North Dakota's Little Missouri Badlands feature dramatic eroded buttes and rolling grasslands at elevations ranging from 1,900 to 2,800 feet. The region receives only about 15 inches of precipitation annually, creating a semi-arid climate where summer temperatures can reach above 90°F while winter lows often dip below freezing. Equestrian camping near Keene, North Dakota offers riders direct access to extensive trail networks through this unique badlands landscape.
What to do
Horseback riding on Maah Daah Hey Trail: Connect to over 100 miles of scenic trail directly from campgrounds like Magpie Campground. "Direct access to 100+ miles of the Maah Daah Hey trail!" notes Jared F., who found the campground "a little difficult to access if you've never been but worth it."
Wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk: Spot native prairie species including deer, bison, and prairie dogs. At Juniper Campground, campers may even see wildlife in their sites. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were," reports Jillian C.
Night sky observation: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "I was able to see the northern lights here once!" shares Adam L. about his experience at Magpie Campground.
Listen for wildlife calls: Evening brings natural soundscapes. "At dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance," suggests Cullen C. who visits Magpie Campground regularly.
What campers like
Access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park: CCC Campground provides a budget-friendly base for park exploration. "This campground is only about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park," notes Scott D., who appreciates the "amazing" views and amenities including "pit toilets, potable water, and electric."
Privacy between campsites: Several campgrounds offer good site separation. "The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it's even more secluded," explains Cullen C. about Magpie Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campground infrastructure makes overnight stays more comfortable. At Little Missouri State Park Campground, "showers (available through inserted quarters) were very clean and it was nice to use a full pressure and sized shower after a long day in the heat," according to Olson H.
Budget-friendly pricing: Most campgrounds in the area are affordable, with many charging only $10 per night. "This place is a steal for the price they charge! I watched the sun rise over the ND badlands!" exclaims Angie B. about Little Missouri State Park.
What you should know
Limited drinking water access: Water sources may have quality issues. At Juniper Campground, "there was water available but it had a funny taste, they had recently had some problems and were treating the water," reports Deborah C.
Weather extremes: Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the year. "October can be cold! It got down below freezing in the first week of October," warns Nicole C. about camping at CCC Campground.
Unpaved access roads: Many sites require driving on dirt roads that may be challenging in wet conditions. "The long drive on the rough/unpaved roads" was the "only downfall" according to Melissa B., who added "My Toyota Corolla isn't the best 'off roading' car, but we got there safely" when describing her trip to Magpie Campground.
First-come, first-served sites: Some popular campgrounds don't accept reservations. One camper at Juniper Campground noted "The absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts."
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Educational activities for children about local ecology. "The park rangers here were awesome and so helpful," writes Deborah C. about Juniper Campground, while Lee L. mentioned "our kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs."
Wildlife sightings: Children often enjoy spotting animals in their natural habitat. At CCC Campground, one camper noted "Lots of wildlife. Deer and prairie dogs."
Time zone awareness: An unusual consideration in this area. "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," shares Deborah C. about Juniper Campground.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have smaller sites not designed for large rigs. Bob M. notes that at Juniper Campground, "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."
Water fill and dump station access: Plan water usage carefully as full-service hookups are limited. Holly E. recommends coming prepared to CCC Campground: "There are no hook-ups, and no dump station. The only water is a well that you have to pump yourself with a handle, so come with your black/grey tanks empty and water tank full."
Generator policies: Check each campground's rules about generator usage. At some locations, "Generators are allowed 60 decibels at 50 feet," according to Tammy P. about Juniper Campground, while other campgrounds may prohibit them entirely.
