Camping opportunities around Fairfield, North Dakota include developed campgrounds within the Little Missouri National Grassland and the nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Magpie Campground, located near Fairfield, provides primitive tent and RV camping with direct access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail system. The region includes several established camping areas like Cottonwood and Juniper Campgrounds within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as well as dispersed sites on public lands. Visitors can choose from tent sites, RV hookups, and occasional glamping opportunities depending on the specific campground.
Road conditions throughout the area vary considerably, with many campgrounds accessible only via unpaved roads that may become challenging during wet weather. "A little difficult to access if you've never been but worth it. Direct access to 100+ miles of the Maah Daah Hey trail!" noted a camper about Magpie Campground. Most established campgrounds remain open from spring through fall, though some like Cottonwood Campground operate year-round. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically across seasons, with summer highs sometimes exceeding 90°F and winter bringing snowfall and freezing conditions. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many camping areas, particularly those in more remote sections of the grasslands.
Campers consistently highlight the privacy and scenic views available at campgrounds in the region. Magpie Campground receives praise for its secluded sites separated by trees, providing privacy even when multiple sites are occupied. A recent review noted that "the sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it's even more secluded." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with visitors frequently reporting sightings of birds, deer, and occasional bison depending on location. Most developed campground areas provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while more remote dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. Water availability varies by campground, with some offering hand pumps for drinking water and others requiring visitors to bring their own supply.
$10 - $60 / night
"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."
"Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."
"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."
"The road in was fairly flat, and basically right off the highway. You can have the option of lots of privacy as well. Most of the sites are quite a distance away from each other."
$30 - $60 / night
"There's a picnic table, but it was very hot outside without shade. There's a great creek within walking distance that you can cool off in and let the dogs run around."
"Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora."
$6 / night
"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."
"They said they had good trails, but we didn’t have much time to explore. Beautiful views and very peaceful. Only downfall was the long drive on the rough/ unpaved roads."
$15 - $25 / night
"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."
$27 - $46 / night
"We stayed at Red Trail campground in Medora, ND in September 2021. This is a great little park right outside Theodore Roosevelt National park."
"Walking distance to downtown and very short drive to the national park! The site was kind of unlevel but the laundry machines were great!"
$30 / night
"Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean. The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife."
"We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located."
$20 / night
"General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway)."
"Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"
"We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade."
$10 / night
"This campground offers beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands. Additionally, you can access the Maah Daah Hey Trail and explore the Badlands from here."
"Easy 1 mile drive on well maintained gravel/dirt road off Highway 85. The campground appears to have been recently renovated. The fire pit and barbecue have never been used."
RangerGreat experience at this campground. Toilets, water, trash/recycling. Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings. Stunning views and wildlife experiences. Not a good park for walking dogs.
TravelerBare bones camping. Has a clean toilet, well pump, picnic tables and fire rings. Quiet. Pitch black at night. Great for stars.
GuideGreat place to stop, right off the hwy. Quiet, only a few spots, right on the lake.
GuideGreat location in Medora. Clean bathrooms and showers. Quiet even though spots are close together.
GuideWe did get spot 12 on Tuesday and the view is amazing
GuideMet a Ranger on the way up, he said good luck. It was full. They now only have 15 spaces set up there
TravelerCampsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water
GuideI was under the impression that this was a dispersed campground, but it is not ($10 per site). It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.
Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites. Vault toilets are newer and clean. Last 8.6 miles of road is well maintained gravel and wide enough for all types of RV, but unsure if there are pull-through sites.
Minimal flying bugs … no repellant required although we did set a citronella candle out.
Elevation: 2710’. We had site #5 and had great views and privacy.
GuideWe got here late right before sunset. A lot of the number of sites taken, but we did find one. We stayed on lot 12, and it worked for and overnight. Great sunset. Not as secluded we like but was quiet.
Camping in the Fairfield, North Dakota region spans from established forest campgrounds to remote dispersed sites, with Magpie Campground serving as a central developed option. Located in the western North Dakota badlands, the area provides access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail system and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Most campgrounds accommodate tents and RVs, while some sites like Cottonwood and Medora Campgrounds offer more developed facilities with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water.
Road conditions vary significantly depending on the campground, with several sites requiring travel on unpaved roads. "The campsite is a good 25 min 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," noted one visitor about Magpie Campground. Many camping areas remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making access to water sources particularly valuable. Visitors should bring exact cash or checks for payment at most forest service sites, as change-making services are rarely available. Cell coverage is limited or non-existent at more remote locations.
The camping experience in the Fairfield area offers unique access to badlands terrain and wildlife viewing. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful, secluded nature of the campgrounds as a major highlight. A camper described Magpie Campground as having "trees between the sites making them much more private. Great hiking nearby, and only a couple other people there on a weekend in June." Wildlife sightings are common, with many reviews noting opportunities to view birds, waterfowl, and coyotes. Stargazing conditions are excellent due to minimal light pollution, with one reviewer even reporting viewing the northern lights. Campgrounds near the Maah Daah Hey Trail are particularly popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders looking to access this 100+ mile trail system that winds through the badlands landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fairfield, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Fairfield, ND and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fairfield, ND is Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 71 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Fairfield, ND.
What parks are near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Fairfield, ND that allow camping, notably Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Dakota Prairie National Grasslands.
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