Best Campgrounds near Medora, ND
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.
