Looking for the best Sentinel Butte tent camping? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Sentinel Butte campgrounds for you and your tent. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Sentinel Butte, North Dakota's most popular destinations.
Enjoy the scenic lookout from the Columnar Juniper area or the Ponderosa Pines just south and west of the campground.
Enjoy the breathtaking view of a scenic canyon from this campground.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Grasslands OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands. Along certain roads, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off road to camp. These roads are shown on the Grassland's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the grassland. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a pasture or clearing. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire rings. Clear an area of combustible material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading into a wildfire. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch. Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE (creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes). When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. Do not use ANY soap directly in a water source. Use biodegradable soap.
Custer's Snow Camp was named for a unexpected snowstorm that dropped 6 inches of white sloppy snow on May 3, 1876 delaying Custer and his men for two days.
Enjoy the peaceful serenity offered at this campground.
Legend
General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening.
Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved.
Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them.
Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).
Traveler
This place is amazing.
RangerFound this site close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Road in is pretty good, any right should be able to make it. There are several sites in the camping area, some could fit big rigs. Smaller rigs can get into any of the other sites. Despite being near the Interstate, it was really quiet at night. Great Verizon signal on this location. Starlink had some of the fastest connections we have seen.
GuideEasy access on a gravel road all the way to the top of the bluff. We opted to park at one of the first few pull out spots but saw several campers all along the road up to and on the bluff itself. We had great Verizon service.
Ranger
There are a lot of people coming and going at this busy family operated campground. Sites are fairly close, not much privacy. Bathrooms, showers and laundry on site, all of which were maintained adequately. It is a short walk to downtown Medora. Campground is within the town and across from residences. Upon check-in, a staff member escorts you to your site and directs you where to park. Mixture of grass sites and gravel sites. Cell signal is adequate. Garbage and dump station on site. Small convenience store on property with essentials.
GuideNot far from the park. Great views from the top. We had no issues getting out jeep all the way up, but larger campers would need to find spots lower.
ScoutWe checked in today and were met by rude registration staff followed by a deranged woman employee who screamed commands laced with sarcasm and condescension as I tried to back the camper into our site. When I tried to politely explain that I had backed the camper successfully for years, she suggested I go camp somewhere else. We did leave and landed happily at a much nicer and kinder campground that wasnt covered in fleas. They also made it quite clear that there would be no refund. We visited North Park Campground, no overnight stay.
GuideAlong Buffalo Gap Rd closer to I-94 area. The land is within Little Missouri National Grassland and there are no signs at this spot saying not to camp. The campground area, fee area, is on the other side of I-94.
GuideThis campground is perfectly located for visiting the TRNP, Painted Canyon and the town of Medora has nice offerings for entertainment and western history and way of life. The campground is decent with a small store, nice laundry machines and the restrooms are decent and clean but could use a little sprucing up.
GuideAs a tenter or suv camper I drove to the top of the grasslands boondocking area to find others doing the same thing. Even without an actual "spot" I was able to get a nice place on the bluff to spread out, not close to other dudes. Obviously no services here but just piss into the wind. Ominous heavy fog in the morning with low visibilty but a cool spot for sure. Drive, dont roll, down the hill. No need for bug spray but maybe a pair of binoculars to check out the ladies. Big sky, wild horses, and yummy grasshoppers. No west bound access when leaving so take Buffalo Gap Rd or backtrack to Medora. Such a nice town to chill during the hot days, especially at the historic park with covered tables.
Traveler
Traveled about 35 miles on unpaved road in RAV4 AWD. Campsite was empty, so we had different sites to choose from. We were in a spot with some shade for our tent. Close to clean pit toilet. Hand pump was hard to pump which produced light brown water which wasn't something we wanted to drink, so bring in your own water. Site had large picnic table and fire ring. Nice view of landscape and Trailhead nearby. Nearby is Elkhorn Ranch Unit trail leading to Theodore Roosevelt Ranch site. No buildings but interpretive signage.
