Best Dispersed Camping near Fairfield, ND

Dispersed camping options near Fairfield, North Dakota include several free primitive sites on public lands. The most highly rated area is Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, located approximately 10 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This area features multiple pullouts along a dirt road with established camping spots at various elevations. Buffalo Gap Road and West River Road also offer dispersed camping opportunities, though with fewer amenities and less reliable access.

No facilities exist at these sites. Campers must pack in all water and supplies and pack out all trash. According to recent visitors, the main Grassland Boondocking area is accessible via a gravel road that becomes a dirt track. Several campers noted that "2WD/low clearance is no problem on the dirt road," though conditions may deteriorate after rain. The road requires careful navigation as one section is "a little washed out, but generally easy access."

These sites provide exceptional stargazing opportunities on clear nights. Cellular service varies by location and elevation, with better reception typically found at higher elevations. Verizon and AT&T coverage is generally reliable on the bluffs. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds common on exposed ridges. Visitors should be aware of wildlife, including cattle that occasionally graze through the area and potential rattlesnakes in brushy areas. The sites fill more quickly in the evening hours, particularly during summer weekends and near sunset. For water and dumping services, Sully Creek State Park is the nearest facility.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Fairfield, North Dakota (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Fairfield, ND

55 Photos of 8 Fairfield Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Fairfield, ND

60 Reviews of 8 Fairfield Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Amazing Views, Easy Access, Quiet Stay

    Arrived the afternoon 07/27/24 and had no issues finding a spot. Went past where Google maps took us for Scoria Pit and up the hill to sit atop on the bluffs for some amazing views! No amenities, but the location and quietness around us was very much worth it. Good location a little off the highway near Theodore Roosevelt NP. One section of the road was a little washed out, but generally easy access.

  • Issa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    A Breathe of Fresh Air

    Pulled up to the first campsite which was very easy to get to. Very peaceful. Around 9:30pm another camper pulled up next to me which seems like bad camping etiquette but maybe this is considered overflow since there’s enough space for two. I ended up moving to a different spot. Tried to make my way down to the petrified forest hike which is five miles down the dirt road but the last half mile was too washed out for my van to make it. Visited early June.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed

    Cow Country

    Beautiful but confusing. I originally went to dispersed camping on the other side of the highway but it was completely full!

    Despite the one negative review, I decided to scope out west river. There wasn’t a closure like they mentioned so I thought I was in the clear. But when I pulled into what I thought would be a spot, the road was deserving a 4WD. I went anyway and crossed paths with a couple of locals out there shooting. It didn’t scream safety.

    Looking back, I’m sure it could be multi-use and fine to camp. Either way, I ended up the road car camping in what was essentially a turnout. I was awoken to the mooing of cows bright and early.

  • 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.

  • Abraham The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Primo boondocking

    Just a dirt road with ample pullouts for camping/RVs. 2wd/low clearance is no problem on the dirt road. It's a right turn after the first cattle guard, previous reviewers were saying they had trouble finding the spot, I'd recommend Gaia gps or something similar.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2022

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Easy, good views, privacy

    There is one spectacular site at the end of the road and up a hill that overlooks the whole area. I wish I had gotten the opportunity to stay there. My site was simply okay. However, this campground was super easy to get to. 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Absolutely beautiful views

    Narrow Road, but plenty of spots to park at as well as not being too close to the next camper! Some of the most beautiful views you’ll see

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Quiet, scenic solitude

    A red dirt road with a series of pull-in spots large enough to accommodate a camper or RV. Spots are spaced out a couple hundred feet. Other than your fellow boondockers, there’s no one else in sight. The views are picturesque.


Guide to Fairfield

Dispersed camping near Fairfield, North Dakota offers primitive sites across multiple elevations of the Little Missouri National Grassland. The terrain consists of rugged badlands with red scoria soil and dramatic buttes rising 200-500 feet above the surrounding plains. Summer temperatures range from 45-95°F with minimal rainfall, though sudden thunderstorms can significantly impact road conditions on dirt access routes.

What to do

Horseback riding opportunities: Local ranches offer guided rides through the grasslands surrounding Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking. "Medora is nearby with opportunities for dining & entertainment," notes camper Kathy S., making it easy to arrange outdoor adventures between camping sessions.

Early morning wildlife viewing: Dawn hours provide optimal conditions for spotting pronghorn, mule deer, and prairie birds. "We were awoken to the mooing of cows bright and early," reports Maddy T. about her experience at West River Road, highlighting the mix of wildlife and grazing livestock that frequents these areas.

Photography at varying elevations: The higher camping spots offer panoramic vistas while lower areas provide intimate badlands compositions. One visitor at Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp observed "an hours long sunset and very early sunrise," creating exceptional photography conditions with dramatic shadows across the landscape.

What campers like

Multiple camping zones: The dispersed areas feature distinct camping experiences based on elevation. "If you get to the top of the road and it is blocked, you can move the fencing and go beyond. Several people were," explains Alice C., revealing that persistent campers can access premium spots with proper vehicles.

Cell service for remote work: Unlike many wilderness camping areas, these sites often have surprisingly good connectivity. "Good cell service as well," confirms Tyler K. about his experience at Little Missouri National Grassland, making these locations suitable for digital nomads.

Privacy between sites: Despite popularity during peak seasons, the camping areas maintain good separation. "There are about 5-7 pullouts that I could see. Each are private with plenty of space. You might see another person but the sites are far enough away from each other to not be a bother," reports camper goose10091203.

What you should know

Arrival timing matters: Competition for prime spots intensifies during certain hours. "There is alot of people looking for spots on a Monday. Get here early. It's worth it!" advises goose10091203, contradicting assumptions that weekdays might be less busy.

Road conditions vary seasonally: Recent weather significantly impacts accessibility. "After the first cattle guard, it's the first right! The coordinates might not be correct. If you cross a second cattle guard, you went too far," notes Alice C. about finding the correct entrance to West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed.

Wind exposure differences: Wind patterns vary dramatically by elevation. "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," warns Lynsey M., offering critical information for tent and rooftop tent users.

Tips for camping with families

Utilize nearby facilities: Locate services for periodic comfort. "We were able to use all the facilities at the Painted Canyon Visitor center for morning rituals (aka teeth brushing bathroom in a toilet, face washing etc)," shares Lynsey M., providing practical solutions for free camping with children.

Plan for shower access: Identify pay shower options for longer stays. "We did drive to a Rough Rider State park for a shower which was 5$ a person (totally worth it after multiple muddy river crossings on our hike)," recommends Lynsey M. at Camels Hump Lake.

Wildlife awareness: Educate children about local wildlife safety protocols. "There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening though!" observed Joseph G., indicating that wildlife encounters are common and create educational opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Proceed beyond initial camping areas for better options. "The coordinates are for the first spot. I don't know how many spots there are, but I just went until I found an empty spot. It was easy to get level," recommends Joni Z., suggesting that persistence pays off when seeking the ideal RV position.

Leveling considerations: Prepare leveling equipment as sites vary in grade. "If you have a 4x4 you can get up to the last spot before the fence on the right!" explains Alice C., indicating that vehicle capability determines access to the most level premium spots for RVs.

Timing for late arrivals: Free camping near Fairfield, North Dakota can accommodate evening arrivals with proper planning. "We arrived late, about 9:30 on Sunday evening and we were still able to find a spot," shares James K., providing reassurance that late-day arrivals can still secure suitable camping locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fairfield, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fairfield, ND is Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking with a 4.8-star rating from 58 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fairfield, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Fairfield, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.