Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Dunn Center, ND is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dunn Center campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Dunn Center, reviewed by campers like you.
For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is open from May through October.
Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The group site can accommodate between seven and 60 people with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles. There are no hookups; a dump station is available for campers. All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads.
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
$30 / night
Little Missouri State Park is situated along the Little Missouri River, just a short distance west of where it empties into Lake Sakakawea. The park can be accessed by way of Killdeer, 20 miles to the south, or New Town, 45 miles to the northeast. This 4,600-acre park consisting of rugged Badland terrain and river wetlands was established in 1971, however has been increasingly encroached upon by oil drilling operations since 2011. Despite this, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the scenery on more than 45 miles of hiking and riding trails throughout the park. The park offers 35 drive-in campsites, including primitive tent sites, modern RV sites with electricity, and large group shelter sites. Most sites are in open, grassy areas and are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground features vault toilets, a shower house, picnic shelters, and a dump station. As a popular equestrian park, there are horse corral, a round pen, and hay is available for purchase. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from May through October. Individual sites are $12–$15/night; group sites are $60–$100/night; reservations accepted. From the campground at Little Missouri State Park, hikers and horseback riders have access to more than 45 miles of trails for exploring the nearby badlands on the adjacent public and private lands. Visitors can download a trail map from the park’s website, or obtain one at the park. Trails are color-coded to show their ratings, from easy to difficult, and interconnected segments allow for short or long hikes and rides. Equestrians are required to remain on designated horse trails, and riders need to obtain horse passes at the park. Visitors should inquire about trail conditions before heading into the badlands area.
CCC Campground lies in the Badlands of North Dakota. There are a few trials located here. __There are 32 sites and 3 campground loops. The campground has 5 reservable sites. This is a pay and scan facility. Ensure that you have Receration.gov app downloaded on your phone prior to arriving. Scan QR code to make payment. This location also excepts cash, use the fee envelopes located at the fee tubes for cash payments.__
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Here you will be surrounded by colorful buttes. During your stay you may have Prong horn, mule and white tail deer going through your site. On rare occasions Big horn sheep can be seen grazing in the area. This area is great for birders, plant enthusiast during the spring and summer months. Perfect all year for the outdoor adventurers.__
Right across the river is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Watford City is a 15 min drive north on HWY 85 for any supplies that you may need.__
$10 / night
Turn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground. This fenced camp features 11 camp spurs. A handicap accessible vault toilet and a potable water well are available during the summer months. A convenient meeting area for those traveling to Devil's Pass or the Ice Caves. A great shaded area in the summer!
$6 / night
This recreation area is part of Sakakawea Lake
For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is open from May through October.
Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The group site can accommodate between seven and 60 people with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles. There are no hookups; a dump station is available for campers. All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads.
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
$30 / night
Little Missouri State Park is situated along the Little Missouri River, just a short distance west of where it empties into Lake Sakakawea. The park can be accessed by way of Killdeer, 20 miles to the south, or New Town, 45 miles to the northeast. This 4,600-acre park consisting of rugged Badland terrain and river wetlands was established in 1971, however has been increasingly encroached upon by oil drilling operations since 2011. Despite this, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out and enjoy the scenery on more than 45 miles of hiking and riding trails throughout the park. The park offers 35 drive-in campsites, including primitive tent sites, modern RV sites with electricity, and large group shelter sites. Most sites are in open, grassy areas and are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground features vault toilets, a shower house, picnic shelters, and a dump station. As a popular equestrian park, there are horse corral, a round pen, and hay is available for purchase. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from May through October. Individual sites are $12–$15/night; group sites are $60–$100/night; reservations accepted. From the campground at Little Missouri State Park, hikers and horseback riders have access to more than 45 miles of trails for exploring the nearby badlands on the adjacent public and private lands. Visitors can download a trail map from the park’s website, or obtain one at the park. Trails are color-coded to show their ratings, from easy to difficult, and interconnected segments allow for short or long hikes and rides. Equestrians are required to remain on designated horse trails, and riders need to obtain horse passes at the park. Visitors should inquire about trail conditions before heading into the badlands area.
