Best Tent Camping near Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Tent camping in Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers several primitive options across North Dakota's rugged grassland terrain. West River Road Dispersed camping near Medora provides free tent sites with minimal amenities, while established campgrounds like Burning Coal Vein and Elkhorn offer more structured tent camping experiences. These sites are situated within the expansive grasslands where visitors can experience the remote beauty of North Dakota's badlands landscape.
Access to tent campgrounds varies considerably throughout the region. Burning Coal Vein Campground features basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and drinking water via hand pump. The campground costs approximately $10 per night with payment collected via an envelope system. Some locations require significant travel on unpaved roads, as one camper noted about Elkhorn Campground: "Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites, particularly after rain when dirt roads become rutted. Most tent sites lack potable water, so campers should bring their own supply.
The remote nature of these grassland tent sites provides exceptional solitude and immersion in prairie ecosystems. Sites at Burning Coal Vein are described as "spaced out fairly well" and set in a "protected shallow valley with good shade." A visitor commented that the area is "little visited but beautiful." Many campgrounds serve as trailheads for hiking routes, including access to the Maah Da Hey Trail from Burning Coal Vein. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with campers reporting bison sightings near Bennett Camp and feral horses near West River Road. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with thunderstorms rolling across the open prairie creating memorable experiences. Most sites have limited or no cell service, offering a genuine backcountry tent camping experience away from modern distractions.
