Best Glamping near Medora, ND
If you're looking for glamping near Medora, look no further. Glamping near Medora is especially popular among campers who enjoy beds and electricity. You're sure to find glamping for your North Dakota camping adventure.
Best Glamping Sites Near Medora, North Dakota (6)
1. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
66 Reviews•305 Photos•239 SavesMedora, North DakotaOverview
For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.
Recreation
Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.
Natural Features
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
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- Phone Service
- Reservable
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- Group
$10 - $60 / night
2. Medora Campground
39 Reviews•121 Photos•148 SavesMedora, North DakotaIf you're looking for campgrounds in Medora, ND, consider Medora Campground. Conveniently located on the west side of Medora, the Medora Campground is the perfect place to set up your basecamp for adventure in the Badlands. You can choose between our hook-up spaces or our primitive camping area, whichever makes your Medora experience perfect. Facility amenities include: -150 campsites of varying sizes. -FREE Wi-Fi -Access to bathroom and shower facilities -RV waste station -Playground for the kids -And a new General Store with many of the provisions you might need -- plus a laundry facility to help clean up your gear after a day in the Badlands.
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- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$30 - $60 / night
3. Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area
27 Reviews•78 Photos•109 SavesMedora, North DakotaJust south of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and a couple miles from the town of Medora, Sully Creek State Park is located in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands. This small park provides easy access to the Little Missouri River for paddlers and anglers, and serves as a launch point for the 170-mile Maah Daah Hey and the 50-mile Maah Daah Hey II trails. These two scenic trails invite hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to discover the Badlands’ peaks, plateaus, prairies, and wetlands—just as Roosevelt saw them more than a century ago. Sully Creek also makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the nearby national park in a quieter setting, or if the park’s facilities are full.
Sully Creek offers 41 spacious campsites in three open, grassy areas: Whitetail Flats, Cedar, and Little Muddy Breaks. Whitetail Flats offers open, grassy, pull-through sites that can accommodate large RVs; Cedar is a wooded loop with pull-through and back-in sites for smaller RVs and tent campers; Little Muddy Breaks is an open area designated for horse campers, and features corrals and a round pen. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, and there are vault toilets, a shower house, drinking water, and a dump station available; hookups are not available at this location. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from April through November. Campsites are $12/night; reservations accepted.
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- Reservable
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4. Magpie Campground
9 Reviews•25 Photos•89 SavesGrassy Butte, North DakotaTurn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground. This fenced camp features 11 camp spurs. A handicap accessible vault toilet and a potable water well are available during the summer months. A convenient meeting area for those traveling to Devil's Pass or the Ice Caves. A great shaded area in the summer!
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$6 / night
5. Little Missouri National Grassland
3 Reviews•12 Photos•21 SavesMedora, North DakotaLittle Missouri National Grassland is located in western North Dakota, USA. At 1,033,271 acres (418,150 ha), it is the largest grassland in the country.[1] Enclaved within its borders is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is managed by the National Park Service (and therefore not included in the preceding statistics). The Little Missouri National Grassland was once a part of the Custer National Forest, but is now a part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, a National Forest unit consisting entirely of National Grasslands. A predominant feature of the grassland is colorful and beautiful badlands and rugged terrain extensively eroded by wind and water. It is a mixed grass prairie, meaning it has both long and short grass. The boundaries of the grasslands on certain maps can be misleading. Within the boundaries of the national grassland are significant portions of state-owned and privately owned land, much of it leased by cattle ranchers for grazing. Overall, in descending order of land area, it is located in parts of McKenzie, Billings, Slope, and Golden Valley counties. White Butte, North Dakota's highest point, is located in the extreme southeast corner of the grassland, south of the town of Amidon. The grassland is administered by the Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands from offices in Bismarck, North Dakota. There are local ranger district offices in Dickinson and Watford City.
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- Cabins
6. Killdeer City Park
1 Review•3 Photos•1 SaveKilldeer, North Dakota- Pets
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Recent Glamping Reviews near Medora, North Dakota
145 Reviews of 6 Medora Campgrounds
Mac M.
Guide
Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area
Mesa views on Little Mo at Medora
A perfect campground for equestrian campers or those visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. 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.
