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Best Dispersed Camping near Medora, ND

60 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Medora, North Dakota centers primarily around grassland areas on public land. Scoria Pit, also known as Grassland Boondocking, provides the most established free dispersed camping option in the region, located approximately 10 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This area features multiple pull-offs along a dirt road where camping is permitted without fee or reservation. Several other dispersed camping opportunities exist, including West River Road and Buffalo Gap Road sites, all situated on public land with minimal regulations and no facilities.

Access to these dispersed camping areas involves driving on dirt and gravel roads that may become challenging after rain. Most sites are accessible with standard vehicles, though some routes become increasingly rough at higher elevations. The road to Scoria Pit has several cattle guards, with camping areas beginning after the first cattle guard. Many campers note that "If you cross a second cattle guard, you've gone too far." No drinking water, restrooms, or trash facilities exist at these locations. Fire restrictions apply in most areas, with several sites prohibiting fires completely. Cell service varies by location, with better reception reported at higher elevations.

These grassland camping areas offer panoramic views of the surrounding badlands landscape. "Stunning views in every direction and plenty of spots to choose from once you turn onto the gravel/dirt road," reported one visitor to Scoria Pit. The sites feature varying levels of privacy, with many campers noting the area becomes busier in evenings but remains relatively quiet. Campers consistently mention the proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park as a major advantage. Some sites on higher ground experience significant wind exposure, with one camper noting, "the top ridge is so windy the first night we stayed we were whipping around all night but the second night we stayed on the lower ridge and the wind was much better." Wildlife sightings are common, including mule deer and cattle that occasionally pass through the camping areas.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Medora, North Dakota (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Medora, ND

55 Photos of 8 Medora Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Medora, ND

60 Reviews of 8 Medora Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Dispersed 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.

  • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Spectacular

    This is one of my favorite campsites to date. It’s totally dispersed camping, and there’s a lot of dirt road dust, however our site was super quiet and dark for beautiful stargazing. The other five star reviews are in my opinion legitimate. 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 almost went here for a second night, but got a first come first serve site inside the park for the next night.

  • Issa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Dispersed 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.

  • Maddy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed

    Cow Country

    Beautiful but confusing. I originally went to dispersed camping on the other side of the highway but it was completely full!

    Despite the one negative review, I decided to scope out west river. There wasn’t a closure like they mentioned so I thought I was in the clear. But when I pulled into what I thought would be a spot, the road was deserving a 4WD. I went anyway and crossed paths with a couple of locals out there shooting. It didn’t scream safety.

    Looking back, I’m sure it could be multi-use and fine to camp. Either way, I ended up the road car camping in what was essentially a turnout. I was awoken to the mooing of cows bright and early.

  • Abraham The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Primo boondocking

    Just a dirt road with ample pullouts for camping/RVs. 2wd/low clearance is no problem on the dirt road. It's a right turn after the first cattle guard, previous reviewers were saying they had trouble finding the spot, I'd recommend Gaia gps or something similar.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Gorgeous views!

    Loved this site so close to Medora, ND and especially Theodore Roosevelt NP. Little challenging to find as the GPS coordinates took us beyond the turnoff. As one writer earlier stated if you go over more than one cattle guard you’ve gone too far. Beautiful views and an early morning visit by a herd of cows. Drove to the top of the road with our Little Guy Max to find a site with 360 degree views.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2022

    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.

  • Amber G.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    Location, location, location

    If you are attending the Medora Musical, this is perfect! It is not far off the highway, so it is quick to get set up and then get going for your next day. When I got here around noon, it was just me. Two other people set up through the day. There was plenty of room and it was still very peaceful. I would definitely camp here again!

Guide to Medora

Dispersed camping near Medora, North Dakota offers primitive camping opportunities throughout the Little Missouri National Grassland, which covers over one million acres of rolling prairie terrain. The elevation ranges from 1,800 to 3,500 feet above sea level, creating diverse microclimates where summer temperatures can reach 90°F during day and drop below 50°F at night. Most dispersed sites in this area lack designated boundaries, allowing campers to select natural clearings within public land boundaries.

What to do

Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit: Less than 10 minutes from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, allowing easy access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing. "Beautiful place to watch the sunset," notes camper James K., highlighting the proximity to park attractions.

