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Best Campgrounds near Watford City, ND

131 Reviews

Campgrounds near Watford City, North Dakota cluster around Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, offering a mix of developed sites and primitive camping options. Juniper Campground within the park provides first-come, first-served sites with modern restrooms but no hookups, while CCC Campground in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers a more economical alternative with similar panoramic badlands views. Several RV parks including White Buffalo RV Park and Watford City Tourist Park provide full hookup options closer to town services, with varying levels of amenities from basic to comprehensive.

Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Most developed campgrounds operate from April through October, with Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Juniper Campground typically open May through September. "When this place was built, they never envisioned large rigs. So if you have one over 30 feet, just be aware you might have to wiggle your way into a site," noted one camper about Juniper Campground. Winter camping is limited, and spring visits may encounter muddy conditions. The area experiences significant temperature variations, with summer highs frequently reaching the 90s and limited shade at many sites. Cell service varies throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting limited connectivity.

Campers consistently highlight wildlife viewing opportunities as a primary attraction when staying near Watford City. Bison sightings are common, particularly in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where they occasionally wander through the campgrounds. The badlands scenery receives high praise in visitor reviews, with many noting the panoramic views available from campgrounds like CCC and Summit. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the peace and solitude at more remote sites like Magpie Campground, despite the rough access roads. Campground hosts at national park sites receive positive mentions for their helpfulness and regular patrols. For those seeking amenities, Lewis & Clark State Park approximately 40 miles north offers cabins, boat rentals, swimming beaches, and organized activities, though reviewers note sites there lack privacy and shade in newer sections.

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Best Camping Sites Near Watford City, North Dakota (54)

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Recent Camping Photos near Watford City, ND

29 Photos of 54 Watford City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Watford City, ND

131 Reviews of 54 Watford City Campgrounds

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Small Campground but Simple

    This campground is in the north unit of the park. It has 50 primitive sites available on first come first serve basis. We were here on Labor Day weekend and campground was full for the first time in 2 years. Pads are asphalt and smallish. There are public washrooms, but no showers. There is a dump station, but no potable water for RV tanks. Drinking water is available at the wash house . The drinking of the water at the fill station is discouraged due to high levels of fluoride. While we were camped here, 2 small herds of bison grazed through the camp.

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    If it was reservable, it would be 3 stars

    The absolute anxiety of getting here and not knowing whether we'd be able to get a spot or not is off the charts. We got here at about 1pm on a Sunday thinking there shouldn't be a problem, yet there were probably only about 4 spots left and only 1 we could fit in. A lot of spots already had tags on them but not one bit of equipment set in place. Assuming it was someone that came in much earlier just to tag a spot...that needs to be addressed. There's quite a few "drinking water" spigots marked on the map but when you get to them there is a sign with a drinking glass and a red slash through it. The only drinking water is at the bathroom and not meant to fill your rv with so dont come here expecting to be able to fill your rv with safe water. The other spigots marked as unsafe have really high fluoride content and feels like slime. But we were told its safe to shower in. Im sorry but I dont trust that at all. If you shouldn't drink it bc of the high fluoride then you shouldn't shower in it. You'll just absorb it through your skin. We're in spot 30 and its pretty spacious but not private at all. Most spots really have no privacy at all. So if that's what you're looking for then look else where. We got barked at by the neighbors' dogs every time we walked out. Very pretty setting but in my opinion its way too crowded. Also not sure if its just the area or time of year but there's just billions of flies all over all the time. Makes being outside miserable. Also my husband got stung by a yellow jacket. I think there's a nest in the picnic table. The grill was full of charcoals and a chunk of burnt wood. It just seems like the sites are not ever checked or taken care of. The only work I've seen done is trash collection. There's an rv dump at least but not sure what much you'll need to dump since there's only one spigot at the bathroom you can fill a jug at.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands

    Great Inexpensive Campground

    This campground is only about 1/4 mile from the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Rosevelt National Park. There are plenty of pit toilets, potable water, and electric. The views from the park are amazing! Sites are big and each has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. The road in (1 mile) is well maintained. Highly recommend!!