CCC Campground lies in the Badlands of North Dakota. There are a few trials located here. __There are 32 sites and 3 campground loops. The campground has 5 reservable sites. This is a pay and scan facility. Ensure that you have Receration.gov app downloaded on your phone prior to arriving. Scan QR code to make payment. This location also excepts cash, use the fee envelopes located at the fee tubes for cash payments.__
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Here you will be surrounded by colorful buttes. During your stay you may have Prong horn, mule and white tail deer going through your site. On rare occasions Big horn sheep can be seen grazing in the area. This area is great for birders, plant enthusiast during the spring and summer months. Perfect all year for the outdoor adventurers.__
Right across the river is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Watford City is a 15 min drive north on HWY 85 for any supplies that you may need.__
$10 / night
Turn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground. This fenced camp features 11 camp spurs. A handicap accessible vault toilet and a potable water well are available during the summer months. A convenient meeting area for those traveling to Devil's Pass or the Ice Caves. A great shaded area in the summer!
$6 / night
Guide
Reasonable rates for FHU.. Quiet shady site. Friendly staff. Bathrooms adequate. Wifi inconsistent. Good verizon signal.
Traveler
Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD. Campsite was empty, so we had different sites to choose from. We were in a spot with some shade for our tent. Close to clean pit toilet. Hand pump was hard to pump which produced light brown water which wasn't something we wanted to drink, so bring in your own water. Site had large picnic table and fire ring. Nice view of landscape and Trailhead nearby. Nearby is Elkhorn Ranch Unit trail leading to Theodore Roosevelt Ranch site. No buildings but interpretive signage.
Guide
I arrived very late in the night, but I’m so happy I stayed here! There were plenty of first come first serve sites. 49 was where I stayed and it was tucked away enough that I had privacy. The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha. Some of the campers ventured a bit too close to them in my opinion and got very loud/excited about it. The bathroom was clean, but for some reason like a sauna at night! Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing! I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way and everything!
ScoutOn a motorcycle camping vacation I reserved a tent site at North Park campground. 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. 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. Totally quiet during the night! The campground is isolated from the city yet plenty close enough to shopping and fuel. There is no campground store (who cares?). I’ll stay here again for sure!
Guide
I’ve stayed here multiple times. The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it’s even more secluded. Every time I’ve been here, the camp is never over 1/2 full. The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. 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. From there, either head west towards Devil’s Pass or east towards the ice caves. At dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance
Guide
If you can't get into the national park this is the next best thing. Good spacing. Trailhead for maah daah hey .
TravelerThis place is awesome. The super nice lady gave me a tent site for my 19ft van in complete shade with a private grass area and picnic table. It was perfect. Everything is clean, laundry, quiet.
LegendThe National Park North Unit and Campground(CG) is easy to find off US-85. We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located. We pulled up to the information and sign-in board for this first come, first serve CG at about 11:30 AM Mountain Time(interesting that when we got to the north unit area, our phones went back to central time, and after a quick Google search, we found out that the north unit runs on central time). A gentleman let us know that he had just pulled in and grabbed a campsite near the entrance/exit and that we’d probably only fit in site 8(this CG is all dry camping) as the perimeter campsites, both back-ins and pull-throughs, were too short for us. The other longer sites were already taken. We proceeded to pull through site 8, which is a long, quarter moon-shaped asphalt site. We maneuvered around to stay away from tree branches and stay on the pad. The picnic table and stand-up barbecue were on the driver’s side, but since the sites are nicely spaced out, this was not a problem. We then filled out our registration envelope, placed $14 cash(Access Pass discount) in the folder, put the tab on our post, and deposited the envelope in the registration area. We could have also written a check or used a credit card to pay. We got on and off 1 bar on Verizon. We did have a good shot north for Starlink. They have a vaulted toilet and flush toilet building along with potable water at the dump station. There are about a half dozen sites for longer rigs, such as 32, 42, and 43, 49, with 5 being the best site. We had our two dogs with us, and there was plenty of room to walk them around the CG. There was plenty of bison poop in the CG, but we didn't see any during our two-night stay. Watford City is 17 miles north and has your major amenities. We enjoyed using this CG as a base to explore the North Unit.
TravelerIt was an awesome campground. The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s an access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground. There’s no shade so it can get hot and you can see every other campsite but it’s still really awesome!
GuideIt was nice to find a park a little bit off the freeway. Friendly hosts and really big place so lots of open slots
Traveler
Lovely place to stay, clean with trash cans and vault toilets. Unfortunately we had 5 hail storms that night.
RangerFirst time we ever boondocked in our 5th wheel. This place is nice & peaceful, well except for the 2 steer that went through our site lol.
Trey have one modern restroom, no showers. Excellent basecamp for the north unit. Plenty of wildlife & scenery to find.
When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs. So if you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site. Camphost was great. Watford City about 20 minutes away for groceries & gas.
