Camping options near Sentinel Butte, North Dakota provide convenient access to the badlands landscape and Little Missouri River. Summers typically reach 90°F with limited shade at many locations, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures. Winter camping is minimal due to seasonal closures from November through April at most rv parks around Sentinel Butte, North Dakota.
What to do
Hiking on Maah Daah Hey Trail: Access this notable trail system directly from Sully Creek State Park, just a short drive from Sentinel Butte. The trail follows the Little Missouri River and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Nice to have 3 loops separated by use and rig size... Great birds!! Chats, American Redstart, Cedar Waxwings, Spotted Towhee, Eastern Kingbird and more!" according to Janet K.
Wildlife viewing: Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers abundant wildlife sightings within a short drive from camping areas. A camper at Cottonwood Campground shared, "We woke up to find bison all around us. Truly a beautiful and unique experience I'll never forget." The park hosts bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and various bird species throughout the year.
Medora Musical: This popular summer attraction runs nightly from June through September, with many campgrounds offering shuttle service. As one camper at Red Trail Campground noted, "Very nice family owned, and good location with good transport to an excellent show." The outdoor musical typically costs $30-50 per person with performances starting at 7:30 pm.
What campers like
Proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Most campgrounds in the area provide quick access to both the South and North Units of the park. According to a camper at Medora Campground, "Perfect for Teddy Roosevelt National Park visit... National park entrance South is next door and scenic trail drive is about 2 hours round trip (there is construction so one part of road is shut down…no loop…you have to turn around)."
Free hot showers: Unlike many rustic camping areas, several campgrounds offer complimentary shower facilities. A camper at Buffalo Gap Campground mentioned, "Heated Shower stalls, flush toilets, $6! ...the OMG was the individual shower rooms with radiant heat that was motion activated." These amenities make extended stays more comfortable during summer months.
Affordability: Many sites offer reasonable rates compared to other national park gateway communities. One visitor to Buffalo Gap noted, "We spoke to the very friendly camp host the next morning and he confirmed the nightly charge of $6 per site. If you have the National Park Senior pass it is only $3!!! Quite the bargain."
What you should know
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arriving as food shopping is minimal. As noted at Medora Campground, "No grocery store, only small convenience store so make sure you stock up if you are staying for a few days."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major roads. A Buffalo Gap Campground visitor observed, "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."
Seasonal operations: Most camping facilities operate on limited schedules. Buffalo Gap Campground runs from "Memorial Day to Labor Day" with reduced services in shoulder seasons. Plan accordingly if visiting in early spring or late fall.
Water quality issues: Some campers report issues with drinking water. One Cottonwood Campground visitor mentioned, "The one criticism I have of this campsite is the potable water tasted horrible."
Tips for camping with families
City pool access: Some campgrounds offer convenient recreation options. "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," writes Beth B. about her stay at Medora Campground.
Wildlife opportunities: Children often enjoy the frequent animal sightings. "We stayed here while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This place has everything you need and more! Convenient location for exploring Medora. It has a city pool right on site that is heated, a dog park beautiful grounds with huge trees. Great playground," notes Amber W.
Unique accommodations: For something different than standard camping, Sully Creek State Park (now called Rough Riders) offers varied camping experiences. "This park is no longer known as Sully Creek and changed names to Rough Riders. It has nice facilities, great shaded primitive sites, access to the Mah Dah Hey trail that goes along the Little Missouri River," according to Delanie J.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configuration: At some rv parks near Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, hookups may require extra equipment. A camper at The Crossings Campground advises, "Full hook ups, but make sure you bring plenty of sewer hose if your RV is any size. The same goes for electric and water hose." Another noted, "Did not like that the hookups for water and sewer in our site was on the opposite side than any other park we stayed so make sure you have plenty of sewer and water hose."
Site spacing awareness: Many RV spots have minimal separation between units. At Boots Campground, visitors report, "Very close to neighbors and site 7 is very hard to get level. We had to buy more leveling blocks. No tables or fire rings. Just hookups."
Alternative no-frills options: Budget-conscious RVers can find basic sites with full hookups. One camper described The Crossings Campground: "This is a bone basic FULL HOOK UP (water, sewer, electric) campground with rock solid smoking fast T-Mobile 5G. It's like somebody decided to put really spacious camp sites in their side yard aside from that. Clean, no problems at all. Minutes from Medora attractions and TRNP for half the price: $25/night."
