North Dakota's Badlands near Killdeer feature dramatic clay buttes and deep ravines formed through centuries of erosion. The Little Missouri State Park contains over 6,000 acres of rugged terrain with elevations ranging between 1,900-2,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 55-75°F.
What to do
Trail riding access points: The Maah Daah Hey Trail connects multiple equestrian-friendly areas with dedicated trailheads. "Great site to start your hike or ride on the fantastic MaahDaahHey trail," notes Marcy D. The trail system offers sections for various skill levels with terrain changes.
Hiking options: Little Missouri State Park Campground features extensive hiking opportunities beyond the horse trails. "We were surrounded by miles of hiking in which we enjoyed about 13 miles of, but so much more we could've hiked! The views were gorgeous," shares Olson H. Most trails are interconnected, allowing for loops of different lengths.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning or evening hours provide the best opportunities for spotting wildlife. "The views from horseback include wild horses, bison, deer, prairie dogs, and countless birds," notes a camper. Many campers report coyotes can be heard at night throughout the badlands region.
What campers like
Badlands scenery: The dramatic landscape offers unique photography opportunities with layered buttes and ravines. "This park is outstanding... You stay for the views. The horse and hiking trails are unbelievable," writes Jessica S. about Little Missouri State Park.
Stargazing conditions: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "You'll experience starry skies and the howls of coyotes," reports a camper. Another visitor at Magpie Campground mentioned, "I was able to see the northern lights here once!"
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse-friendly campgrounds offer ample room between camping spots. "The sites are spaced apart and surrounded by trees," notes Jenny K. about Magpie Campground. The distance between sites provides privacy even when facilities are shared.
What you should know
Water access varies: Many campgrounds have limited water facilities or require manual pumping. At CCC Campground, "There's a well here, but the water looked pretty brown. We boiled it," reports Nicole C. Bringing extra water containers is recommended.
Weather conditions: The region experiences rapid weather changes and strong winds. "Unfortunately we had 5 hail storms that night," reports Bill P. from his stay at Schnell Recreation Area. Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms while mornings are typically clearer.
Insects: Ticks and flies are common in summer months, especially around horse facilities. "There are lots of flies because it has horse corrals and the mosquitos are vicious," warns Will B. Insect repellent and daily tick checks are essential during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger activities: Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers educational programs specifically for children. "The park rangers here were awesome and so helpful," mentions Deborah C. The visitor centers provide activity booklets that can be completed for badges.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings are common and sometimes occur directly in campgrounds. "Bison will definitely stroll through your sites if you're over by the field like we were," notes Jillian C. Maintaining safe distances from wildlife is essential, especially with children.
Swimming options: During hot summer days, some campgrounds provide access to the Little Missouri River. At Medora Campground, "It has a city pool right on site that is heated," mentions Amber W., making it a good option for families seeking swimming facilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Full-service sites are scarce in the Killdeer region. Holly E. notes, "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."
Site selection: Some campgrounds have better RV access than others. "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. about Juniper Campground.
Road conditions: Unpaved roads access many horse campgrounds near Killdeer. "Easy 1 mile drive on well maintained gravel/dirt road off Highway 85," reports Debra P. about CCC Campground, but others require more careful navigation with larger vehicles.