Guide
There are 8 electric RV sites according to the map but it looks like there's a few more here. The sites are grass. We found sites pretty level on the way but on the south side they are steep, better for tents. There are bathrooms and a shower but they were in terrible shape, I wouldn't use them. Otherwise it's nice and quiet. Disc golf, playground and a ball field are here.
ScoutTen years ago the campground was clean, weed free, well maintained and now it is an embarrassment of what it once was. Once having the American flag flying, no more. Once practically weed free, no more. Ten years ago it offered information of the region now that is gone. Stand by the Register and enjoy the Canada Thistle growing at your feet. Walk to Slater pond and work your way through the unkept, weed infested trail of Canada Thistle and Leafy Spurge. What a disappointment in such a short period of time. I can see my money is not well spent.
ScoutThe campsite was mostly empty so we got to choose pretty much any campsite! Very close to TRNP with just as good of views! The weather was nice but very very hot!
LegendWe weren't even here and parked... 15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper. I knew we would see them but wow!!! I was in awe..it came right by me and I backed off and knew to respect it. It was on a mission and heading to the woods. Up to 2000 lbs and can travel 30mph!
North side was quiet. We were worried about a campsite and got moving early to get here, but we stayed on a Monday and had no issues. We had our pick of quite a few spots. It got busier by the end of the day, but still spots open for campers. Also cant beat $14 to stay. No electric but it does have a place for water and to dump. Bathrooms are actually really nice and clean, no showers. We did not have cell reception but so travel with Starlink.
Convenient to drive the scenic route and to hike.
RangerOnly a handful of spots but they are nicely separated with some privacy. Small maintained trails and really pretty. It is a wet year and everything is very green and yes you need to be prepared for ticks to hike in the tall grass. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. Not sure what more to expect from it.
LegendBeautiful, well maintained campground. Lots of different site to include pull thru, back in, walk in tent sites and a group site. New bathroom on site. Walking distance to the cannonball creations. There is also a dump station here unlike Cottonwood Camp in the South unit.
Guide
This place is a steal for the price they charge! I watched the sun rise over the ND badlands! The Campground was immaculate, the ranger on duty was super helpful, and I had the whole grounds to myself (it was on a Tuesday). 100% reccommend!!
RangerI stayed here one night on my way to Medora. It is very pretty and it has a nice playground for the kids. It is not large and there was no on-site host or attendant at the entrance so it is best to make your reservations on-line so you know which campsite is yours and you don’t occupy a reserved site. When I was there reserved sites were not marked as being reserved. It has a very good bathroom and the campground is a short drive from Salem Sue, a huge statue of a cow that is high on a hill and can be seen from the intertate.
RangerI really enjoyed this campground. The roads and parking pads are paved! The bathroom was recently built and it is clean and well maintained with running water and flush toilets. Also, the camp hosts were very friendly and helpful with tips on what to see and to do in and around the park.
North
Scout8 camp spaces, mostly hunters, no cell coverage
GuideFirst come first serve camping. We had a pull thru. Some of the back ins look a little short. Generators have to be off by 8. Very quiet. Lots of stars. There is a water faucet but you have to carry water. No hook ups. Gorgeous views.
Scout
No frills, Made reservations same day got here it is all grass but has full hookups, which we needed since it was 103 degrees that day and only $30. We were the only camper there. No office or host so we just parked in the spot we reserved. Did not like that the hookups for water and sewer in our site was on the opposite side than any other park we stayed so make sure you have plenty of sewer and water hose in case you get one of those spots. All and all it was fine
TravelerStopped over to sleep on our way home from Glacier NP.
Pulled in late with no reservation. 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.
Very large, open park with lots of pull through sights. perfectly level side to side.
Close to several shopping and food locations if you need to refuel or restock.
Clean, quite, friendly, & reasonably priced
If I find my self travelling through ND again, I would definitely stop here again on my way
GuideWe felt so fortunate to procure a site at this first come, first serve campground. Well-situated sites with gorgeous views. Clean restrooms with flush toilets and running water!
LegendThis place is very well kept. Vault toilets and hand pump for water. The views are just awesome. 360 deg. Large sites spaced far apart. 40 plus sites. Host said never full. $10 a night. No road noise. Lots of wildlife. Deer and prairie dogs.
Camping near Dunn Center, North Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a base for outdoor adventures, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Dunn Center, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dunn Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dunn Center, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 47 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunn Center, ND and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Dunn Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunn Center, ND is Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunn Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dunn Center, ND.
What parks are near Dunn Center, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Dunn Center, ND that allow camping, notably Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Sakakawea Lake.
