric and water hose."

Pet-friendly accommodations: Most campgrounds welcome pets with proper restraint. Robert D. describes Camp On The Heart as an "Awesome park, cheap prices, and right on the river. 1 of 2 campgrounds in dickenson,nd. Perfect spot to set up and relax!"

Level sites availability: Many RV sites are well-maintained. Mary D. found North Park Campground offered "Full hookups. Level sites. Laundry and bathhouse were clean and convenient. Would stay again."

Internet connectivity: Cell reception varies by location. A reviewer at The Crossings noted: "This is a bone basic FULL HOOK UP (water, sewer, electric) campground with rock solid smoking fast T-Mobile 5G."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dickinson, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dickinson, ND is North Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dickinson, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 dog-friendly camping locations near Dickinson, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.