Top Tent Camping near Watford City, ND

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Watford City? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent camping near Watford City, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your North Dakota camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Watford City, ND (8)


Recent Tent Reviews In Watford City

98 Reviews of 8 Watford City Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Elkhorn Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Elkhorn Campground

    Isolated and secluded campsite

    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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Wonderful little campground

    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!

  • Cullen C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magpie Campground
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Magpie Campground

    Secluded access to the heart of the badlands

    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

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Great Experience

    The National Park North Unit and Campground(CG) is easy to find off US-85. We showed our Access Passes to get into the park and then proceeded to mile marker 5, where the CG is located. We pulled up to the information and sign-in board for this first come, first serve CG at about 11:30 AM Mountain Time(interesting that when we got to the north unit area, our phones went back to central time, and after a quick Google search, we found out that the north unit runs on central time). A gentleman let us know that he had just pulled in and grabbed a campsite near the entrance/exit and that we’d probably only fit in site 8(this CG is all dry camping) as the perimeter campsites, both back-ins and pull-throughs, were too short for us. The other longer sites were already taken. We proceeded to pull through site 8, which is a long, quarter moon-shaped asphalt site. We maneuvered around to stay away from tree branches and stay on the pad. The picnic table and stand-up barbecue were on the driver’s side, but since the sites are nicely spaced out, this was not a problem. We then filled out our registration envelope, placed $14 cash(Access Pass discount) in the folder, put the tab on our post, and deposited the envelope in the registration area. We could have also written a check or used a credit card to pay. We got on and off 1 bar on Verizon. We did have a good shot north for Starlink. They have a vaulted toilet and flush toilet building along with potable water at the dump station. There are about a half dozen sites for longer rigs, such as 32, 42, and 43, 49, with 5 being the best site. We had our two dogs with us, and there was plenty of room to walk them around the CG. There was plenty of bison poop in the CG, but we didn't see any during our two-night stay. Watford City is 17 miles north and has your major amenities. We enjoyed using this CG as a base to explore the North Unit.

  • Bob M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Aug. 7, 2023

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Great for TRNP North Unit

    First time we ever boondocked in our 5th wheel. This place is nice & peaceful, well except for the 2 steer that went through our site lol.

    Trey have one modern restroom, no showers. Excellent basecamp for the north unit. Plenty of wildlife & scenery to find.

    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. Camphost was great. Watford City about 20 minutes away for groceries & gas.

  • Kerry K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kota Ray County Park
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Kota Ray County Park

    Not as expected

    Picked a site online from the website. Looked like a nice long back in by the lake. Turns out it had a big hump in the middle of it and the power was on the wrong side a to far away to reach. Went up the hill and found a place to park in site three while the guy I called checked to see if it was reserved . Luckily it wasn’t so I was able to set up and get the air going Other thing to mention is I’m in a 28 foot travel trailer. The road in if you can call it that was pretty worn out. First part was bumpy and patched tar. The rest was gravel so had to go slow It’s a bare bones park that doesn’t see much attention. But if you wanna be alone, this will work. Only three of us here. Bugs are a bit of a problem here as everywhere this time of year. Little no see ‘ems are the worst. Just a few Skeeters. I’m told there’s a dump station, but haven’t looked at it yet. Was looking for a quiet place to wait out the heat for a few days that had power. So it works for that. And I’m beholding to Jeremy at the office in town for helping with the reservation switch. I would suggest you come here first before picking a site. The ones on the loop on the hill are more level.

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Jul. 11, 2023

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    My favorite to date!!!

    We weren't even here and parked... 15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper. I knew we would see them but wow!!! I was in awe..it came right by me and I backed off and knew to respect it. It was on a mission and heading to the woods. Up to 2000 lbs and can travel 30mph!

    North side was quiet. We were worried about a campsite and got moving early to get here, but we stayed on a Monday and had no issues. We had our pick of quite a few spots. It got busier by the end of the day, but still spots open for campers. Also cant beat $14 to stay. No electric but it does have a place for water and to dump. Bathrooms are actually really nice and clean, no showers. We did not have cell reception but so travel with Starlink.

    Convenient to drive the scenic route and to hike.

  • Shana D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Jun. 27, 2023

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Well kept

    Beautiful, well maintained campground. Lots of different site to include pull thru, back in, walk in tent sites and a group site. New bathroom on site. Walking distance to the cannonball creations. There is also a dump station here unlike Cottonwood Camp in the South unit.

  • Leah N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kota Ray County Park
    Jun. 5, 2023

    Kota Ray County Park

    Good For Families

    We love Kota Ray. Its small, the swimming beach is pretty decent, the campsites aren't too terrible (I wish some of them were just a bit more level), the bathrooms are usually cleaned well and they have lots of picnic shelters. The fishing is good and it's a great little pond for kayaks and paddleboards. Only electric at sites, no water hookups.

