The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Grassy Butte, ND

60 Reviews

Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking sits near Medora, about 10 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The free camping area features multiple pull-offs along a maintained gravel road with spots that can accommodate everything from tents to large RVs. Campers have access to numerous sites spread across the grasslands with varying degrees of privacy and spectacular badlands views. No facilities are available - no water, toilets, or trash service.

The area can experience extreme winds, with gusts reaching 60 mph at times. Access remains suitable for most vehicles, including 2WD with low clearance. A camper noted, "Beautiful secluded campsite. Just a few designated spots, but we saw people pulled over anywhere along the gravel road." The location offers excellent cell service for both Verizon and AT&T users. Visitors particularly value the proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Petrified Forest, both just minutes away. The stargazing opportunities are exceptional, with several campers reporting clear Milky Way visibility on cloudless nights.

Map showing campgrounds near Grassy Butte, North DakotaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Grassy Butte, North Dakota (8)

Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Grassy Butte Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Grassy Butte, ND

55 Photos of 8 Grassy Butte Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grassy Butte, ND

60 Reviews of 8 Grassy Butte 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 Grassy Butte

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Grassy Butte, North Dakota, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from tent camping to RV setups.

Scenic Views and Unique Experiences while free camping near Grassy Butte

  • The Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking provides stunning views from the top of the bluff, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes.
  • Campers have reported enjoying the tranquility of the area, with many noting the peaceful nights despite its proximity to the Interstate.
  • This location is also known for its excellent Verizon signal, allowing you to stay connected while enjoying the great outdoors.

Wildlife Encounters for dispersed campers

  • At the West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed, visitors have spotted beautiful herds of feral horses, adding a unique touch to the camping experience.
  • The area is rich in wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture stunning moments in the wild.
  • Campers can enjoy the serenity of the grasslands while keeping an eye out for various bird species and other local fauna.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Grassy Butte, North Dakota

  • When visiting the Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp, be prepared for a lack of amenities; this spot is perfect for those who prefer a more rugged camping experience.
  • Always check road conditions before heading out, as some areas may have limited access depending on the weather and time of year.
  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many dispersed sites, like Camels Hump Lake, do not offer drinking water or restroom facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grassy Butte, ND?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grassy Butte, 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 Grassy Butte, ND?

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

Keep Exploring