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Camping near Grassy Butte, ND

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    Grassy Butte, North Dakota serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences, particularly near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands. Campgrounds like Summit Campground and Grassy Butte Community Park accommodate both tent and RV camping, while more remote options such as Magpie Campground provide seclusion in the badlands landscape. The area primarily features established campgrounds with basic amenities, though dispersed camping opportunities exist for those seeking more primitive experiences. Most sites are operational year-round, with several providing drinking water, toilets, and fire rings.

    Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds requiring travel on gravel or dirt roads. Summit Campground sits near Interstate 85, creating consistent road noise but offering convenient access to hiking trails and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. The CCC Campground lies just a quarter-mile from the park entrance on a well-maintained road. Weather conditions can be extreme, with temperatures dropping below freezing by early October and summer heat requiring reliable water sources. "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."

    Campers consistently praise the region's natural beauty and relative seclusion. Magpie Campground receives high ratings for its privacy and direct access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which offers over 100 miles of terrain for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The Grassy Butte Community Park stands out as a convenient option with electric hookups, water, and playground facilities—all within a small, quiet community setting. Several reviews highlight the spectacular stargazing opportunities and wildlife viewing, including buffalo sightings in certain areas. While some campgrounds like Summit provide free camping with minimal amenities, others like Magpie charge modest fees ($10) but offer greater seclusion and natural surroundings. According to one visitor, "Magpie Campground is worth the drive for the peace and surrounding beauty... The sites are spaced apart and surrounded by trees."

    Best Campgrounds near Grassy Butte (68)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

      4.5(33)14mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

      4.5(21)14mi from Grassy Butte25 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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      3. Magpie Campground

      4.9(10)12mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

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      4. Summit Campground

      4.3(7)10mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents

      "This is a great free place to stay right outside the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt NP. There are 4 rv spots along with some tent camping opportunities."

      "The sites were well maintained and close to the entrance of the north unit of Teddy Roosevelt."

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      5. Grassy Butte Community Park

      4.3(3)0mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents

      "We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade."

      6. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

      4.5(75)33mi from Grassy Butte72 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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 $10 - $30 / night

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      7. Bennett

      4.5(2)8mi from Grassy ButteTents

      "There are some nice long hiking trails, bison and other prairie critters. This is wide open country with no real facilities (no trash either). Yay: simple camping and lovely scenery, wildlife."

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      8. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

      4.8(71)35mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      9. Medora Campground

      4.1(51)35mi from Grassy ButteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Just a mere walk away from the lovely town of Medora and perfect driving distance from the National Park and the Presidential Library."

      from $30 - $60 / night

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      10. Juniper Campground Group Site — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

      5.0(1)14mi from Grassy Butte1 siteRVs, Tents

      "Really beautiful site here with lots of easy and moderate trails to explore with lovely sunrise/sunset and wildlife! Similar feel to Badlands with some fewer crowds."

      from $60 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Grassy Butte, ND

    92 Photos of 68 Grassy Butte Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Grassy Butte, ND

    457 Reviews of 68 Grassy Butte Campgrounds

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      free camping in the grasslands

      Change of Pace from the Mountains

      I’ve been car camping around the US for several weeks now and typically find spots within national forests or BLM land where I can tuck away and have privacy, so I was nervous when the camping option around here was grassland. But damn is this place not stunning! I can see and hear my neighbors, but they’re at least 500ft away and I still feel like I’ve got the place to myself with the trees and bush separating us. I just go on the other side of my car to pee 😅 Spots are clearly numbered and really well maintained. There’s a fire pit, but I saw a sign posted saying “no fires”. I arrived right before sunset and so glad I did as it was truly beautiful. I drove up the hill always to ensure I had a good view of the surrounding scenery, and it’s a 360 stunner. This would be a great place for group camping! The lots seem to get farther apart as they number up.

    • Lesley G.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 2, 2026

      Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

      Great Grassland spot

      Close to Medora and Cottonwood Camp ground - which was totally booked. Used the Dyrt app and found this. It’s perfect.

    • Kleine L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

      Beautiful and convenient

      This spot is gorgeous. My dog and I both loved it. Convenient location right off of 94. Sites are open but spaced out. I felt safe here as a solo traveler.

      There are about 6-7 other spots, but as other reviews said, they fill up. When I got here at 4 on a Tuesday (end of September), all the formal spots were taken but mine (site 2 I think), although I noticed other rigs coming in later and squeezing themselves in.

    • EThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Dispersed Camping outside Theodore Roosevelt NP

      Open space

      Close off I94 (minimal noise). We stopped at the first clearing - large and pretty level. Plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery. FT remote working nomads and this place is perfect!

    • WThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 29, 2026

      Rough Rider State Park Campground

      Convenient, quiet

      Car camped in tent camping site at end of September. Still lots of campers, but was still quiet. Slept like a baby. CG has a new 6 individual shower/toilet rooms although only 2/6 were open.

      Staff was friendly and helpful. Used free WiFi although it did not extend much past the office. Verizon service was 1 bar at my site.

      Cost was $28+ ($16 fee, $7 ND State Park fee, and $5+ reservation fee even though I didn’t reserve in advance?).

    • Julie K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 27, 2026

      Dakota Prairie Grasslands

      Your Own Private Grasslands

      Dispersed camping on a hilltop with big views. You leave the main dirt road on a smaller but very good dirt road then exit right to a double track for about 50’. We had no trouble in our van without 4WD. The grasslands are big with a lot of places to pull off.

    • MThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 23, 2026

      Coal Creek Campground

      Remote Campsite Along Scenic Drive

      I came here after I couldn’t find a campsite in or closer to Theodore Roosevelt National park. The campsites are a bit close together but still offer some privacy, nice views from the higher ground sites, and some of the best star gazing I’ve ever seen. Great place to stay if you’re exploring the NP and don’t mind a bit of a drive, definitely easier to find a site than at the NP or closer campgrounds.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 22, 2026

      free camping in the grasslands

      Awesome

      Here on Labor Day weekend and it was packed but still lots of space for everyone to share

    Guide to Grassy Butte

    Camping near Grassy Butte, North Dakota provides access to the Dakota Badlands terrain, which features colorful buttes and clay formations at elevations between 2,000-2,800 feet. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°F, while summer highs frequently exceed 90°F with limited shade across most camping areas. Road access to many sites requires vehicles with adequate clearance, particularly after rainfall when clay roads become slippery.

    What to do

    Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit hosts regular bison herds that sometimes wander through camping areas. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were. Peaceful and beautiful," notes a visitor at Juniper Campground.

    Stargazing after 10pm: The lack of light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "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," reports a camper at Juniper Campground.

    Hike the Maah Daah Hey Trail: This 100+ mile trail system connects multiple camping areas and offers varied terrain difficulty. "The Maah Daah Hey and Long X trails start at this campground. We did a great 11ish mile mountain bike loop by heading up Maah Daah Hey and down Long X," explains a visitor at CCC Campground.

    What campers like

    Isolation from crowds: Even during peak summer seasons, many campgrounds remain uncrowded. "We camped here for two nights, the first night was tricky for us to gage exactly where to camp because it we arrived at 3am. A lot of people hike/bike in from the Maah Daah Hey Trial," notes a visitor at Magpie Campground.

    Morning wildlife encounters: Bison and wild horse sightings are common in early morning hours. "While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp," explains a camper at Juniper Campground.

    Access to badlands landscapes: Many sites offer direct trail access to distinctive terrain features. "This campground is only about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. There are plenty of pit toilets, potable water, and electric. The views from the park are amazing!" reports a visitor at CCC Campground.

    What you should know

    Water quality varies significantly: Several campgrounds have water restrictions or quality issues. "The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so dont come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water. The other spigots marked as unsafe have really high fluoride content and feels like slime," warns a Juniper Campground visitor.

    Cell service is spotty: Coverage depends on exact location and elevation. At Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, "Lots of spots in a beautiful area. Good cell service as well," while more remote locations have no connectivity.

    Time zone confusion: The region straddles Mountain and Central time zones. "Funny tidbit, the campground is on the border of the time zone border, so my devices would change times and I thought there was a problem, took me a while to figure it out," mentions a Juniper Campground visitor.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: For families needing entertainment options, Grassy Butte Community Park offers "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! Beautiful playground if you have kids."

    Ranger programs: Educational opportunities are available at several campgrounds. "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," notes a visitor at Cottonwood Campground.

    Safety around wildlife: Maintain distance from bison that frequently wander through campsites. "While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp," reports a Juniper visitor, while another adds "If you have kids don't let them wander around, the bison are close and plentiful!"

    Tips from RVers

    Limited large rig access: Many campgrounds weren't designed for modern RV sizes. "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," advises a Juniper Campground visitor.

    Water tank management: Fill tanks before arrival as many sites have limited or questionable water quality. "There is no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house. The drinking of the water at the fill station is discouraged due to high levels of fluoride," notes a camper at Juniper Campground.

    Road conditions: Access routes vary significantly in quality. "Easy 1 mile drive on well maintained gravel/dirt road off Highway 85. The campground appears to have been recently renovated," reports a CCC Campground visitor, while others note deteriorating conditions after rainfall.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find camping options near Grassy Butte, North Dakota?

    Grassy Butte offers several camping options to suit different preferences. For dispersed camping with excellent stargazing, try Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, which provides quiet, dark sites perfect for those seeking solitude. If you prefer established campgrounds, Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers spacious sites along the Missouri River with easy access from I-94. For budget-conscious travelers, Summit Campground provides basic amenities, while those wanting full hookups can check out Camp On The Heart for $30/night with excellent views of Heart River.

    What are the best attractions to visit in Grassy Butte, ND?

    The top attraction near Grassy Butte is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where you can explore the stunning North Dakota Badlands with panoramic views and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park provides access to some of the most scenic areas in the North Unit. Another must-visit is the Maah Daah Hey Trail, accessible from Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, offering hiking and mountain biking through the rugged terrain. Medora, a historic western town with shopping and dining options, makes for a great day trip from Grassy Butte as well.

    What is the best time of year to visit Grassy Butte, ND?

    Late spring through early fall (May to September) is the ideal time to visit Grassy Butte, with summer offering the most reliable weather. Red Trail Campground is fully operational during summer months, providing convenient access to nearby attractions. Late April to early May can be pleasant with fewer crowds at places like Little Missouri State Park Campground, though some facilities may be limited. Be aware that North Dakota winters are harsh, with most campgrounds closing by October. Summer visits offer the advantage of longer daylight hours for exploring the badlands, though be prepared for occasional dust when winds kick up.

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