Amanda D.
Ranger
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Beautiful Campground and Beautiful Park
The BF and I stayed here last July (2015) and we absolutely loved it! The bathrooms were clean, there is potable water and the camp host was great! 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 had read that a buffalo encounter is possible, which we saw near the road but thankfully not near our tent. The campground is nestled right in the middle of the park making it quite peaceful. It's not too far from Medora so it's reasonable that you could eat dinner there if cooking isn't you're thing. The park itself has a great scenic road and plenty of wildlife. We saw solitary male buffalo, a herd of buffalo from afar, two entertaining prairie dog villages, a lone coyote and lots of birds. The geology is also amazing - much like the badlands of S Dakota but with much more green life, wildflowers and wildlife. We only had one night and wish we could have stayed longer! Overall it was a great campground and a true gem of a national park!
- DDavid P.Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Where the buffalo roam
Camped late April for 5 days, so it was offseason one pit toilet open one water spigot open in the campground. There are two loops, the south look which is tenting and smaller sized trailer sites but it was not yet open while we were there, The North Loop is mainly pull through sites and can handle larger sized RV's. This is dry camping, there are no hookups. You can experience some nice hiking and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning. Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs. Currently Western North Dakota is experiencing a drought, and being early in the season for the campground, it was dry and dusty but did not prevent us from hiking and exploring the park. There is a convenience store in Medora ND right outside the park entrance that you can purchase basics but there was no grocery store. Part of the scenic loop drive is closed due to road erosion but you can still travel most of it though its an out and back with turnarounds for larger vehicles. We would defiantly camp there again, but if you need the luxuries of an RV "park", you will not find that here. The campground is well maintained and clean.
Stephanie Z.
LegendCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Nice NP Campground Convenient to I-94
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. Arriving at the Teddy Roosevelt NP main entrance late in the day, the booth was closed and the "Campground Full" sign was up. I decided to check for myself and I'm glad I did. They sometimes put the campground full site up when the ranger leaves for the night- always check for yourself.
The campsites were basic- picnic table, fire ring, and close proximity to some basic bathrooms. My site was grassy and easy for a tent. The campground didn't allow hammocks or anything attached to trees. The rangers were very friendly and actively patroling the campground. There were NP events at the campground each night.
The cost for a site was $16 (and 20$ to enter the park if you don't have a pass). You cannot get change from the ranger and you cannot use a credit card to register. The closest place to get change, firewood, gas, etc. is Medora which is about 7 miles away. The convenience store there has anything you might want.
There are lots of great hikes accessible in the park, but the park is not crowded like other National Parks, so be sure to get a trail map and directions for hiking as all trails are not well marked.
Mary S.LegendCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Peaceful camping in Theodore Roosevelt NP
This campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora ND has 76 sites. Half of the sites, the even-numbered ones, are not reservable. Sites 55-66 are walk in tent sites; parking spots and grills for these sites are numbered so you have a specific site.
We arrived before 10:30 am on a Sunday and sites were being claimed quickly. There were 7 of us choosing sites at that time. The hosts had a whiteboard that listed available sites; we took a photo of the list and chose quickly as we drove around because sites that were listed as available were already being claimed. We ended up on a reservable site that was open for the next several nights. The host couple was really on the ball and their attention helped keep the site selection process orderly. After you put your tag up, they fold it over later in the day and mark your departure date. This is a practice that is used in many campgrounds.
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.
This campground has no hookups but has flush toilets, sinks, potable water spigots, a sink for washing dishes/disposing of grey water, a place for filling water tanks, trash disposal and firewood for sale. There are charcoal grates for cooking that can also be use for campfires, but there are no fire rings; your campfire will be a few feet off the ground in something that I think of as a grill!
Showers? No, but there area couple campgrounds in Medora that have showers for $5.
If you stay here, you're obviously here to see Theodore Roosevelt NP. Both the campground and park are worth a visit. The scenery is incredible and gave us a new view of North Dakota. There is a hike near Pleasant Valley Ranch where you can use a few trails to make a 5+ mile loop that will show you everything the park has to offer - Little Missouri River (and you have to cross it at the beginning and end), prairie dog towns, bison herds and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this as a way to see the park from a better vantage point than the highway.
