Top Free Dispersed Camping near Keene, ND

Camping near Keene, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Hiking: The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a must-try for hikers. One camper mentioned, "The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground." This trail offers over 100 miles of scenic paths for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep your eyes peeled for bison and other wildlife. A visitor at Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park shared, "The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha."
• Stargazing: The clear skies in this area make for fantastic stargazing. One camper noted, "Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing! I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way."

What campers like:

• Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A review from Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands states, "The campsite was mostly empty so we got to choose pretty much any campsite! Very close to TRNP with just as good of views!"
• Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms. One visitor at Little Missouri State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms and pay showers were in great shape."
• Affordable Rates: Many campgrounds in the area offer reasonable prices. A camper at Magpie Campground mentioned, "Paid $10 cash for the evening."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park, do not have electric hookups or showers. A camper noted, "There are about a half dozen sites for longer rigs, such as 32, 42, and 43, but no electric."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially bison. One camper shared, "We weren't even here and parked... 15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper."
• Cell Service: Expect limited cell service in many areas. A visitor at Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands mentioned, "No road noise. Lots of wildlife. Deer and prairie dogs."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with access to water for swimming or fishing. A camper at Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park said, "The beach is super sandy with some, but not many rocks, lots of driftwood and the water is shallow for a long ways so it's great for kids!"
• Bring Your Own Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A visitor at Little Missouri State Park Campground advised, "Bring your own toilet paper tho, they run out quick."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking or exploring. One camper at Magpie Campground noted, "The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world-renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Lengths: Some campgrounds have size restrictions. A camper at Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park mentioned, "When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs."
• Be Prepared for Dry Camping: Many campgrounds, like Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, are dry camping only. A visitor shared, "There are vault toilets and hand pump for water."
• Plan for Limited Connectivity: Expect limited internet access. A camper at Little Missouri State Park Campground noted, "At night the sky was lit from ND oil drilling gas release."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, camping near Keene, ND, has something for everyone.