U
Ursula
Legend
LegendJuniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Nice campground, we are here offseason so no water or bathrooms. No electric hook ups year round. Beautiful Bad Lands surrounding us.
RV Camping near Watford City, ND
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RV parks near Watford City include White Buffalo RV Park (now RD RV Park), located at 708 4th Ave N.E. along Highway 23 East, offering electric hookups, fifty-amp service, sewer connections and a sanitary dump station. The park is designed for self-contained RVs with sites available from April 1 to October 15. "This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained. There are no showers, toilet or water," noted one visitor who stayed overnight. Several other RV accommodations exist in the area including Arrowwood RV Park, Watford Estates RV Park, and Tumbleweed RV Park, though most cater primarily to long-term workers rather than overnight travelers.
For RVers planning trips to this region, most parks operate seasonally with limited winter availability. Few parks offer comprehensive amenities, with many providing only basic hookups suitable for self-contained units. Water availability is inconsistent throughout the area, with some locations requiring travelers to arrive with full freshwater tanks. For those seeking more extensive facilities, Fox Run RV Park near Williston (approximately 50 miles northwest) provides full hookups including water, electric, sewer connections, showers, and toilets. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger coverage in Watford City proper and potential dead zones in outlying areas. Advanced reservations are recommended during summer months and during periods of increased oil field activity when worker housing demands can limit availability.
Best RV Campgrounds near Watford City (48)
1. White Buffalo RV Park
2. Arrowwood RV Park
3. Watford RV Park
4. ND Indoor RV Park
5. Watford Estates RV Park
6. Tumbleweed RV Park
7. Four Seasons RV & Trailer Park
8. A Three M's Housing and RV Park
9. Watford City Tourist Park
"This little spot is within the town of Watford City… ambitiously named"
10. Summit Campground
"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."
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 59 min from Minot, ND
- 2 hrs 34 min from Bismarck, ND
- 4 hrs 28 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 58 min from Grand Forks, ND
Recent RV Camping Photos near Watford City, ND
22 Photos of 48 Watford City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
RV Park Reviews near Watford City, ND
147 Reviews of 48 Watford City Campgrounds
- Walter F.
TravelerCcc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Wide open
Nearly all sites are 50+' long and flat. No trees to speak of. Electric, and excellent toilets. The water is avaliable but doesn't taste good.
- Charlie Y.
GuideLewis & Clark State Park Campground
Cross country travelet
Early evening last minute online reservation...Beautiful state park...nice pull through sites...secure and safe....highly recommend
- AArthur H.
ScoutLewis & Clark State Park Campground
Passing thru
Nice campground with clean shower/bathroom facilities as well as convenient composting toilets. Lake was VERY low so if interested in water sports call first.
Erica D.TravelerMagpie Campground
Peaceful
I like that it is off the beaten path. The 2 times I've stayed there may have been 2 other campers. Very quiet and you can just relax.
- jjohn C.Scout
Fort Buford State Historic Site
Boon docking
Camping on level ground, under shade trees, with picnic tables and campfire ring, with a view of the fort. No water or dump sites.
- DDaniel S.Traveler
Ccc Campground (Nd) — Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
Great setting in the ND Badlands
This campground is a National Forest Campground. There are 18 sites with 5 requiring reservations and the rest are FCFS. There are also 5 or 6 horse sites with small corrals at each site. There are several pit toilets that are very clean and appear to have been repainted this year. The toilets are ADA friendly. The sites are spacious with 15/30/50 amp service. The tent or smaller camper sites have 15/30 amp service. There are a couple of community water faucets set up around the campground. There is no dump station. This campground is about 1 mile from the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit. Just across the Little Missouri River. The views from this campground into the badlands is spectacular. There are a couple of trails for hiking and horseback riding from the campground. The cost is $10 per night and $5 if you have the senior pass.
bass C.TravelerLittle Missouri State Park Campground
Peaceful
We spent 4 days here in August, and it is definitely for horses, but we enjoyed the hiking and the beautiful views and, most of all, the quiet. Will be back again.
- TTim K.Guide
Fort Buford State Historic Site
Very basic free campground next to the Fort Buford Historic Site.
Free camping at a state historic site. Campers who check in at the Confluence Visitor Center can access sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and trash cans. Sites are shaded or open, and the campground rarely fills up. Cell service is available. Nearby, Confluence Access provides another option along the same stretch of river. History is the main draw here, with Fort Buford and Fort Union both within reach, making this a good fit for history-focused travelers passing through western North Dakota. It was pouring rain the first night I arrived so I spent the night in the Confluence Visitor Center parking lot. I spent 2 more nights in the campground and only 2 other campers showed up while I was there. There is plenty of room for any size camper. I attended the Fort Union Frontier Days Rendezvous at the fort a few miles away which was very interesting.
