Best Dispersed Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    1. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

    39 Reviews
    105 Photos
    398 Saves
    Medora, North Dakota

    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.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      2. Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp

      1 Review
      1 Save
      Medora, North Dakota
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Dispersed
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed
        Camper-submitted photo from West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed

        4. West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed

        1 Review
        2 Photos
        16 Saves
        Medora, North Dakota

        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.

        • Pets
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Dispersed
        • Alcohol
        • No image available
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        Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

        Recent Dispersed Reviews in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

        42 Reviews of 5 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds


        • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Oct. 10, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Overnight after Theodore Roosevelt National Park

          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. 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.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Sep. 24, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          So Many Great Spots

          Easy 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.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp

          Buffalo Gap Rd Parking Spot near Campground

          Along 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.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Camels Hump Lake
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Camels Hump Lake

          Good pond spot on a hot day

          Interesting pond spot. There are three roads from Camel Hump Rd that go into lake area loops. Chose the second right turn 1st, so you can scope out the areas down the first and third roads from across the pond, because those are tight and if someone is already there then theres no use driving down. Theres about two private spots down the 1st and 3rd right turns. The second turn though has tables and is more open and recreational for swimming and fishing. The best spot at 2nd right turn (middle of pond) is first loop on left with table and pit. It has a clear swim spot. Its a bit deep there but nice. No toilet or water but nice area to chill on a hot day.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Sep. 5, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Lots of space and nice views

          As 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.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Jul. 28, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Amazing Views, Easy Access, Quiet Stay

          Arrived 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.

        • Ellery K.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Jul. 24, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Insane views and great cell service

          Stunning 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!

        • sThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Jun. 5, 2024

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          good place to stop for the night!

          easily 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!!

        • Eric A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Oct. 1, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Yep good one

          A little weird to get to if you’re headed east on 94. You’ll backtrack about a mile, but it’s worth it. Great views of the draws and grasslands on most sites. It’s ND so it can be super windy on the ridges. Good gravel road in the dry months. Not a place I’d bring a trailer or bigger RV if it was wet out.

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed
          Aug. 21, 2023

          West River Rd Medora ND Dispersed

          Didn’t happen.

          Road was closed to the actual marked area. There was another campsite right before the road with a fire pit if you follow the directions.(recommend heading across to Scoria pit instead.)

          There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening though!

        • JThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Aug. 20, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Space with a view

          There are a decent number of spots to choose from out here. The top area did have a couple strands of barbed wire blocking it this trip so we stayed in the lower area. But had A TON of space to ourselves. Our closest “neighbors” were about 100 yards away in either direction.

          Great views were just a short walk from where we set up camp.

          We are rocking a 4runner with a RTT and had no problems getting around. Saw some travel trailers, RVs and fifth wheels towards the front as well so moderately accessible but personally would risk going far back in something big. There are some tight turns/uneven terrain towards the top.

          Really quiet area for the most part and extremely peaceful.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Aug. 8, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Almost perfect

          Quite a bit of people, but I was able to find some nice folks that let me park near them! Beautiful country views with decent service so I was able to work online. Even after a decent rain I had no issues with my pickup truck getting to the spot!

        • LThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Aug. 6, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Beautiful views

          This site was poppin', so we had to drive down the road further to find a spot. The road is blocked by a wire fence halfway through but there were still plenty of open spots. Ended up camping at the top of the hills and had views similar to that of TR National Park.

        • TThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Aug. 5, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Nice spot

          Stayed in the first spot available once getting onto the service road. The recent rain made the road extremely muddy and difficult to get through even with an AWV vehicle, so beware to smaller cars. There's a set of train tracks not far away and a train passed by around 1am, but only the once. Otherwise it was a very peaceful spot. Lots of crickets to lull us to sleep at night.

        • Emilie V.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Jun. 22, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Beautiful, quiet dispersed camping!

          A little hard to find as every path seems to have “no trespassing” signs. But once we made it up the hill (which I wouldn’t recommend with big rigs), the views are beautiful! Little fire pit, no noise…what more can you ask for?

        • Issa F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Jun. 1, 2023

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          A Breathe of Fresh Air

          Pulled up to the first campsite which was very easy to get to. Very peaceful. Around 9:30pm another camper pulled up next to me which seems like bad camping etiquette but maybe this is considered overflow since there’s enough space for two. I ended up moving to a different spot. Tried to make my way down to the petrified forest hike which is five miles down the dirt road but the last half mile was too washed out for my van to make it. Visited early June.

        • RThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking
          Sep. 20, 2022

          Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

          Easy, good views, privacy

          There is one spectacular site at the end of the road and up a hill that overlooks the whole area. I wish I had gotten the opportunity to stay there. My site was simply okay. However, this campground was super easy to get to. The road in was fairly flat, and basically right off the highway. You can have the option of lots of privacy as well. Most of the sites are quite a distance away from each other.


        Drive Time


        Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

        Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife, and the freedom to choose your own camping spot.

        Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

        • The Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking offers breathtaking views from the top of the bluff, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate nature's beauty.
        • Campers have reported excellent Verizon service, ensuring you can stay connected while enjoying the serene environment.
        • This area is known for its quiet nights, despite being near the Interstate, allowing for a peaceful camping experience.

        Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota

        • When visiting Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp, be aware that there are no facilities, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.
        • The access roads are generally good, making it suitable for various types of vehicles, including larger rigs.
        • This spot is located within Little Missouri National Grassland, providing a unique opportunity to camp in a natural setting without the need for permits.

        Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Camel Hump Lake

        • The area around Camels Hump Lake features several loops with private spots, ideal for those seeking a more secluded experience.
        • This location is perfect for swimming and fishing, with picnic tables available for a comfortable day by the water.
        • While there are no toilets or drinking water, the scenic pond and recreational opportunities make it a great choice for a hot day.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park is Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking with a 4.9-star rating from 39 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

          TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.