Top Free Dispersed Camping near Medora, ND
Looking for the best Medora dispersed camping? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your North Dakota camping adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Medora, ND (4)
1. Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp
1 Review•1 Save- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Camels Hump Lake
1 Review•7 Saves- Pets
- Picnic Table
3. West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed
1 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
4. Patterson Lake Boat Ramp
Be the first to review!•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Medora
36 Reviews of 4 Medora Campgrounds
James B.
Ranger
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.
- MMatt D.
ScoutScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.
TravelerScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
Easy access with good road plenty of room. Great views
Rachel S.RangerScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.TravelerScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.
- 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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.ScoutScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
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.GuideScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Amazing views
We stayed here while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Amazing views and very quite.
- EEric G.
LegendScoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Awesome spot beautiful views close to park
We had an amazing spot on top of hill. Could see for miles. Saw nice mule deer buck. Lots of camping spots. Empty during the day gets close to full an hour or so before dark. 10 min from National park entrance. No water or dump. Can be very windy. Very close to petrified forest.
- EEric G.Legend
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Great views quiet
Stayed here a few nights well visiting the National park which is only 10 min away. The views are amazing. Lots of places to park. Not busy during the day. 5 miles from a great petrified forest. No amenities at all. 2 miles off highway so you can hear it a little bit.
- AAni D.Scout
Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Gateway to Theodore Roosevelt NP
Beautiful secluded campsite. Just a few designated spots, but we saw people pulled over anywhere along the gravel road. Heard wolves in the night and saw the Milky Way. Some road noise from the interstate, but not too bad.
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
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Medora, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Medora, ND is Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Medora, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Medora, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.