Best Dispersed Camping near Killdeer, ND
Looking for dispersed camping near Killdeer? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Killdeer, ND (3)
1. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Medora, North Dakota39 Reviews•105 Photos•397 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Grasslands OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands. Along certain roads, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off road to camp. These roads are shown on the Grassland's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the grassland. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a pasture or clearing. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire rings. Clear an area of combustible material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading into a wildfire. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch. Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE (creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes). When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. Do not use ANY soap directly in a water source. Use biodegradable soap.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Patterson Lake Boat Ramp
Be the first to review!Dickinson, North Dakota•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed
Medora, North Dakota1 Review•2 Photos•16 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Grasslands OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands. Along certain roads, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off road to camp. These roads are shown on the Grassland's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the grassland. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a pasture or clearing. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire rings. Clear an area of combustible material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading into a wildfire. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch. Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE (creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes). When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. Do not use ANY soap directly in a water source. Use biodegradable soap.
- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Killdeer
40 Reviews of 3 Killdeer Campgrounds
- R
Ryan P.
Traveler
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Amazing
This place is amazing.
James B.
RangerDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Overnight after Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Found this site close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Road in is pretty good, any right should be able to make it. There are several sites in the camping area, some could fit big rigs. Smaller rigs can get into any of the other sites. Despite being near the Interstate, it was really quiet at night. Great Verizon signal on this location. Starlink had some of the fastest connections we have seen.
- DDarlene
GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
So Many Great Spots
Easy access on a gravel road all the way to the top of the bluff. We opted to park at one of the first few pull out spots but saw several campers all along the road up to and on the bluff itself. We had great Verizon service.
Catherine L.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Great view off the beaten path
Not far from the park. Great views from the top. We had no issues getting out jeep all the way up, but larger campers would need to find spots lower.
- MMayre J.Guide
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Lots of space and nice views
As a tenter or suv camper I drove to the top of the grasslands boondocking area to find others doing the same thing. Even without an actual "spot" I was able to get a nice place on the bluff to spread out, not close to other dudes. Obviously no services here but just piss into the wind. Ominous heavy fog in the morning with low visibilty but a cool spot for sure. Drive, dont roll, down the hill. No need for bug spray but maybe a pair of binoculars to check out the ladies. Big sky, wild horses, and yummy grasshoppers. No west bound access when leaving so take Buffalo Gap Rd or backtrack to Medora. Such a nice town to chill during the hot days, especially at the historic park with covered tables.
- MMatt D.
ScoutDispersed 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.
Ellery K.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Insane views and great cell service
Stunning views in every direction and plenty of spots to choose from once you turn onto the gravel/dirt road. It’s a little bumpy so take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback.
A quick word of warning: rattlesnakes could be in the bushes! Keep your dog close and be cognizant of your surroundings!
- AAustin A.Traveler
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
- cc G.Guide
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful
Easy access with good road plenty of room. Great views
Rachel S.RangerDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Great accessible free spot
Pullouts along a dirt road provide good camping spots! Able to find a free spot on a friday night around 4 but there were definitely other people filling in.
Theresa N.TravelerDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
can’t believe this is free
most amazing campsite. arrived around 4pm and secured a spot with views of the whole valley. windy at times but was able to move the car in front of the tent!
- ssophia M.Traveler
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
good place to stop for the night!
easily accessible, multiple spots to choose from that are dispersed about half a mile from each other. far enough from the interstate to not see it, but close enough to still hear it. also had full bars with verizon. insanely windy but beautiful!!
- fforrest H.Scout
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
It frickem wimdy!
Great spot to stay for a night. Winds can be high so if you’re sleeping between fabric walls it may get loud.
Eric A.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Yep good one
A little weird to get to if you’re headed east on 94. You’ll backtrack about a mile, but it’s worth it. Great views of the draws and grasslands on most sites. It’s ND so it can be super windy on the ridges. Good gravel road in the dry months. Not a place I’d bring a trailer or bigger RV if it was wet out.
- JJoseph G.Guide
West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed
Didn’t happen.
Road was closed to the actual marked area. There was another campsite right before the road with a fire pit if you follow the directions.(recommend heading across to Scoria pit instead.)
There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening though!
- JJoseph G.Guide
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Space with a view
There are a decent number of spots to choose from out here. The top area did have a couple strands of barbed wire blocking it this trip so we stayed in the lower area. But had A TON of space to ourselves. Our closest “neighbors” were about 100 yards away in either direction.
Great views were just a short walk from where we set up camp.
We are rocking a 4runner with a RTT and had no problems getting around. Saw some travel trailers, RVs and fifth wheels towards the front as well so moderately accessible but personally would risk going far back in something big. There are some tight turns/uneven terrain towards the top.
Really quiet area for the most part and extremely peaceful.
- NNikki S.Scout
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Highly recommend!
Easy to find. Good road even for a 32 ft motorhome. Beautiful views. Quiet and peaceful. Smells amazing from all the sage and other shrubs.
- MMason G.Scout
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Almost perfect
Quite a bit of people, but I was able to find some nice folks that let me park near them! Beautiful country views with decent service so I was able to work online. Even after a decent rain I had no issues with my pickup truck getting to the spot!
- LLottaScout
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful views
This site was poppin', so we had to drive down the road further to find a spot. The road is blocked by a wire fence halfway through but there were still plenty of open spots. Ended up camping at the top of the hills and had views similar to that of TR National Park.
- TTessaScout
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Nice spot
Stayed in the first spot available once getting onto the service road. The recent rain made the road extremely muddy and difficult to get through even with an AWV vehicle, so beware to smaller cars. There's a set of train tracks not far away and a train passed by around 1am, but only the once. Otherwise it was a very peaceful spot. Lots of crickets to lull us to sleep at night.
Anthony F.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Limited but great
Long grass limits spots. Alot of rude vanlife people have crowd others. But before the weekend it was pretty peaceful and nobody around for most part.
Emilie V.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful, quiet dispersed camping!
A little hard to find as every path seems to have “no trespassing” signs. But once we made it up the hill (which I wouldn’t recommend with big rigs), the views are beautiful! Little fire pit, no noise…what more can you ask for?
- Zach S.Traveler
Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful Spot - Really Close to Madera and TRNP South Unit
8-10 semi-secluded spots, beautiful area - let's keep it that way. The guidelines are in the description.
Issa F.GuideDispersed 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.
- RRachel B.Guide
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.
Russell P.ScoutDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Beautiful Hill Top Next to National Park
Very Close to National Park access.
A handful of spots on the top of the ridge. Big Rig friendly but spot the road before going to the top as there are not many spots to turn around up there.
Stayed here a few days and was accompanied by other travelers the whole time with plenty of distance between us. There are no real amenities for an hour plus outside of here.
Decent cell service for ATT & Verizion.
Nathan B.GuideDispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
Amazing views
We stayed here while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Amazing views and very quite.
Guide to Killdeer
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Killdeer, North Dakota, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of options, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Dispersed campers should check out Patterson Lake Boat Ramp
- Located in North Dakota, Patterson Lake Boat Ramp offers a free and accessible spot for those looking to enjoy a peaceful camping experience with no permit required.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Killdeer, North Dakota
- When visiting Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, be sure to take advantage of the easy access roads, which are suitable for various vehicle types, including big rigs.
Scenic views for dispersed campers
- For breathtaking views and a unique experience, head to Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, where you can enjoy the expansive grasslands and possibly spot wild horses roaming the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Killdeer, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Killdeer, ND is Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking with a 4.9-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Killdeer, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Killdeer, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.