Guide to Watford City
Most RV campgrounds near Watford City, North Dakota accommodate oilfield workers, with limited options for recreational travelers. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 2,100 feet in the northern Great Plains, experiencing hot summers and very cold winters. Summit Campground, located approximately 30 miles south of Watford City, provides one of the few recreation-focused options for travelers seeking basic accommodations.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Summit Campground offers access to hiking paths with badlands views. "Hiking trail nearby to stretch the legs or exercise the dog," notes camper Meghan B. about the campground's convenient trail access.
Explore Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Summit Campground provides a strategic base for North Unit exploration. "10 minutes from the gate to the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park," reports Nevin C., highlighting its proximity to this natural attraction.
Budget-friendly stargazing: The free camping at Summit offers economical overnight stays with dark skies. "Nice forest service campground with pit toilets. No fee, fire pits, picnic tables, only two of us here on a Sat night in August," writes Bob D. about the uncrowded conditions.
What campers like
Free camping options: Summit Campground provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Free camp spot with just a few sites and a vault toilet," explains Meghan B., mentioning the simple but functional facilities available.
Spacious parking for vehicles: The sites can accommodate modest-sized RVs and trailers. "I have a 2500 crew cab and 21' trailer parked without a problem. Could accommodate a little bigger trailer," states Emma A. regarding the site dimensions.
Level sites with fire rings: Summit Campground offers practical camping surfaces. "There are plenty of spots available with even ground and fire pits. Be aware of current fire conditions posted on the NPS billboard at the bathrooms," advises Brett D. about site conditions and safety information.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most RV parks in Watford City operate only during warmer months, with RD RV Park (formerly White Buffalo) open April 1-October 15.
Limited facilities: Many local RV parks lack comprehensive amenities. "The name is no longer White Buffalo. RD RV Park is not really setup for overnight campers. There are no showers, toilet or water," explains Wayne K. about the minimal facilities.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "Right on the highway so loud traffic all night," notes Nevin C. about Summit Campground, with Emma A. adding, "There is steady road noise from I-85. A fair amount of large trucks passing most of the time."
Reservation considerations: Many RV parks primarily accommodate long-term workers rather than overnight stays.
Tips for camping with families
Find sites with shade structures: Some Summit Campground sites offer covered picnic areas. "This is a pretty spot with 3 boondocking sights with picnic tables, 2 have canopies over them," mentions Emma A. about the shelter options.
Check bathroom facilities: Many Watford City area campgrounds lack sanitary facilities. Wayne K. notes that at RD RV Park "there are no showers, toilet or water," indicating facilities are limited to self-contained camping.
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity impacts some campgrounds. "Near the main road, so quite a bit of road noise and late arrivals/passersby," explains Meghan B. about potential disruptions at Summit Campground.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies by location. "Okay cell service, but great with a booster," reports Meghan B. about Summit Campground's connectivity situation.
Tips from RVers
Self-contained camping essential: Many rv campgrounds in Watford City require complete onboard facilities. Wayne K. emphasizes that RD RV Park "is for long term guests that are fully self contained," indicating the necessity of independent systems.
Arrive with water: Limited water availability means preparation is crucial for camping near Watford City.
Check payment systems: Payment methods vary between parks. "The sign says it is $6 a night but there is no method to pay so it was free," explains Nevin C. about Summit Campground's payment situation.
Stay duration rules: Observe campground time limits. Brett D. notes that at Summit Campground there's a "14 day limit on camping," informing visitors about maximum allowable stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are RV parks located in Watford City, North Dakota?
Where are RV parks located in Watford City, North Dakota?
Watford City offers several RV park options in and around town. Watford Estates RV Park is conveniently located within the city limits, providing easy access to local amenities. ND Indoor RV Park offers a unique covered parking option for RVs in the Watford City area. Other options include Tumbleweed RV Park and A Three M's Housing and RV Park. For those willing to travel a short distance from town, additional RV accommodations can be found near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and along Lake Sakakawea.
What amenities are available at Prairie View RV Park in Watford City?
What amenities are available at Prairie View RV Park in Watford City?
While specific Prairie View RV Park information is limited, typical RV parks in the Watford City area offer essential amenities. For comparison, White Buffalo RV Park (now RD RV Park) primarily caters to long-term guests with self-contained units but doesn't provide showers, toilets or water hookups. For more amenities, consider First Responders Park near Watford City, which offers 30/50 amp electric service with water and dump station access, plus proximity to a restaurant, bar, post office, and city park.
How does Arrowwood RV Park in Watford City compare to other local options?
How does Arrowwood RV Park in Watford City compare to other local options?
Arrowwood RV Park in Watford City can be compared to nearby alternatives like Juniper Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While Arrowwood offers typical RV amenities within town limits, Juniper provides a more scenic experience with well-maintained facilities including pull-through sites, back-in spots, and a dump station, though without full hookups. For RVers seeking full-service options with lake access, Lewis & Clark State Park offers pull-through sites with modern restrooms/showers, plus fishing and family-friendly facilities, though it's a longer drive from Watford City.
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