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Best Campgrounds near Medora, ND

372 Reviews

The badlands landscape surrounding Medora, North Dakota features diverse camping options centered around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Cottonwood Campground within the park offers 76 sites along the Little Missouri River, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing with bison, elk, and prairie dogs frequently spotted by campers. Private campgrounds like Red Trail and Medora Campground provide full hookups for RVs within walking distance of downtown Medora. For those seeking more seclusion, Buffalo Gap Campground and dispersed sites in Little Missouri National Grassland offer primitive camping with panoramic badlands views. Sully Creek State Park (now known as Rough Riders) provides equestrian-friendly camping with access to the Maah Daah Hey trail system.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Medora area. Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited services during shoulder seasons. According to Mary S., "Cottonwood has been full every day since Memorial Day so you can't show up in the evening or possibly even mid-afternoon and expect to find an open site." Early arrivals are essential during summer months. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closed. Cell service varies widely between campgrounds, with Buffalo Gap having virtually no coverage while Coal Creek Campground surprisingly offers strong signals for both Verizon and T-Mobile. Many private campgrounds restrict amenities during off-season periods, including shower facilities and Wi-Fi access.

Wildlife encounters represent a distinctive feature of camping near Medora. David P. notes that at Cottonwood Campground, "Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning. Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs." The Little Missouri River winds through many campgrounds, providing scenic views and occasional wildlife crossings. Campers frequently mention the striking badlands scenery visible from most sites. While national park campgrounds offer fewer amenities, they provide direct access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Town-adjacent campgrounds trade natural isolation for convenience, with several reviewers noting the ability to walk or bike into Medora for supplies, dining, or to attend the popular Medora Musical during summer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Medora, North DakotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Medora, North Dakota (41)

    1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    71 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $20 - $60 / night

    "We had reserved in advance as we were driving in from Minnesota and wanted to know we had a spot. We got a great spot near the river and had amazing sunset views."

    "I visited this campground for 1 night while driving across North Dakota. It's super easy to access from I-94, but you feel like you're a million miles away from the interstate."

    2. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    57 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "It was easy to come from Medora, North Dakota to the site, but it appears that you only get an entrance and exit on the Medora side."

    "We were happy with our site location and views. You could hear road noise from I94 but it wasn't too bad. Also had a view of fireworks from the Medora music show each night around 9:35."

    3. Medora Campground

    44 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora."

    "We recently stayed at Medora Campground. "

    4. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    30 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-2024

    "Just 3-4 miles from Medora ND and park entrance. Open views, good trails, great birding. The sites have electric, accessible water and dump site. Showers snd vault toilets kept very clean."

    "It has nice facilities, great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River, and its a short drive from Medora/TRNP. "

    5. Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

    22 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    $20 / night

    "Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"

    "Super close to Medora ND"

    6. Red Trail Campground

    20 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 621-4317

    $27 - $46 / night

    "We stayed at Red Trail campground in Medora, ND in September 2021. This is a great little park right outside Theodore Roosevelt National park."

    "Hoped to see the Medora Musical, but it didn't start until the second week in June."

    7. Boots Campground

    5 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    2 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    "The location is great as the park entrance is just a few miles away, along with the gateway town of Medora. Reservation and check in was all digital which was nice."

    "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks. We're pro members and couldn't figure out how to get the pro discount. No tables or fire rings."

    8. Little Missouri National Grassland

    4 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    0 miles

    9. Cottonwood Group Site — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    1 Review
    Medora, ND
    3 miles
    Website

    $60 / night

    "The town of Medora has events going on all the time. We ate at the “Little Missouri”. They had great food and reasonably priced."

    10. Coal Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    9 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "A wonderful little USFS campground about 10 miles south of Medora and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park."

    "It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.

    Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites."

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Recent Camping Photos near Medora, ND

88 Photos of 41 Medora Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Medora, ND

372 Reviews of 41 Medora Campgrounds

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Elkhorn Campground

    Nice off-grid campsites

    Campsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Coal Creek Campground

    Quiet, secluded, scenic and well-maintained

    I was under the impression that this was a dispersed campground, but it is not ($10 per site). It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.

    Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites. Vault toilets are newer and clean. Last 8.6 miles of road is well maintained gravel and wide enough for all types of RV, but unsure if there are pull-through sites.

    Minimal flying bugs … no repellant required although we did set a citronella candle out.

    Elevation: 2710’. We had site #5 and had great views and privacy.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    National Park stay

    We got here late right before sunset. A lot of the number of sites taken, but we did find one. We stayed on lot 12, and it worked for and overnight. Great sunset. Not as secluded we like but was quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Quiet, scenic solitude

    A red dirt road with a series of pull-in spots large enough to accommodate a camper or RV. Spots are spaced out a couple hundred feet. Other than your fellow boondockers, there’s no one else in sight. The views are picturesque.

