Campgrounds near Keene, North Dakota offer rural badlands camping with limited cellular service and summer temperatures reaching triple digits. The area's dramatic elevation changes create stunning vistas but demand preparation for exposed sites with little shade. Several campgrounds provide direct access to trail systems while accommodating both tent and RV campers.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at sunrise/sunset: Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Juniper Campground provides excellent wildlife encounters. "Plenty of wildlife came through the camp. Sites are spread apart. Bathrooms are clean," notes Tammy P. Bison frequently travel through the campground area, creating memorable experiences.
Stargazing opportunities: Summit Campground offers clear night sky viewing despite highway proximity. "Nice forest service campground with pit toilets. No fee, fire pits, picnic tables, only two of us here on a Sat night in August," reports Bob D. The free sites make this an economical option for astronomy enthusiasts.
Trail access from campsites: CCC Campground connects directly to multiple trail systems. "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," explains Brittny A. The trailhead location makes it ideal for hikers seeking immediate trail access.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Kota Ray Dam offers productive fishing opportunities during certain seasons. "Perch are hot right now. Along with a few other species in this little lake. Fun place to go for the weekend far enough out of town to feel like a getaway," shares Kori P. The small lake size makes it manageable for casual fishing outings.
What campers like
Rustic accommodations with basic amenities: Summit Campground provides primitive camping with essential facilities. "There are plenty of spots available with even ground and fire pits. Be aware of current fire conditions posted on the NPS billboard at the bathrooms. No amenities but a great place to stay for a few days for free. 14 day limit on camping," explains Brett D.
Spacious sites with natural separation: Juniper Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "We had a great spot in the juniper camp ground. There are no hookups here. Generators are allowed 60 decibels at 50 feet. Lots of wildlife came through the camp. Sites are spread apart," reports Tammy P. This spacing provides more privacy than many developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Little Missouri State Park maintains excellent amenities. "Bathrooms and pay showers were in great shape. Kids loved the horses that people brought to ride," notes Tyler C. The park balances rustic surroundings with well-maintained facilities.
Pet-friendly environments with space to explore: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Keene allow pets with appropriate restrictions. CCC Campground's connection to trail systems provides exercise opportunities for pets and owners alike, making it one of the most pet-accommodating campgrounds in the area.
What you should know
Limited water availability: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," advises Holly E. about CCC Campground. Some sites have restricted drinking water due to mineral content.
Weather extremes require planning: Summer temperatures demand preparation for intense heat with minimal shade. "It gets windy. There's a site in the B loop that offers a good amount of protection from wind from most directions," advises Nicole C.
First-come reservation systems dominate: Many campgrounds operate without advance reservations. "The absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts," cautions Jennifer K. about Juniper Campground. Arriving early in the day increases success rates, especially during peak season.
Cell service variability: Coverage ranges from moderate to non-existent. "Okay cell service, but great with a booster," notes Meghan B. about Summit Campground. Bringing a signal booster improves connectivity at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs enhance experiences: Little Missouri State Park offers educational opportunities. "Our kids especially enjoyed the ranger presentation on prairie dogs," shares Lee L. These programs provide structured activities for children while teaching about local wildlife.
Swimming areas offer cooling options: Kota Ray Dam includes water recreation areas for families. "The swimming beach is pretty decent, the campsites aren't too terrible, the bathrooms are usually cleaned well and they have lots of picnic shelters. The fishing is good and it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards," recommends Leah N.
Wildlife viewing from safe distances: Juniper Campground provides close wildlife encounters requiring supervision. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were," warns Jillian C. Children must maintain safe distances from wild animals at all times.
Weather preparation essentials: Extreme temperature changes require appropriate clothing and supplies. "October can be cold! It got down below freezing in the first week of October," cautions Nicole C. Pack for both hot days and cold nights, especially during shoulder seasons.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Few campgrounds offer complete services. "This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained," notes Wayne K. about White Buffalo RV Park. Most sites require self-sufficiency for shorter stays.
Road condition challenges: Access roads may require slow travel. "The road in (1 mile) is well maintained," reports Scott D. about CCC Campground, though many other locations feature less maintained routes requiring careful navigation.
Site leveling considerations: Mountrail County Parshall Bay Recreation Area provides various accommodation types but sites may not be level. "I wish some of them were just a bit more level," mentions Leah N. about nearby Kota Ray Dam. Bringing leveling blocks is essential for most RV sites in the area.
Size restrictions limit larger rigs: Many campgrounds were designed before large RVs became common. "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 Bob M. Pre-measuring turns and approaches prevents access issues.
