The badlands landscape surrounding Medora, North Dakota features diverse camping options centered around Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Cottonwood Campground within the park offers 76 sites along the Little Missouri River, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing with bison, elk, and prairie dogs frequently spotted by campers. Private campgrounds like Red Trail and Medora Campground provide full hookups for RVs within walking distance of downtown Medora. For those seeking more seclusion, Buffalo Gap Campground and dispersed sites in Little Missouri National Grassland offer primitive camping with panoramic badlands views. Sully Creek State Park (now known as Rough Riders) provides equestrian-friendly camping with access to the Maah Daah Hey trail system.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Medora area. Most campgrounds operate from May through September, with limited services during shoulder seasons. According to Mary S., "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." Early arrivals are essential during summer months. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closed. Cell service varies widely between campgrounds, with Buffalo Gap having virtually no coverage while Coal Creek Campground surprisingly offers strong signals for both Verizon and T-Mobile. Many private campgrounds restrict amenities during off-season periods, including shower facilities and Wi-Fi access.
Wildlife encounters represent a distinctive feature of camping near Medora. David P. notes that at Cottonwood Campground, "Buffalo were common visitors while having coffee in the morning. Elk, deer, wild horses were common as well as hawks and prairie dogs." The Little Missouri River winds through many campgrounds, providing scenic views and occasional wildlife crossings. Campers frequently mention the striking badlands scenery visible from most sites. While national park campgrounds offer fewer amenities, they provide direct access to hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Town-adjacent campgrounds trade natural isolation for convenience, with several reviewers noting the ability to walk or bike into Medora for supplies, dining, or to attend the popular Medora Musical during summer months. Camping in Medora offers an ideal base for exploring the unique badlands terrain and experiencing North Dakota's remarkable outdoor landscape.
$10 - $60 / night
"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 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."
"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 were happy with our site location and views. You could hear road noise from I94 but it wasn't too bad. Also had a view of fireworks from the Medora music show each night around 9:35."
$30 - $60 / night
"Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora."
"We recently stayed at Medora Campground. "
$15 - $30 / night
"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."
"It has nice facilities, great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River, and its a short drive from Medora/TRNP. "
$20 / night
"Isolated Some camp sites are real gems A variety of sites depending on what you want- camp on the hill in grassland if you want to watch sunset/sunrise- or get one of the camp sites that are nestled behind"
"Super close to Medora ND"
$27 - $46 / night
"We stayed at Red Trail campground in Medora, ND in September 2021. This is a great little park right outside Theodore Roosevelt National park."
"Hoped to see the Medora Musical, but it didn't start until the second week in June."
$40 / night
"The location is great as the park entrance is just a few miles away, along with the gateway town of Medora. Reservation and check in was all digital which was nice."
"Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks. We're pro members and couldn't figure out how to get the pro discount. No tables or fire rings."
"Close to interstate. Which you can hear. Heard a train go by a few times. Lake gets a few fisherman throughout the day. Only 4 spots which filled up before dark. No water or dump."
"The highway can be a bit loud but it’s not that bad. It looked like 4 spots and decent enough size. Great views of the lake."
$60 / night
"The town of Medora has events going on all the time. We ate at the “Little Missouri”. They had great food and reasonably priced."
RangerGreat experience at this campground. Toilets, water, trash/recycling. Park Rangers provide educational classes from Thursday-Sunday evenings. Stunning views and wildlife experiences. Not a good park for walking dogs.
GuideGreat place to stop, right off the hwy. Quiet, only a few spots, right on the lake.
GuideGreat location in Medora. Clean bathrooms and showers. Quiet even though spots are close together.
GuideWe did get spot 12 on Tuesday and the view is amazing
GuideMet a Ranger on the way up, he said good luck. It was full. They now only have 15 spaces set up there
TravelerCampsites in valley in Badlands. Nice and clean. No power, no dumps, hand pump for water
GuideI was under the impression that this was a dispersed campground, but it is not ($10 per site). It is about 11 miles south of Medora and the TRNP.
Sites are level, hard gravel with a firepit and picnic table. Sites are well separated with plenty of trees and brush between sites. Vault toilets are newer and clean. Last 8.6 miles of road is well maintained gravel and wide enough for all types of RV, but unsure if there are pull-through sites.
Minimal flying bugs … no repellant required although we did set a citronella candle out.
Elevation: 2710’. We had site #5 and had great views and privacy.
GuideWe got here late right before sunset. A lot of the number of sites taken, but we did find one. We stayed on lot 12, and it worked for and overnight. Great sunset. Not as secluded we like but was quiet.
GuideA red dirt road with a series of pull-in spots large enough to accommodate a camper or RV. Spots are spaced out a couple hundred feet. Other than your fellow boondockers, there’s no one else in sight. The views are picturesque.