Photograph wild horses: The grasslands surrounding primitive camping areas near Medora provide opportunities to observe wild horse herds. As one camper at West River Rd describes, "There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening."

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution in camping areas like Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp creates ideal conditions for viewing constellations. Campers regularly mention the clear night skies, especially during new moon phases when stars appear most vibrant.

What campers like

Extended privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas have natural spacing between vehicles. "Each are private with plenty of space. You might see another person but the sites are far enough away from each other to not be a bother," explains a camper at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping.

Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, several Medora dispersed sites maintain connectivity. "Good cell service as well," confirms Tyler K. about Grassland Boondocking, making these locations suitable for remote workers or those needing to stay connected.

Ease of finding level spots: The terrain in many areas provides natural, relatively flat camping surfaces. One camper at Grassland Boondocking noted, "It was easy to get level and the views are incredible with an hours long sunset and very early sunrise."

What you should know

Arrival timing matters: Popular dispersed camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak season. "There is alot of people looking for spots on a Monday. Get here early. It's worth it!" advises one camper about Grassland Boondocking.

Navigation challenges: Some primitive camping areas near Medora have confusing access points. A camper at West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed describes it as "Beautiful but confusing," suggesting first-time visitors allow extra time to locate suitable camping spots.

Weather preparation: Wind conditions vary dramatically by elevation. Lower elevations generally provide more shelter from strong winds that frequently affect the region, particularly during evening hours.

Tips for camping with families

Morning wildlife viewing: Early risers can observe local wildlife including deer and cattle. One camper shares, "I was awoken to the mooing of cows bright and early," highlighting the unexpected rural encounters children might enjoy.

Multiple day stays: Consider camping at different elevations during multi-night stays. "The second night we stayed on the lower ridge and the wind was much better," advises a family that experienced both upper and lower camping areas.

Visitor center facilities: Use park facilities for basic needs. "[We] were able to use all the facilities at the Painted Canyon Visitor center for morning rituals (aka teeth brushing, bathroom in a toilet, face washing etc)," recommends a camper at Camels Hump Lake.

Tips from RVers

Road condition assessment: RV campers should scout roads before committing to routes, especially after rain. "The road was deserving a 4WD," warns one camper about certain access roads, suggesting larger rigs should stay on main gravel roads.

Directional navigation: Follow landmarks rather than relying solely on GPS coordinates. "After the first cattle guard, it's the first right! The coordinates might not be correct," advises Alice C. about finding the proper entrance to dispersed camping areas.

Advance planning for services: No hookups exist at primitive camping sites near Medora, requiring self-containment. One RVer mentions, "We did drive to a Rough Rider State park for a shower which was 5$ a person," providing a practical solution for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What dispersed camping options are available in the grasslands near Medora?

The grasslands near Medora offer several dispersed camping options with varying landscapes and amenities. West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed provides beautiful views but can be confusing to navigate; it's worth exploring different turnoffs to find the best spots. Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp is another option with drive-in access for free camping. These grassland sites typically feature narrow dirt roads with multiple pullouts and camping spots. Look for areas past cattle guards, with some of the most scenic sites located on higher ground overlooking the badlands. No formal facilities exist, so come prepared with all necessary supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Where can I find free camping near Medora, North Dakota?

Free camping is readily available near Medora at Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking, located just off the highway. This popular spot features multiple pullouts along a dirt road that's accessible with 2WD vehicles. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and provides a peaceful, quiet environment for overnight stays. Another free option is Patterson Lake Boat Ramp, which includes basic amenities like toilets. Both locations provide convenient access to Medora's attractions, including Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making them perfect base camps for exploration while saving on accommodation costs.

How does boondocking work near Medora compared to established campgrounds?

Boondocking near Medora means self-sufficient camping without hookups or facilities, unlike established campgrounds. At sites like Camels Hump Lake, you'll need to bring everything you need—water, food, and waste disposal solutions—and take everything out when you leave. The trade-offs are worth it: boondocking sites offer more privacy, spectacular stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, and often better views than developed campgrounds. While established campgrounds provide amenities like running water, electricity, and dump stations, boondocking offers flexibility with no reservations required and zero camping fees. Roads to dispersed sites may be rougher, so vehicle clearance should be considered, though many spots are accessible with standard vehicles.

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