Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park ranges from established sites to more basic options. The park's Cottonwood Campground puts you right in the middle of the badlands with hiking trails nearby and good chances to see bison and prairie dogs. Just outside the park, Buffalo Gap Campground has more basic Forest Service facilities but sits close to its namesake trail. Fire bans happen regularly in this dry area, so check with rangers about current rules before you light anything. During summer, you'll want to reserve spots ahead of time, especially for weekend camping. Most sites have the basics—vault toilets and tables for eating. Water isn't available at all locations, so fill up in Medora or Watford City when you get groceries. The main roads to campgrounds stay in good shape, though some of the backcountry spots need vehicles with better clearance. The landscape changes dramatically from the stark badlands to the cottonwood-lined Little Missouri River. Many campers prefer May-June or September-October when temperatures are reasonable and you won't compete with summer vacation crowds. The park's camping areas work well for both quick overnight stays and longer trips exploring the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park (59)

    1. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    29 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $30 / night

    "Believe it or not, but I would put the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park even ahead of Yosemite.

    The trees and the canopy in the Juniper campground is really cool."

    "While this may be in the middle of nowhere, it is worth the trip off the beaten path. From what I understand, the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is even leas visited and less crowded."

    2. Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    16 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    11 miles
    +1 (701) 842-8500

    $10 / night

    "Absolutely beautiful campground right across the river from Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s north unit. The scenery is breathtaking."

    "It is a close drive to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which is nice because we could spend all day at the park and then easily make it back in time to cook dinner and enjoy the site as well."

    3. Magpie Campground

    9 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    $6 / night

    "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."

    "They said they had good trails, but we didn’t have much time to explore. Beautiful views and very peaceful. Only downfall was the long drive on the rough/ unpaved roads."

    4. Bennett

    2 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "There are some nice long hiking trails, bison and other prairie critters. This is wide open country with no real facilities (no trash either).

    Yay: simple camping and lovely scenery, wildlife."

    5. Summit Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grassy Butte, ND
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "Right on the highway so loud traffic all night. 1 pit toilet, 4 sites with picnic tables. Easy walk to a great view of the badlands."

    6. Grassy Butte Community Park

    1 Review
    Grassy Butte, ND
    7 miles
    +1 (701) 863-6906

    "We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade."

    7. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    67 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4466

    $10 - $60 / night

    "Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota."

    "What can I say, I went to Theodore Roosevelt National Park just to hangout with my brother and do some camping. I had very low expectations considering it is located in North Dakota."

    8. Juniper Campground Group Site — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    1 Review
    Grassy Butte, ND
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 842-2333

    $60 / night

    "Really beautiful site here with lots of easy and moderate trails to explore with lovely sunrise/sunset and wildlife! Similar feel to Badlands with some fewer crowds."

    9. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    41 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 227-7800

    "We stayed here while visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Amazing views and very quite."

    "Found 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."

    10. Medora Campground

    39 Reviews
    Medora, ND
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 623-4435

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Close spots just outside of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Some spots are very close, but have stunning views of the buttes behind and the Little Missouri River."

    "Great location! This campground isright next to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and across the street from The Medora Musical. Restrooms & showers are clean and the have a laundry."

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Recent Reviews near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

356 Reviews of 59 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, offers a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park is known for its beautiful badlands and diverse wildlife. Many campers enjoy hiking the trails and spotting animals like bison and prairie dogs. One visitor at Cottonwood Campground mentioned, "We saw a ton of buffalo on the north side and we have already spotted buffalo, seen prairie dogs and wild horses from the road."
  • Visit nearby attractions: The town of Medora is just a short drive away and offers fun activities like the Medora Musical and steak fondue dinners. A camper at Medora Campground said, "Super easy to walk over to the NP or into Thiel for coffee, breakfast, dinner."
  • Hiking and biking: The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a popular spot for hiking and biking. Campers at Ccc Campground appreciated the access to this trail, stating, "The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s an access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Spacious sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at campgrounds like Cottonwood Campground, where one reviewer noted, "Lots of trees and plenty of space between most sites."
  • Clean facilities: Clean bathrooms are a big plus for many visitors. A camper at Juniper Campground mentioned, "The bathroom was clean, but for some reason like a sauna at night!"
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. One visitor at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping said, "The location and quietness around us was very much worth it."

What you should know:

  • Limited services: Many campgrounds, like Cottonwood Campground, have limited services. One camper pointed out, "This campground has very limited services. There is a water filling station... but no dump station for RVs."
  • Noise from roads: Some sites are close to roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Buffalo Gap Campground mentioned, "Pretty loud road noise from the highway but a good spot to stop for a night."
  • First-come, first-served: Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor at Juniper Campground noted, "There were plenty of first come first serve sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose sites wisely: Some sites may lack shade, making them hot during the day. A camper at Cottonwood Campground advised, "Choose your tent only walk-in site carefully. Most (especially those next to the river) have no shade."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at Medora Campground enjoyed the community pool, saying, "There’s a community pool right at the campground too. Bonus!"
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Magpie Campground mentioned, "We were headed to the north unit of TRNP and found this nice campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site lengths: Some campgrounds have shorter sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Juniper Campground warned, "If you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site."
  • Use Google Maps: It can help you find the best routes and sites. A camper at Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping suggested, "Take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Many campgrounds, like Buffalo Gap Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "The sites are all asphalt and offer a decent amount of privacy!"

Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park is Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

What parks are near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Theodore Roosevelt National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.