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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Fairfield, ND

391 Reviews

Magpie Campground, located directly in Fairfield, North Dakota, welcomes pets throughout its campground without additional fees. The established campground provides tent sites, RV spaces, and glamping options where campers can bring their dogs for overnight stays. Bison regularly visit the campground area, so keeping pets leashed and under control is essential for safety. The campground offers drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection, creating a comfortable base for campers with pets. Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Cottonwood Campground also accepts pets but requires them to remain leashed at all times due to frequent wildlife encounters, including buffalo that sometimes walk through the campsites within 10 feet of camping areas.

Dispersed camping options near Fairfield provide free alternatives for pet owners seeking more solitude. Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping, rated exceptionally highly by visitors, allows dogs throughout its spacious, quiet sites while offering spectacular stargazing opportunities and dust-free camping locations. The surrounding area features numerous pet-accessible hiking trails, including access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail from CCC Campground near Watford City. Dogs must be kept leashed on all trails due to wildlife, including bison, elk, wild horses, and snakes that frequently appear throughout the region. When hiking with pets during summer months, carrying extra water is essential as many trails offer limited shade and temperatures can rise significantly during daylight hours.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Fairfield, North Dakota (40)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    71 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs.  "

    "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."

    2. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    57 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "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."

    "It’s a little bumpy so take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback.

    A quick word of warning: rattlesnakes could be in the bushes!"

    3. Medora Campground

    44 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Convenient location for exploring Medora. It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees."

    "Our site was a pull in from one road, and the neighbors sites was a pull in from the parallel road, leaving us to share space - literally two picnic tables next to one another."

    4. Magpie Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    $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."

    5. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-2024

    "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."

    6. Red Trail Campground

    20 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 621-4317

    $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."

    "Pet friendly, close to town, nice little store and friendly! Each site has a grill and picnic table. Most sites gravel - our site was very level. Water pressure is good!"

    7. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    32 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $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."

    8. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    22 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $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"

    9. Grassy Butte Community Park

    2 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    14 miles
    +1 (701) 863-6906

    "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

    17 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    28 miles
    +1 (701) 842-8500

    $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."

    "Deer and prairie dogs."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Fairfield, ND

22 Photos of 40 Fairfield Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Fairfield, ND

391 Reviews of 40 Fairfield Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Medora Campground

    Medora the Beautiful

    This is our first time staying at a public campground, so I was thinking, maybe it wouldn’t be that great… This place has everything you need and more! Convenient location for exploring Medora. It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees. Great playground, It has a little store connected to the office that has little goodies that you might need for your stay. While in Medora, you must get a caramel roll from Country Cafe (I think that’s the name, cash only and right behind the Badlands motel) best caramel roll I have ever had in my life!

  • Jackie F.
    Aug. 11, 2022

    Medora Campground

    Best Choice for the Area

    Tried to stay inside TRNP next door but learned quickly there weren’t any hookups. This place had some harsh reviews on Campendium app however we found it delightful. The biggest woe here is that the sites are extremely tight. Our site was a pull in from one road, and the neighbors sites was a pull in from the parallel road, leaving us to share space - literally two picnic tables next to one another. Other than that though, gorgeous scenery well maintained sidewalks that you can hike or bike right into town. A public dog park at the end of the street. And our section was brand new. The electric poles were new. The sewer hookup at our site seemed a bit big but we have an adapter. Overall would highly recommend if in Medora!

  • B
    May. 12, 2019

    Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    A Cheap Alternative

    A cheaper alternative to TRNP’s Juniper Campground. 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. The campground is well kept and is typically pretty quiet. There are no showers, but there is toilets and accessible drinking water.

  • D
    May. 23, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Where the buffalo roam

    Camped late April for 5 days, so it was offseason one pit toilet open one water spigot open in the campground.  There are two loops, the south look which is tenting and smaller sized trailer sites but it was not yet open while we were there,  The North Loop is mainly pull through sites and can handle larger sized RV's.  This is dry camping, there are no hookups.  You can experience some nice hiking and opportunities for wildlife viewing.  Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning.   Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs.  Currently Western North Dakota is experiencing a drought, and being early in the season for the campground, it was dry and dusty but did not prevent us from hiking and exploring the park.  There is a convenience store in Medora ND right outside the park entrance that you can purchase basics but there was no grocery store.  Part of the scenic loop drive is closed due to road erosion but you can still travel most of it though its an out and back with turnarounds for larger vehicles. We would defiantly camp there again, but if you need the luxuries of an RV "park", you will not find that here.  The campground is well maintained and clean.

  • Stephanie Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2016

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Nice NP Campground Convenient to I-94

    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. Arriving at the Teddy Roosevelt NP main entrance late in the day, the booth was closed and the "Campground Full" sign was up. I decided to check for myself and I'm glad I did. They sometimes put the campground full site up when the ranger leaves for the night- always check for yourself.

    The campsites were basic- picnic table, fire ring, and close proximity to some basic bathrooms. My site was grassy and easy for a tent. The campground didn't allow hammocks or anything attached to trees. The rangers were very friendly and actively patroling the campground. There were NP events at the campground each night.

