Best Tent Camping near Medora, ND
Tent camping near Medora, North Dakota offers access to the rugged badlands landscape within Little Missouri National Grasslands. Burning Coal Vein Campground provides tent sites in a protected shallow valley with good shade, while dispersed camping options exist along West River Road. Elkhorn Campground offers a more secluded experience with access to hiking trails including the Maah Da Hey Trail for those seeking primitive tent camping experiences.
Most tent sites in the region are primitive with minimal amenities. Burning Coal Vein provides picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets and drinking water pumps, while dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities. Access roads vary in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles. A recent visitor to West River Road noted, "when I pulled into what I thought would be a spot, the road was deserving a 4WD." Campers should bring adequate water supplies, as even campgrounds with pumps may produce water of questionable quality. Sites typically cost $6-10 per night with self-pay envelopes at established campgrounds.
The tent campgrounds near Medora offer exceptional opportunities to experience the Dakota badlands with relatively few crowds. Sites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy even during peak season. Tent campers have access to notable hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and dramatic prairie landscapes. Burning Coal Vein sites sit in a protected valley offering respite from winds that can sweep across the exposed grasslands. Elkhorn Campground provides access to Theodore Roosevelt's historic ranch site via nearby trails. A camper at Burning Coal Vein described it as a "lovely spot that is little visited but beautiful. The sites are in a protected shallow valley with good shade. They are fairly private."