  • Emma A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Small free camping trailhead

    This is a pretty spot with 3 boondocking sights with picnic tables, 2 have canopies over them. Parking for hiking. 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. A fair amount of large trucks passing most of the time.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Summit Campground

    Free camp spot with just a few sites and a vault toilet. Near the main road, so quite a bit of road noise and late arrivals/passersby. Okay cell service, but great with a booster. Hiking trail nearby to stretch the legs or exercise the dog.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Watford City Tourist Park

    Camp within the City

    This little spot is within the town of Watford City… ambitiously named

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park

    Nice park, but ..

    Sites were nice with water and electric hookups. Decently spread out. Unfortunately, camp hosts were ghosts. Supposedly 4 hosts. Walked by 2 of them and they were off duty. I was too tired to locate the others. Ranger at check in said the host(s) would come by to sell firewood. Never saw one. No campfire 😞.

  • B
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Summit Campground

    Good spot for an overnight

    Nice forest service campground with pit toilets. No fee, fire pits, picnic tables, only two of us here on a Sat night in August

  • P
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Trenton Lake Recreation Area

    Very Basic, Looks to be Poorly Staffed

    In the main camping area, about 20 sites with generally level concrete pads, but close together with no screening between sites.  Several campsites had trailers but no occupants.  Camping area is across from the boat ramp to the lake, but does provide decent lake views.  Posted price of "full hook-up" was $35.  Hmmm.  Electricity, yes, but no sewer connection that we could find and (despite faucets) several signs declaring "non-potable water." Scattered picnic tables (no table at many sites).  Bathrooms locked and unavailable.  Some of this might have been sorted by staff members, but no one appeared from the time of our arrival till the time of our departure (pay envelopes and a slot).  Although June 30th, the place had the feeling of not being open for the season.

Guide to Watford City

Camping near Watford City, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park is a must-visit for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. One camper mentioned, “We enjoyed using this CG as a base to explore the North Unit,” highlighting the park's accessibility from the Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
  • Hiking the Maah Daah Hey Trail: This trail is famous for its scenic views and is accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor noted, “The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground,” referring to the CCC Campground (ND) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park, offer opportunities for fishing and boating. One camper shared, “The beach is super sandy... and the water is shallow for a long ways so it's great for kids!”

What campers like:

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with sandy beaches and shallow waters, like Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park. One parent said, “The beach is super sandy... great for kids!”
  • Plan for Wildlife Viewing: Kids will love spotting animals. A camper at Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park shared, “I saw three shooting stars and you could clearly see the Milky Way.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: With plenty of space, families can enjoy games outside. A visitor at Magpie Campground mentioned, “The part I like most about this campground is the easy access to the world-renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail.”

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Watford City, North Dakota, offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, making it a great spot for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Watford City, ND located?

Campgrounds in Watford City, ND and the surrounding area offer diverse locations for outdoor enthusiasts. Watford City Tourist Park is conveniently situated within the town of Watford City itself, making it ideal for visitors wanting amenities close by. For those seeking more natural settings, Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located at mile marker 5 in the North Unit of the park off US-85, providing an excellent basecamp for exploring the area's scenic badlands and wildlife viewing opportunities.

How much does it cost to camp at Watford City campgrounds?

Camping costs in the Watford City area vary based on amenities and location. CCC Campground (ND) in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands offers a more affordable alternative to nearby national park options while still providing beautiful panoramic views of the North Dakota Badlands. First Responders Park provides good value with its 7 spots offering 30/50 amp electric service with water and dump facilities. Most campgrounds in the area range from $15-30 per night for basic sites, with higher rates for RV sites with full hookups.

What RV parks are available in Watford City, ND?

RV enthusiasts visiting Watford City have several options. White Buffalo RV Park near Watford City offers drive-in access and is big-rig-friendly with reservable sites. For those willing to travel slightly further, 4 Bears RV Park provides sites within walking distance to the casino, though spaces can be close together. Other options include Arrowwood RV Park and A Three M's Housing and RV Park. Most RV parks in the area offer water and electric hookups, with some providing full hookups including sewer connections.

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