One complaint - the position of our site (#19) had some people think it was acceptable to cut through our site on their way to the bathroom. Do you walk through someone's home to shorten your walk? Didn't think so but 3 people did within 30 minutes.
- PPaula C.Ranger
Medora Campground
Tight fit but close to the National Park and downtown Medora
Tight fit but close to the National Park and downtown Medora.
The town of Medora truly supports the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Paulina B.RangerMedora Campground
Gateway to Teddy Roosevelt NP
Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora. With spacious sites along the Little Missouri River, it’s a tranquil spot with easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and the Medora Musical. Amenities are basic but sufficient, and the views of the surrounding badlands make it a picturesque choice for nature enthusiasts.
A little pricey for our taste, but the hook ups in the August heat were worth it.
- aadeliaRanger
Medora Campground
Clean and quiet
Large campground with plenty of open spots when we got there. Nice showers and bathrooms, saw two while looking for our spot. Even can fill up your propane if needed. Cute like yurt like tents shaped like covered wagons. Free WiFi. $30 for tent spot.
- Kacie B.Guide
Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area
Peaceful and Close to Trails
This is a more affordable campsite that many people forget about when they go to Medora. This site is cost effective and beautiful!
- Jacey B.
TravelerMedora Campground
Neat western campground
Pretty tight, but other than that gorgeous. Very close to town, the river , and the national park. Many things to do in town and enjoy the Medora Musical
SwitchbackKidsLegendCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Quaint, quiet, scenic campground oasis in the prairies of North Dakota
Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota. Along our year-long trip, we slept in a lot of campgrounds, but Cottonwood stands out as just what we needed at the time: quiet, spacious, and beautiful sites, nestled right up along the Missouri river, perfect for taking a dip at the end of a long day of hiking.
We spent four days at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: two in the south unit and two in the north unit. (We also loved Juniper Campground in the north!)
Cottonwood Campground was a great place to crash for two nights. It was cheap, comfortable, and quiet. It allowed great access to the heart of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We even ran into a Teddy impersonator at the Visitor Center!
In the south, near Cottonwood Campground, we loved the beautiful scenic drive, the views from Buck Hill, Wind Canyon Overlook, and the Petrified Forest (a bit of a drive around the park).
You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Theodore Roosevelt)
Hannah S.RangerMedora Campground
Great location and cozy spots
Close spots just outside of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Some spots are very close, but have stunning views of the buttes behind and the Little Missouri River. Individual showers and a real desert feel.
Melissa & Chris T.TravelerMedora Campground
Medora Campground - Close enough to bike into town!
We recently stayed at Medora Campground. It was too early in the season to catch the Musical however we rode our bikes into town, the local bike shop was great, and was able to fix my husband's bike! The Campground itself is on the small side as far as sites go but they are pull-through which was convenient for our 2-night stay. We were on a long trip and were happy to see laundry available on site, everything was in working order. The bathroom was clean and the people we nice. The location is right next to the entry into Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the visitor center. If you like Mountain Biking - Check out the Maah Daah Hey trail the is just outside the town of Medora. I would recommend having someone drop you off at the trailhead.
- JJohn H.Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Riverfront camping with Bison
Beautiful spot on Little Missouri River. Medora is cool little town and Maah Daah Hey trail is epic single track for bikes. Unfortunately no off-road biking in National Park so use Sully Creek State Park trailhead. Bison regularly pass through campground on way to river.
- RRebekah U.
ScoutMedora Campground
Nice campground, small sites
We enjoyed Medora Campground! The sites were quite small but we spent the majority of our time in town, in the National park, or at the musical. There was construction, to expand the campground, while we were there so that was loud and noisy. Bathrooms and showers were clean.
- CCarleenGuide
Medora Campground
Love Medora
Great location! This campground isright next to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and across the street from The Medora Musical. Restrooms & showers are clean and the have a laundry. Sites are a little tight but there are many trees. There's a camp store and community pool available to campers.
Tonya T.RangerCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Lots to see an do
Pro's- Close to the town of Medora with so much to do for families. Wildlife is abundant in the park. Nice clean campground. Large spaces for tents and RV's. Deer, prarie dogs, bison, turkeys…and wild horses!