    The cost for a site was $16 (and 20$ to enter the park if you don't have a pass). You cannot get change from the ranger and you cannot use a credit card to register. The closest place to get change, firewood, gas, etc. is Medora which is about 7 miles away. The convenience store there has anything you might want.

    There are lots of great hikes accessible in the park, but the park is not crowded like other National Parks, so be sure to get a trail map and directions for hiking as all trails are not well marked.

  • Whistle P.
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Cabins of Amidon

    Loved this place! ❤️

    We’d been staying in State parks the last few weeks, with deep toilets and showers that require quarters. Here we had flushable toilets, HOT showers with good pressure and free laundry! We also liked having the bar on site to grab snacks, drinks, food etc. Also there was cool stuff to see! There’s a one room schoolhouse exhibit across the road at the fairgrounds. White Butte (tallest point in North Dakota) is a great hike super close. You can also get to Medora for TRNP or Regent for the Enchanted Highway in about an hour. Very centrally located.

  • S
    Aug. 29, 2021

    Cabins of Amidon

    Great Little Hideaway

    Fun little spot in the middle of the Great Plains of western North Dakota.

    Just off Highway 85 at Amidon, ND. Population 25!

    Great one nighter or a very quiet longer stay. Come prepared! No groceries except in small store in Bowman 21 miles away.

    No trains no trucks!

    We had a couple beers and a good pizza in Mo’s Bunker Bar just steps away from our trailer.

    Nine average to small size spaces with water, electric, and sewer! $35

    A younger couple bought this in 2006 and have done some hard work to renovate a basement into a bar . It is a sight to see and play darts or pool and have pizza or root beer floats!

    Nice clean bathrooms and private showers with wonderful hot water. Laundry was available.

    We just happened to show up on the first day of the Slope County 101 Annual Fair and rodeo. Got to mix with local people. Corn hole games, FFA auction, exhibits and games!

    There was a demonstration of a 100 year old steam power engine and a combine working as kids threw wheat shafts on the conveyor.

    White Butte, the high point of ND is very close! A mile or so hike to the top!

  • Bradley H.
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Camp On The Heart

    Nice park for a short stay

    $30.00 a night gets you full hook up and a nice place to park your rig. Nomad campers have a separate section apart from the long term campers. Short term have the best view of Heart River. My only complaint would be the very rough gravel entrance road. Just go slow and all will be fine!

    Medora, North Dakota, 40 minutes west, is Home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical Theatre. I highly recommend both and the Musical will renew your passion for our great country!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Guide to Fairfield

Dispersed camping options near Fairfield, North Dakota provide access to the rugged badlands terrain of Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. The area sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s and winter lows well below freezing. Campsites range from primitive setups with vault toilets to locations with full hook-ups for RVs.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The park's South Unit offers opportunities to spot bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. "We saw solitary male buffalo, a herd of buffalo from afar, two entertaining prairie dog villages, a lone coyote and lots of birds. The geology is also amazing - much like the badlands of S Dakota but with much more green life, wildflowers and wildlife," notes Amanda D. about Cottonwood Campground.

Hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail: Access over 100 miles of trail directly from Magpie Campground. "We wandered around the hiking area (Magpie Trail starts nearby) which follows a small creek," says Jenny K. The trail system connects through multiple camping areas for day hikes or multi-day treks.

River activities: Wade or swim in the Little Missouri River. Several campgrounds provide direct river access. "There is a great creek within walking distance that you can cool off in and let the dogs run around," writes Jenifer K. about Medora Campground. This is especially welcome during hot summer days when temperatures frequently climb above 90°F.

What campers like

Badlands scenery: The unique landscape creates dramatic backdrops for camping. "The scenery is breathtaking and unique, not exactly like anything else I have ever seen. There are abundant buffalo wandering the fields roads," says Jessica L. about Juniper Campground.

Stargazing opportunities: With minimal light pollution, night skies are spectacular. "Let me tell you, these stars were INCREDIBLE. We were fortunate to be there on a clear night (September 3) and the Milky Way was painted out for us," Hannah reports about Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping.

Clean facilities: Despite being in remote areas, many campgrounds maintain good services. "The pit toilets were some of the cleanest I've encountered in my history of camping," notes Stefanie Z. about CCC Campground. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Fairfield offer pet waste stations to help maintain cleanliness.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "We spent four days at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: two in the south unit and two in the north unit," explains SwitchbackKids at Cottonwood Campground. Plan ahead as some facilities close after Labor Day.

Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for close wildlife interactions at your campsite. "I woke up one morning with a buffalo walking 10 yards from my tent," Matt S. mentions about Cottonwood Campground. Always maintain safe distances from all wildlife.

Water availability varies: Not all sites provide drinking water. "The water pump is a blessing since it was in the 90s when we visited. You really have to work the old fashioned pump but the crisp water is worth it," Jenny K. reports about Magpie Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fairfield, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fairfield, ND is Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 71 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fairfield, ND?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Fairfield, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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