Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Near Medora, ND, you can find some of the best camping in the area where elk, bison, and prairie dogs are a few of the common Great Plains sites campers can expect to see. Choosing campsites near the Badlands in North Dakota gives visitors easy access to the three sections in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which include destinations like the stunning Painted Canyon and the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Maltese Cross Cabin. RV owners have plenty of campgrounds to choose from, some within walking distance of the park’s attractions. Don’t forget to tour the Scenic Loop Drive for unforgettable views.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park (39)

    1. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    32 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

    17 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. Summit Campground

    5 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."

    "One spot that is a loop turn around. I have a 2500 crew cab and 21' trailer parked without a problem. Could accommodate a little bigger trailer.

    There is steady road noise from I-85."

    5. Grassy Butte Community Park

    2 Reviews
    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."

    6. Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

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

    $20 - $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."

    7. 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."

    8. Dispersed Site - Grassland Boondocking

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

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

    "Camped for 1 night before going to theodore roosevelt national park the nxt day! It was nice! A lot of campers. Lots of spaces! Please be noce and clean after"

    9. Medora Campground

    44 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."

    10. Elkhorn Campground

    3 Reviews
    Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (701) 225-5151

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

405 Reviews of 39 Theodore Roosevelt National Park Campgrounds


  • Mary D.
    Jul. 16, 2020

    North Park Campground

    Quiet stay

    Campground is huge but feels quite cozy and friendly. Helpful office staff and they take you to your site. Close to everything in town and only 30 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Full hookups. Level sites. Laundry and bathhouse were clean and convenient. Would stay again.

  • Nevin C.
    Aug. 24, 2018

    Sully Creek State Park — Sully Creek State Recreation Area

    Decent views, RV heavy.

    Nice little spot only ten minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Lots of RV traffic which comes with lots of generator noise.

    Pit toilets, and a shower house that gives you eight minutes for $1. Sites are reservable and cost $12 a night but there is a day use fee of $7 that is not included in the site fee. $19 a night unless you have a ND state parks pass. Tent sites have lots of shade and the RV and equestrian areas are pretty exposed.

  • Stefanie Z.
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    Beautiful, clean, peaceful!

    We stayed here two nights in a tent and loved it! Absolutely beautiful campground right across the river from Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s north unit. The scenery is breathtaking. There are three different loops A-C, and while most sites have no shade there are a couple in loop B (including ours #12) that have trees and provide good shade and wind protection. The pit toilets were some of the cleanest I’ve encountered in my history of camping. We were there in mid-September so the campground wasn’t full but there were a decent number of campers for being off season. Still, it was pretty quiet, save for the coyotes howling in the distance and a stray moo or two from nearby cows. There’s also trail access right to Maah Dah Hey and Long X trails right in the campground which is really nice! All in all this is a wonderful spot and one of my favorite campgrounds I’ve ever stayed at. 1 mi. gravel road to get in.

  • J
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Red Trail Campground

    Nice park close to everything in Medora.

    We stayed at Red Trail campground in Medora, ND in September 2021. This is a great little park right outside Theodore Roosevelt National park. We stayed on an end site that was large and spacious with FHU. This park is dusty when the wind starts to blow but other than that, we enjoyed our stay here. Very well managed by a cheerful staff that go to great lengths to help you get your rig in safely before they leave you to set up camp. This was by far one of the easiest parks to negotiate in and out of with a big rig and is a great stop when visiting the Theodore Roosevelt National park. I would definatly recommend this park for a carefree visit to North Dakota. To see videos on this park and others, please visit our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Quaint, quiet, scenic campground oasis in the prairies of North Dakota

    Cottonwood Campground was a very welcome oasis in the prairies of North Dakota. Along our year-long trip, we slept in a lot of campgrounds, but Cottonwood stands out as just what we needed at the time: quiet, spacious, and beautiful sites, nestled right up along the Missouri river, perfect for taking a dip at the end of a long day of hiking.

    We spent four days at Theodore Roosevelt National Park: two in the south unit and two in the north unit. (We also loved Juniper Campground in the north!)

    Cottonwood Campground was a great place to crash for two nights. It was cheap, comfortable, and quiet. It allowed great access to the heart of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We even ran into a Teddy impersonator at the Visitor Center!

    In the south, near Cottonwood Campground, we loved the beautiful scenic drive, the views from Buck Hill, Wind Canyon Overlook, and the Petrified Forest (a bit of a drive around the park).

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Theodore Roosevelt)

  • Bradley H.
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Camp On The Heart

    Nice park for a short stay

    $30.00 a night gets you full hook up and a nice place to park your rig. Nomad campers have a separate section apart from the long term campers. Short term have the best view of Heart River. My only complaint would be the very rough gravel entrance road. Just go slow and all will be fine!

    Medora, North Dakota, 40 minutes west, is Home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Medora Musical Theatre. I highly recommend both and the Musical will renew your passion for our great country!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • Matt S.
    Sep. 4, 2016

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Now I know why Teddy Roosevelt loved North Dakota! Check out Juniper to camp!

    I have already posted my review for the Theodore Roosevelt South campground - Cottonwood. I won't repeat myself too much. 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. Especially against the terrain that surrounds it. The campground is low on amenities but high on scenery, and it is very clean.

    The hiking in the North unit is amazing. There is so much wildlife. Never have I been so close to so many animals in the wild. I saw a lot of wildlife in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but not as much as I did here.

    I never thought I would ever want to visit North Dakota. Honestly, I cant wait to go back. This place will blow your expectations, especially if you take an adventure on a hike or two. In the North unit, I highly suggest stopping at the River Bend Overlook and hiking down to the CCC shelter for some amazing views. Then drive to the end of the road and take a quick hike to Sperati Point.

  • P
    May. 1, 2021

    Medora Campground

    Tight fit but close to the National Park and downtown Medora

    Tight fit but close to the National Park and downtown Medora. 

    The town of Medora truly supports the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

  • Hannah S.
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Medora Campground

    Great location and cozy spots

    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. Individual showers and a real desert feel.


Guide to Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Camping with pets near Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your furry friends. Several campgrounds in the area welcome pets, making it easy to find a suitable spot for your next adventure.

Pet owners appreciate the amenities available at these campgrounds

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

  • The Little Missouri State Park Campground provides ample hiking opportunities, allowing you to explore the scenic trails with your pet by your side.
  • At Sather Lake, you can enjoy fishing and boating while your dog enjoys the lakeside views.
  • The Watford City Tourist Park is close to local amenities and offers a great base for exploring the surrounding area with your pet.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include unique features for a memorable stay

  • The Elkhorn Campground is known for its secluded spots and proximity to trails, making it ideal for pet owners seeking adventure.
  • The Grassy Butte Community Park features a playground and is well-kept, providing a family-friendly atmosphere for you and your pets.
  • The First Responders Park offers electric hookups and is conveniently located near local attractions, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your furry companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Theodore Roosevelt National Park is Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 39 dog-friendly camping locations near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.