Con's- Road construction going into the park with around 10-20 minute wait.
Tucker B.LegendSully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area
Small Tent Area within Equestrian Campground
This site was massive and would've had room for 5 or 6 tents (not sure on limits though).
It was right next to an equestrian area, so some horses being trained and whinnying just next door.
No cell service (AT&T at least) but quick proximity to Medora and Teddy Roosevely National Park!
West River J.GuideCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Great National Park, easy access
This campground is located shortly after the Medora entrance to the park. Right by the Little Missouri River below the colorful hills that tower over the trees, this campground has beautiful views on its own and offers a good starting point to visit the rest of the park, with a couple trails nearby.
Jennifer H.LegendMedora Campground
Best place to stay near NP & town
A tidy easy in and out campground right in town and next to the NP. Super easy to walk over to the np or into Thiel for coffee, breakfast, dinner. Feeling adventurous go check out the Medora musical and steak fondue dinner. Totally worth it. There’s a community pool right at the campground too. Bonus!
Jackie F.LegendCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Bare Bones
This is a great spot if you’re looking to stay in the park. It’s the only in-park campground. Convenient and just past the Medora entrance station.
There are no services however and this is almost borderline boondocking here. But it’s right off the river and pets are allowed. Bison walk through the campground often.
- Rico R.Ranger
Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area
Nice camp
Very open area not much shade making the site not very private. Staff is nice and accommodating. Showers are 1$ for 8 minutes. Close to trails and close to Medora which is the closest city to Theodore Roosevelt national park. A good alternative for tent camping if you can get into cottonwood because it’s too full.
Brooke R.TravelerMedora Campground
Great Vibes for Price!
The price for all the amenities provided was excellent! There was plenty of room for our tent and cooking set up!
The access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is ideal as well as being able to explore the town of Medora!
It was hot during the day but the campground had plenty of shade to provide a cool place to hangout.
- KKarlaGuide
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Exploring the NP and surrounding area
I stayed three nights and explored the south unit of the park and the small town of Medora. The campground is well maintained. I saw bison, prairie dogs, and wild horses. I would not recommend the site I was in only because the light from the bathroom shone right over it ! Site 48. Otherwise a good campground. There is water available.
- Lori H.Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Close to bison crossing
Along the Little Missouri River, this is a nice place to connect with nature. Set in the park, restroom is a bit of a walk, sites are tucked away from main park traffic-which was minimal when we visited in August. We saw: elk, deer in velvet, bison, prairie dogs,horses, spectacular stars. It’s very close to Medora and all the little wholesome town has to offer.
Leasa W.GuideCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Close proximity to TRNP
Only 6 miles from South Park entrance of Thoedore Roosevelt National Park. Drinking water and flushing toilets but no showers. Reasonable nightly rates. Remember that you are also responsible for the entry fee into the park if you plan to enter the park. Nearest town is Medora. For basic camping I'd recommend. For those that are looking for more amenities you may want to research further.
Matt S.LegendCottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt NP - Cottonwood
What can I say, I went to Theodore Roosevelt National Park just to hangout with my brother and do some camping. I had very low expectations considering it is located in North Dakota. Let's just say that of the dozen National Parks and Monuments that I have visited and camped in, Theodore Roosevelt is my second favorite.
I saw more wildlife than I have in any other park. There were very few people so it felt like we had the park to ourselves. The scenery was fantastic with so many different things to see. There is a South and North unit and they are both amazing, although the North unit is my favorite.
The Cottonwood campground is in the South Unit. It was great. The toilet near are campsite was a pit toilet, but it was clean. I must admit, I prefer a flushing toilet, especially when I am paying money to camp. Having said that the rest of the campground was quiet with some great scenery. Aside from not having flushing toilets, the reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5 is the campground needed more shade trees. It did get hot during the day.
Wildlife walks through the campsite regularly. I woke up one morning with a buffalo walking 10 yards from my tent. I was sitting down and eating lunch at the picnic table and a beautiful snake with lots of colors just slithered through. If you want an experience with nature and have the opportunity to see bluffs, trees, badlands and a petrified forest, you need to stay at Cottonwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Medora, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Medora, ND is Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 66 reviews.
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