  • a
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Camel's Hump Lake

    Camel Hump Lake

    Accessible and easy to find. It has sites with fire pits and tables. No camping on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Lots of space. Be careful ..

    ...the hill is pretty steep and a couple sharp turns. If you are towing just make sure you are comfortable with that. It's a one lane road up the ill with blind spots so go slow and yield. Remember you'll have to come back down! Beautiful views though nicely spaced out spots.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Small Campground but Simple

    This campground is in the north unit of the park. It has 50 primitive sites available on first come first serve basis. We were here on Labor Day weekend and campground was full for the first time in 2 years. Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house . The drinking of the water at the fill station is discouraged due to high levels of fluoride. While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp.

Guide to Medora

Camping near Medora, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park is a must-see for its beautiful scenery and wildlife. One camper mentioned, "We saw a ton of buffalo on the north side and we have already spotted buffalo, seen prairie dogs and wild horses from the road. Great overlooks!"
  • Visit the Medora Musical: Enjoy a fun evening with a musical show and steak fondue dinner. One visitor said, "Feeling adventurous go check out the Medora musical and steak fondue dinner. Totally worth it."
  • Hiking and Biking: The area has numerous trails, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail. A camper noted, "The sites are relatively spread out...easy access to the world-renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail."

What campers like:

  • Cottonwood Campground: Campers appreciate the spacious sites and clean facilities. One review stated, "Lots of trees and plenty of space between most sites. Clean toilets with running water."
  • Medora Campground: Many enjoy its proximity to town and the national park. A happy camper shared, "A tidy easy in and out campground right in town and next to the NP."
  • Buffalo Gap Campground: Campers love the hot showers and friendly camp hosts. One visitor said, "Showers were great as well as the flushing toilets."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, lack showers and have limited services. A camper mentioned, "I just can’t believe that they didn’t include a shower!"
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Buffalo Gap Campground noted some road noise, but many found it manageable. One review stated, "Pretty loud road noise from the highway but a good spot to stop for a night."
  • Site Selection: Choosing the right site is crucial. A camper warned, "Choose your tent only walk-in site carefully. Most (especially those next to the river) have no shade."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby attractions. One camper mentioned, "The campground had plenty of shade to provide a cool place to hang out."
  • Safety First: Be aware of wildlife. A reviewer advised, "Keep your dog close and be cognizant of your surroundings!"
  • Clean Facilities: Families appreciate clean restrooms. A camper at Sully Creek State Park noted, "The shower house was always clean."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric hookups. A camper at Medora Campground mentioned, "The price for all the amenities provided was excellent!"
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, do not have dump stations. One RV traveler shared, "We paid $5 to use the one at Medora Campground in town."
  • Level Sites: Ensure your RV is parked on a level site. A camper noted, "Spot wasn't overly level so we used our blocks and we got perfectly level after that."

Camping near Medora, North Dakota, provides a great mix of nature, fun, and family-friendly activities. With a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks are available in Medora, North Dakota?

Medora offers several RV-friendly options with varying amenities. The Crossings Campground provides spacious full hookup sites (water, sewer, electric) with excellent T-Mobile 5G coverage just minutes from Medora attractions at a more affordable price than competitors. Camp On The Heart offers full hookups for $30 per night with nice views of Heart River for short-term campers, though be prepared for a rough gravel entrance road. Other RV options include Medora Campground and Buffalo Gap Campground, both offering convenient access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and town amenities. Most RV parks in the area are seasonal, typically operating from spring through fall.

Is there a map available for Medora campgrounds?

Maps for Medora area campgrounds are readily available through multiple sources. When visiting Cottonwood Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, maps are provided at the entrance booth showing both the North and South loops with site layouts and amenities. The National Park Service also offers downloadable maps on their website that show all campground locations within the park. For state recreation areas like Sully Creek State Recreation Area, maps are available at the ranger station or online through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation website. Many private campgrounds also provide site maps on their websites or upon check-in.

Where are the campgrounds located in Medora, ND?

Campgrounds in Medora are strategically located around the town and nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Sully Creek State Park (now also known as Rough Riders) is situated just 3-4 miles from Medora and the national park entrance, offering electric sites and access to the Mah Dah Hey trail along the Little Missouri River. Red Trail Campground is positioned right outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park with spacious full hookup sites. For those seeking more remote options, dispersed camping is available in the surrounding grasslands, providing quiet, dark skies perfect for stargazing while still being accessible from Medora.

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