Camping in the Little Missouri Grasslands near Medora, North Dakota offers terrain ranging from flat prairies to rugged badlands formations. The red scoria rock roads lead to panoramic vistas at higher elevations, with night temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds, with coverage generally better at higher elevations.
Hike to Petrified Forest: The petrified forest trail accessible near Cottonwood Campground provides unique geological exploration. "We also saw wild horses running through the prairie. Also the petrified forest hike is a must!" notes Dallas H.
Explore badlands on horseback: Campers at Sully Creek State Park (now Rough Riders) can access equestrian trails throughout the badlands. Mac M. reports, "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."
Bird watching opportunities: The riparian areas near campgrounds support diverse bird species. Janet K. observed at Sully Creek, "Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!" Birding is particularly productive during spring and fall migrations along the Little Missouri River.
Quiet primitive sites: The Cedar Loop at Sully Creek offers secluded spots. "It has nice facilities, great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River," reports Delanie J. The campground recently changed names from Sully Creek to Rough Riders.
Free grassland dispersed camping: Grassland Boondocking provides no-cost camping options with sunset views. Lynsey M. explains, "We stayed 2 nights in July in this area and it was great! Plenty of spots, so we didn't feel like we were on top of other campers. Close to the National Park which was why we stayed."
River access and walking trails: Many sites feature paths to the Little Missouri River. According to Dallas H. at Cottonwood Campground, "We stayed in site #9 and it had a walking trail to the water and it overlooked the mountains." These trails provide access for fishing, wildlife viewing and sunset photography.
Reservation requirements: Summer months fill quickly at established campgrounds. Scott D. notes about Cottonwood Campground, "Was very pleased I could get a First Come/First Served site. The campground was clean, quiet, and had very nice bathrooms. Host were great and friendly."
Water quality issues: Some visitors report unpleasant-tasting water at certain campgrounds. Tyler M. cautions about Cottonwood Campground: "The one criticism I have of this campsite is the potable water tasted horrible."
Weather preparedness: The grasslands experience significant temperature swings and high winds. Rooftop tent campers at dispersed sites should consider location carefully, as Lynsey M. explains, "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."
Look for shade: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Patti E. recommends certain areas at Buffalo Gap Campground: "The campsites are perfectly fine... Sites are shaded and private. Not one single generator!!"
Consider proximity to amenities: Campsites near Medora provide easy access to town facilities. Beth B. at Medora Campground shares, "Good recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person. Medora is a small town, easy to bike or walk."
Early arrival essential: Busy season campgrounds fill by mid-afternoon. Arrive before noon to secure sites. Hannah W. notes about Buffalo Gap, "Although you cannot see the interstate, the campground is super close to I-94 and it's loud. If you're a light sleeper, this may not be the place for you."
Site selection considerations: Some sites present leveling challenges. Clean Slate D. warns about Boots Campground: "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks."
Shower facilities vary: Free shower options exist at certain campgrounds. Charles C. praises Buffalo Gap: "The OMG was the individual shower rooms with radiant heat that was motion activated." This makes longer stays more comfortable during dusty summer conditions.
Supply planning crucial: Limited shopping options mean bringing essentials. Beth B. advises Medora Campground visitors: "No grocery store, only small convenience store so make sure you stock up if you are staying for a few days." Most campgrounds near Medora stock firewood but not food supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV parks are available in Medora, North Dakota?
Medora offers several RV-friendly options with varying amenities. The Crossings Campground provides spacious full hookup sites (water, sewer, electric) with excellent T-Mobile 5G coverage just minutes from Medora attractions at a more affordable price than competitors. Camp On The Heart offers full hookups for $30 per night with nice views of Heart River for short-term campers, though be prepared for a rough gravel entrance road. Other RV options include Medora Campground and Buffalo Gap Campground, both offering convenient access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and town amenities. Most RV parks in the area are seasonal, typically operating from spring through fall.
Is there a map available for Medora campgrounds?
Maps for Medora area campgrounds are readily available through multiple sources. When visiting Cottonwood Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, maps are provided at the entrance booth showing both the North and South loops with site layouts and amenities. The National Park Service also offers downloadable maps on their website that show all campground locations within the park. For state recreation areas like Sully Creek State Recreation Area, maps are available at the ranger station or online through the North Dakota Parks and Recreation website. Many private campgrounds also provide site maps on their websites or upon check-in.
Where are the campgrounds located in Medora, ND?
Campgrounds in Medora are strategically located around the town and nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Sully Creek State Park (now also known as Rough Riders) is situated just 3-4 miles from Medora and the national park entrance, offering electric sites and access to the Mah Dah Hey trail along the Little Missouri River. Red Trail Campground is positioned right outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park with spacious full hookup sites. For those seeking more remote options, dispersed camping is available in the surrounding grasslands, providing quiet, dark skies perfect for stargazing while still being accessible from Medora.
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