Dispersed camping options near Dunn Center, North Dakota provide access to the badlands landscape, with elevations ranging between 1,800-2,500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day while dropping to 45-50°F at night, requiring campers to pack for significant temperature swings. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Summit Campground: Located approximately 40 miles northeast of Dunn Center along Highway 85, this free camping area offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "There are plenty of spots available with even ground and fire pits. Be aware of current fire conditions posted on the NPS billboard at the bathrooms," notes Brett D. about Summit Campground.
Horseback riding on backcountry trails: Little Missouri State Park features extensive equestrian trails through rugged terrain. "The horse and hiking trails are unbelievable. The campgrounds themselves are quiet. You'll experience starry skies and the howls of coyotes. The roads aren't paved and there aren't many trees in the campgrounds themselves," writes Jessica S. about Little Missouri State Park Campground.
Mountain biking access: Magpie Campground connects directly to the 100+ mile Maah Daah Hey Trail system. "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," explains Cullen C.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: The remote locations of many camping spots near Dunn Center provide exceptional night sky viewing. "I arrived very late in the night, but I'm so happy I stayed here! There were plenty of first come first serve sites... 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!" shares Stephanie W. about Juniper Campground.
Solitude and privacy: For campers seeking peace and quiet, Magpie Campground delivers secluded sites. "We camped here in the middle of the week and we saw only three other camping groups during our two days here. There is a well to pump your own water from and a super clean, enclosed pit toilet. The sights have a picnic table and a metal fire ring with a grill attached. The stars were beautiful and the camp was so quiet," writes Laura C. about Magpie Campground.
Clean facilities: North Park Campground provides well-maintained amenities for travelers. "This 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," shares Marlo C.
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Many camping locations near Dunn Center require driving on unpaved roads. "The campsite is 8 miles off the highway on a dirt road so don't plan to go back-forth a lot. But it's worth it for the peace and surrounding beauty," notes one visitor about accessing remote sites. Another camper adds, "Only downfall was the long drive on the rough/unpaved roads. My Toyota Corolla isn't the best 'off roading' car, but we got there safely."
Limited water access: Bring sufficient water supplies when visiting primitive sites. At CCC Campground, "There are plenty of pit toilets, potable water, and electric. The views from the park are amazing! Sites are big and each has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The road in (1 mile) is well maintained," explains Scott D.
Weather fluctuations: Prepare for rapidly changing conditions and temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night. "October can be cold! It got down below freezing in the first week of October. It gets windy," warns Nicole C. about camping in the area during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Killdeer City Park offers family-friendly amenities close to town. "We stayed 1 night passing through it was a nice trip. We will come back again," notes Jesse S. about this convenient option with playground facilities.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs at Juniper Campground provide learning experiences for children. "Plenty of trees provide privacy in this nice National Park campsite that's just a short walk to the banks of the Little Missouri River. Has the standard National Park features, but our kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs," shares Lee L.
Wildlife viewing safety: When camping with children near Grassy Butte Community Park, maintain safe distances from wildlife. "Quiet town, rural area. City park has a couple of historical buildings and some playground equipment. Sites are along the north side of the park," notes Luckybreak R. Another visitor adds, "This is a beautiful spot to land for a night or more. Quiet, we're the only people here and the host said that's usually the case. $15 a night with 110 extension cord power - can't beat that!"
Tips from RVers
Levelness of sites: Many campgrounds in the area feature uneven terrain. "Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house," explains Chris A. about conditions at Juniper Campground.
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited in the area. "Very friendly front office. The host saw us pull after hours and came and met us to help out. Perfect overnight stop for a quick on and off sleep on our way back to Michigan from Glacier National Park. The site was perfectly level and with full hook-ups for $42 a night!" shares Karen B. about North Park Campground.
Size restrictions: Larger RVs face limitations at many area campgrounds. "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," warns Bob M. about navigating Juniper Campground with larger recreational vehicles.
