K
Kasey 
Guide
GuideBuffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp
Nice large open spots
There was plenty of room at the top. Very flat, open land. You can still hear the traffic from the interstate. There is free-roaming livestock, just be aware.
Camping near Fairfield, ND
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Fairfield (64)
1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"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."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
"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."
3. Medora Campground
"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."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Magpie Campground
"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."
from $6 / night
Check Availability5. Rough Rider State Park Campground
"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability6. Red Trail Campground
"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!"
from $27 - $46 / night
Check Availability7. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)
"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"
from $20 / night
Check Availability9. Grassy Butte Community Park
"We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade."
10. Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 53 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 39 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 47 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 24 min from Billings, MT
Recent Camping Photos near Fairfield, ND
91 Photos of 64 Fairfield Campgrounds
Paul M.
Wannagan Campground
Andrew W.
The Crossings Campground
Jim M.
Elkhorn Campground
kevin T.
Bennett
Chris O.
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Stefanie Z.
Medora Campground
John H.
Red Trail Campground
Rachel B.
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Nevin C.
Summit Campground
MickandKarla W.
Rough Rider State Park Campground
Scott D.
Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)
Kalene H.
Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Recent Reviews near Fairfield, ND
421 Reviews of 64 Fairfield Campgrounds
- Thomas R.Guide
BLM Schnell Recreation Area
Nicely kept , quiet
Nicely kept, fire ring and grill, picnic table under a shade tree, trash can at campsite and in vault toilets, easy pull through. If it had water and even a central dump, I’d give it a 5
- RRobin W.Guide
Patterson Lake Rec Area
Okay to get by
The train literally runs past less than a football field away. You cannot stay more than 14 days. Little to no shade except for in the evenings.
Glenn B.GuideBuffalo Gap Campground (ND)
Everything you need
We camped here to visit the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. It is about 10 minutes from the visitor center and just off interstate 94 exit 18. We could see the highway but no excessive road noise. The sites are mostly level, paved anered have picnic tables and fire rings. Nice host named Darth. There is a dump station and a place to get water by the pavilion -you need a long hose or use theirs to rs. It is convenient to the petrified forest trail. We had to go up the entrance road to get a Verizon signal. My travlfi router delivered 5G on SIM 2 which is probably T-Mobile.
Marikate D.
TravelerBuffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp
Easy
Very bumpy dirt access road but lovely views and right off the highway!
- JJennifer F.Traveler
BLM Schnell Recreation Area
Peaceful, quiet
Nice picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Pit toilets that look nice from afar. I didn't use them. Beautiful sunset with lots of birds and cow bellering in the distance.
Andrew S.GuideRed Trail Campground
Gets the Job Done
This was the cheapest option we could find ($28.50 for a tent) within walking distance of Medora. Bathroom facilities were nothing fancy but showers were hot. Overall this spot is a decent option for the convenience of staying in Medora.
- Andrew S.Guide
Summit Campground
Convenient and Free
The sites were well maintained and close to the entrance of the north unit of Teddy Roosevelt. For the cost (nothing) it is a great convenient option, just claim you spot early because they fill up fast! It also looked like there were some additional spots down the hill to the east of the toilet, but not accessible if muddy.
- DDebra P.Guide
Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Second visit
I truly enjoy this location. It’s quiet, clean and well kept. There is a lot of space between the spaces. Pit toilets, no showers but easily accessible from the highway. Conveniently located just a mile outside of the North Theodore Roosevelt NP.
Guide to Fairfield
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?
What camping is available near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fairfield, ND offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Fairfield, ND and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fairfield, ND?
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 72 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fairfield, ND?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fairfield, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Fairfield, ND.
What parks are 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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