Legend
Small campground with vault toilets, and drinking water. a mile away from the campground are standalone sites you can drive into and park one vehicle you’re champion if you get site #22.
Guide
We did not personally camp here but we cruised through on a motorcycle. The sites looked to be spaced out fairly well, many of them had a picnic table, there is a bathroom on site and also a water pump that did not seem accessible by vehicle, so I doubt you could fill an rv with it. The sign seemed to say $10 a night, pay with cash in an envelope. We passed a forest ranger coming out to check on the campground while we were there. The short road in was in need of a bit of repair, but most vehicles could get through it, just a bit of a rut from people getting stuck in mud. Rather narrow as well, could definitely only accommodate one way traffic as a time.
ScoutArrived the afternoon 07/27/24 and had no issues finding a spot. Went past where Google maps took us for Scoria Pit and up the hill to sit atop on the bluffs for some amazing views! No amenities, but the location and quietness around us was very much worth it. Good location a little off the highway near Theodore Roosevelt NP. One section of the road was a little washed out, but generally easy access.
GuideStunning views in every direction and plenty of spots to choose from once you turn onto the gravel/dirt road. It’s a little bumpy so take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback.
A quick word of warning: rattlesnakes could be in the bushes! Keep your dog close and be cognizant of your surroundings!
TravelerNarrow Road, but plenty of spots to park at as well as not being too close to the next camper! Some of the most beautiful views you’ll see
Legend
A tidy easy in and out campground right in town and next to the NP. Super easy to walk over to the np or into Thiel for coffee, breakfast, dinner. Feeling adventurous go check out the Medora musical and steak fondue dinner. Totally worth it. There’s a community pool right at the campground too. Bonus!
TravelerThe price for all the amenities provided was excellent! There was plenty of room for our tent and cooking set up!
The access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is ideal as well as being able to explore the town of Medora!
It was hot during the day but the campground had plenty of shade to provide a cool place to hangout.
Guide
This was an excellent spot for jeeps/off road vehicles. Very private, lots of fun if you have dirt bikes or four wheelers with you to explore. It’s just off the road so we heard cars going by every once in awhile, but for the most part had the area to ourselves. Only bugs were grasshoppers. Pit toilet was clean and unlocked. There was a map of the entire park as well. Probably one of my favorite spots
GuideEasy access with good road plenty of room. Great views
ScoutOverall a nice campsite. Many sites for tents, some for campers and trailers. Each had a picnic table and a fire ring. Pretty loud road noise from the highway but a good spot to stop for a night.
ScoutNice family owned
Guide
I’ve stayed here multiple times. The sites are relatively spread out, though I like to stay towards the back of the site where it’s even more secluded. Every time I’ve been here, the camp is never over 1/2 full. The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail: >100 miles of trail open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Either head south on Magpie road to Magpie trailhead, or follow the campground road away from the main road past the cattleguard and find the connecting trail there. From there, either head west towards Devil’s Pass or east towards the ice caves. At dusk, be sure to listen for coyotes barking in the distance
Guide
Lots of trees and plenty of space between most sites. Clean toilets with running water. Drinking water spikets throughout with a camper water fill Station at entrance... no dump station. Seemed odd numbers were reservation and even numbered sites were first come. We reserved site 3 but were very disappointed, it was not an accommodating site for our truck and small 23' camper... BUT the campground host allowed us to switch to another site that was available!! Awesome!!!Our stay was 6/10,11/2024
RangerPullouts along a dirt road provide good camping spots! Able to find a free spot on a friday night around 4 but there were definitely other people filling in.
Travelermost amazing campsite. arrived around 4pm and secured a spot with views of the whole valley. windy at times but was able to move the car in front of the tent!
Travelereasily accessible, multiple spots to choose from that are dispersed about half a mile from each other. far enough from the interstate to not see it, but close enough to still hear it. also had full bars with verizon. insanely windy but beautiful!!
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sentinel Butte, ND is Visitors Center - Beach with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Sentinel Butte, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
