Cabin rentals near Sentinel Butte sit within North Dakota's western badlands at elevations averaging 2,700 feet, experiencing temperature extremes from below zero in winter to over 90°F in summer. The Little Missouri River watershed carves dramatic buttes and valleys throughout the region, creating sheltered camping areas with varying degrees of wind protection. Many cabin sites include air conditioning units, essential during July and August when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
What to do
Hiking to panoramic viewpoints: White Butte, North Dakota's highest point, offers a moderate one-mile trail near Cabins of Amidon. "White Butte, the high point of ND is very close! A mile or so hike to the top!" notes a visitor who enjoyed this accessible summit.
Attend local cultural events: Small-town festivals provide authentic experiences during summer months. A Cabins of Amidon guest recounts, "We just happened to show up on the first day of the Slope County 101 Annual Fair and rodeo. Got to mix with local people. Corn hole games, FFA auction, exhibits and games!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The badlands ecosystem supports pronghorn, mule deer, and prairie dog colonies. Makoshika State Park Campground across the Montana border provides similar terrain. "There were rabbits appearing and disappearing. There were benches in interesting places. Informational markers and interesting spots," describes one camper of the nearby landscape.
Educational paleontology: The region contains significant fossil beds. Makoshika State Park's entrance features a Triceratops on its sign, and as one visitor noted, "Kids would love this park" with its accessible prehistoric exhibits and formations.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: After dusty hikes, proper bathing facilities become essential. The Crossings Campground offers full hookups without frills. "The full hookups were nice since the temps were in the upper 90s. The price was good and there were spots available fairly last minute," shares one camper who appreciated the basic amenities during extreme heat.
Convenient proximity to national parks: Most cabin sites serve as bases for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park. One reviewer at Medora Campground mentioned, "National park entrance South is next door and scenic trail drive is about 2 hours round trip," highlighting the strategic location for park access.
Affordable pricing options: Cabin accommodations vary significantly in cost based on amenities. A visitor at The Crossings noted their satisfaction with value: "It's like Boondocking with full hookups! No thrills but peaceful and has very good WiFi. Would recommend and would stay again for the money."
On-site dining availability: Select campgrounds feature food service, eliminating grocery needs. At Cabins of Amidon, guests enjoy "Mo's Bunker Bar just steps away from our trailer" where they had "a couple beers and a good pizza," providing convenient meals without cooking.
What you should know
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival at cabin sites. A Cabins of Amidon camper advises, "Come prepared! No groceries except in small store in Bowman 21 miles away." Similarly, Medora visitors note limited supplies in the region.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs dramatically between sites. The Crossings Campground offers "rock solid smoking fast T-Mobile 5G," while more remote cabins have spotty coverage requiring planning ahead for navigation and communication needs.
Extreme seasonal conditions: Winter camping requires specialized gear, while summer heat demands cooling. Boots Campground stays open year-round but has specific considerations: "Site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks," notes one camper about the terrain challenges.
Campsite spacing varies: Privacy levels differ between properties. At Boots Campground, one visitor observed, "Sites are small, tight and un-level" and "some of the others are so close you can almost touch your neighbor standing in your door!"
Tips for camping with families
Recreation facilities: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. Little Missouri National Grassland offers open spaces for free play, while Medora Campground provides more structured options. A family noted, "Great recreation for kids, basketball/volleyball/gaga ball and city pool at front of campground $5/person."
Educational exhibits: Historical displays engage children while teaching regional history. One visitor highlighted a unique opportunity: "There's a one room schoolhouse exhibit across the road at the fairgrounds" near Cabins of Amidon, providing cultural context for young campers.
Specialty accommodations: Unique sleeping quarters appeal to children. Medora Campground offers "covered wagon rentals for a western-themed experience," with a visitor noting, "I believe that you can rent covered wagons here to sleep in as well if you are looking for a truly unique and western experience."
Swimming access: Summer heat makes water features essential for families. Medora Campground includes "a city pool right on site that is heated," and Little Missouri River access points allow wading in shallow sections during low water periods.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up locations: Some sites have unusual utility placement. At The Crossings Campground, a camper warns, "Make sure you have plenty of sewer hose if your RV is any size. The same goes for electric and water hose" due to non-standard hookup placement.
Site levelness challenges: Many cabin campgrounds have uneven terrain. One RVer at The Crossings described it as "just a big field, so the spots are mostly flat but are lumpy with bumps and giant ant mounds."
Weather preparation: Temperature extremes affect RV systems. Makoshika State Park visitors advise, "The campground is non-electric, so remember that if you like to run your AC when it is 100+!" highlighting the importance of alternative cooling methods when full hookups aren't available.
Space for slide-outs: Cabin areas sometimes restrict RV expansion. At Boots Campground, "the spots were a bit close together and there are no picnic tables or fire rings," requiring careful positioning to fully deploy slide-outs without encroaching on neighboring sites.
