Are you planning a camping trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park with your dog? We've got you covered. Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's most popular destinations.
For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is open from May through October.
Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.
Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The group site can accommodate between seven and 60 people with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles. There are no hookups; a dump station is available for campers. All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads.
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
$30 / night
For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.
Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
$30 / night
CCC Campground lies in the Badlands of North Dakota. There are a few trials located here. __There are 32 sites and 3 campground loops. The campground has 5 reservable sites. This is a pay and scan facility. Ensure that you have Receration.gov app downloaded on your phone prior to arriving. Scan QR code to make payment. This location also excepts cash, use the fee envelopes located at the fee tubes for cash payments.__
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Maah Daah Hey Trail that goes for 150 miles, Ends at Burning Coal Vein Campground. Sunset loop which is a short 2-mile hike that connects the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X trail. If you are looking for a day hike, there is a 11-mile loop Maah Daah Hey Trial to the Long X Trail. Where you will see dramatic views of the badlands and prairies of Western North Dakota. The Little Missouri river runs along the northern part of the campground.
Here you will be surrounded by colorful buttes. During your stay you may have Prong horn, mule and white tail deer going through your site. On rare occasions Big horn sheep can be seen grazing in the area. This area is great for birders, plant enthusiast during the spring and summer months. Perfect all year for the outdoor adventurers.__
Right across the river is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Watford City is a 15 min drive north on HWY 85 for any supplies that you may need.__
$10 / night
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.
If you're looking for campgrounds in Medora, ND, consider Medora Campground. Conveniently located on the west side of Medora, the Medora Campground is the perfect place to set up your basecamp for adventure in the Badlands. You can choose between our hook-up spaces or our primitive camping area, whichever makes your Medora experience perfect. Facility amenities include: -150 campsites of varying sizes. -FREE Wi-Fi -Access to bathroom and shower facilities -RV waste station -Playground for the kids -And a new General Store with many of the provisions you might need -- plus a laundry facility to help clean up your gear after a day in the Badlands.
$30 - $60 / night
Turn west on Road #712 at the Magpie Camp sign, located 1.5 miles north of Fairfield on Highway 85; travel 15.5 miles on gravel road #712. The campground is located ¼ mile northeast off road # 712. A day use parking lot right adjacent to the MDH trail is located ½ mile south of the campground. This fenced camp features 11 camp spurs. A handicap accessible vault toilet and a potable water well are available during the summer months. A convenient meeting area for those traveling to Devil's Pass or the Ice Caves. A great shaded area in the summer!
$6 / night
Just south of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and a couple miles from the town of Medora, Sully Creek State Park is located in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands. This small park provides easy access to the Little Missouri River for paddlers and anglers, and serves as a launch point for the 170-mile Maah Daah Hey and the 50-mile Maah Daah Hey II trails. These two scenic trails invite hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to discover the Badlands’ peaks, plateaus, prairies, and wetlands—just as Roosevelt saw them more than a century ago. Sully Creek also makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the nearby national park in a quieter setting, or if the park’s facilities are full.
Sully Creek offers 41 spacious campsites in three open, grassy areas: Whitetail Flats, Cedar, and Little Muddy Breaks. Whitetail Flats offers open, grassy, pull-through sites that can accommodate large RVs; Cedar is a wooded loop with pull-through and back-in sites for smaller RVs and tent campers; Little Muddy Breaks is an open area designated for horse campers, and features corrals and a round pen. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, and there are vault toilets, a shower house, drinking water, and a dump station available; hookups are not available at this location. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from April through November. Campsites are $12/night; reservations accepted.
Buffalo Gap campground, located in the heart of western North Dakota.
There is a trail near by that is called the Buffalo Gap Trail, perfect for a day hike. You can also it to the Maah Daah Hey trail using the Buffalo Gap Trail for longer hikes.
Here you are surrounded by colorful buttes. During your stay you may have Prong horns, Mule deer and White tail deer come through your site. This area is good for birders and plant enthusiast during the sping and summer months. Perfect for all year outdoor adventures.
It a short drive to the small town of Medora and enterance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
$20 / night
Red Trail is a family owned and operated campground, providing campers with a second home for over 44 years. We try to provide friendly and professional service to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. We have been told "You come as a stranger and leave as a friend". We hope that you will feel the same way. We try to make you feel like coming back to visit Medora and stay with us at the Red Trail Campground.
Red Trail Campground is nestled below a butte on the southeast edge of historic Medora which takes its name from the wife of its founder, a French nobleman, the Marquis De Mores. Though his dreams of a cattle empire and meat packing plant have long since vanished, the town survived to witness, and retain in history. For a short time Teddy Roosevelt stayed in Medora opening two cattle ranches. Custer camped in Medora while on his way to Montana. Many other notables besides these have stayed in Medora. Come see the Medora Musical, learn a little more about us, where the west picks up its heels and parts of history began. Browse through our shops, enjoy the authentic western food at any of our restaurants, look though our museums, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, and drive though the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. That is the Medora experience.
$27 - $46 / night
Ranger
Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora. With spacious sites along the Little Missouri River, it’s a tranquil spot with easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and the Medora Musical. Amenities are basic but sufficient, and the views of the surrounding badlands make it a picturesque choice for nature enthusiasts.
A little pricey for our taste, but the hook ups in the August heat were worth it.
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.
Guide
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.
GuideInteresting 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.
Guide
Reasonable rates for FHU.. Quiet shady site. Friendly staff. Bathrooms adequate. Wifi inconsistent. Good verizon signal.
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.
Guide
I arrived very late in the night, but I’m so happy I stayed here! There were plenty of first come first serve sites. 49 was where I stayed and it was tucked away enough that I had privacy. The campground was very quiet until a herd of bison came through haha. Some of the campers ventured a bit too close to them in my opinion and got very loud/excited about it. The bathroom was clean, but for some reason like a sauna at night! Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing! I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way and everything!
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
LegendA 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.
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
ScoutOn a motorcycle camping vacation I reserved a tent site at North Park campground. The person I spoke with was fun and knowledgeable! I rode in after hours to find my reservation paperwork duly taped to the office door. The campsite was pleasantly private with fencing and plenty of space. The bathroom and laundry facilities were spotless with all the expected amenities. Campground staff visited to ensure all was well and to give me useful pointers about the local area. Totally quiet during the night! The campground is isolated from the city yet plenty close enough to shopping and fuel. There is no campground store (who cares?). I’ll stay here again for sure!
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
Guide
If you can't get into the national park this is the next best thing. Good spacing. Trailhead for maah daah hey .
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.
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 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 dog-friendly camping locations near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