  • Leah N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park
    Jun. 5, 2023

    Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park

    Beautiful & Clean

    This campground is beautiful. They keep it very well kept. They mow weekly, facilities are very clean, the playgrounds are nice and kept up, the roads (all paved) and rv pads (most gravel) are very nice and the place has tons of trees (except on the beach so bring a beach umbrella!). There is a very nice shower house with 3 shower stalls and flush toilets as well as 2 vanities. There is a general store that carries lots of fishing gear, some groceries (e.g. ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, buns, bread, chocolate, marshmallows, Graham crackers, ice cream), they have shirts, sweaters, hats, some frozen foods, camping supplies and lots more. Lewis & Clark is our favorite place to stay. The beach is super sandy with some, but not many rocks, lots of drift wood and the water is shallow for a long ways so it's great for kids! Hope you love it as much as we do!

  • Angie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Missouri State Park
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Little Missouri State Park

    Absolutely incredible!

    This place is a steal for the price they charge! I watched the sun rise over the ND badlands! The Campground was immaculate, the ranger on duty was super helpful, and I had the whole grounds to myself (it was on a Tuesday). 100% reccommend!!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Nov. 30, 2022

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    This is a wonderful campground for shorter stays!

    I really enjoyed this campground. The roads and parking pads are paved! The bathroom was recently built and it is clean and well maintained with running water and flush toilets. Also, the camp hosts were very friendly and helpful with tips on what to see and to do in and around the park.

    North

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Sep. 11, 2022

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Great place

    First come first serve camping. We had a pull thru. Some of the back ins look a little short. Generators have to be off by 8. Very quiet. Lots of stars. There is a water faucet but you have to carry water. No hook ups. Gorgeous views.

  • Duncan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP
    Jul. 6, 2022

    Juniper Campground - Theodore Roosevelt NP

    Upscale Primitive Camping

    This is a delightful place surrounded by wildlife. I was able to get really close to buffalo (safely from the truck). This campground is on the north side of the Little Missouri River across from the CCC Campground which I actually preferred even though it was more primitive. The sites here are denser, and it is more populated, but there were still a lot of sites available when I was there on 7/5. . There are no hookups. There are bathrooms and running water available and a sanitary dump….an advantage over the CCC. It looks like the recently built new bathrooms which are grade A. It is convenient to auto touring and hiking trails.  I am on a walk about to visit all the national parks and TRNP is one of my favorites so far.

  • Leah N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blacktail Dam
    Jul. 5, 2022

    Blacktail Dam

    Nice Place

    All camp spots are right on the water, though most of them have cat tails and thick vegetation making it difficult to get to the water. Each site has electric that you share with your neighbor. They have a water station, dump station, showers that could use some attention, they have a nice playground for the kids, some picnic shelters, bathrooms and garbage cans. We stayed over the 4th so it was very busy but still enjoyable (coming from a family that prefers our solitude). There isn't a lot of water access for shore fishing and swimming is prohibited in most areas. There is a swimming beach about 1.5 miles from where we had camped which was pretty central to the grounds. It's not a big beach area so busy days it can be a little crowded. It is nice and sandy and great for the kiddos, though. All in all, the campground was nice and I would stay again!

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from White Buffalo RV Park
    Jun. 27, 2022

    White Buffalo RV Park

    Not a Campground

    The name is no longer White Buffalo. RD RV Park is not really setup for overnight campers. There are no showers, toilet or water. This facility is for long term guests that are fully self contained. The owner was friendly enough, although we only spoke on the phone. I put a $30 check in a drop box, plugged into the electric and slept there.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Grassy Butte Community Park
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Grassy Butte Community Park

    What a GEM!

    This is a beautiful spot to land for a night or more. Quiet, we're the only people here and the host said that's usually the case. $15 a night with 110 extension cord power - can't beat that! The water here tastes good, there are several frost free hydrants for use. Beautiful playground if you have kids. And the store the host owns has basic necessities. The park is beautifully kept. We explored the area - close to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit and National Grasslands. Lots of trees for shade. The little store is open and has and diesel are actually priced competitively.

  • Leah N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Richland Park
    May. 26, 2022

    Richland Park

    Well Kept

    This campground is well mowed and cleaned up regularly. They have fire pits, picnic tables, toilets and garbage. There is a park for children and access to the river as well as a boat dock. The sites are mostly level and gravel. The only downside to the place is that there is a high presence of locals that drive through late into the night. In order to stay here, you must visit the local sheriff's office and obtain a permit (pictured below). The camping is free and you can only stay for 3 days.

  • Melissa B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Magpie Campground
    May. 20, 2022

    Magpie Campground

    Great stop near the national park!

    We were headed to the north unit of TRNP and found this nice campground. Small and private, only one other group there who were visiting with their horses. 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. My Toyota Corolla isn’t the best “off roading” car, but we got there safely. Definitely would visit again!!! Paid $10 cash for the evening.

  • Ariel R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park

    Good stay but couldn’t cook!

    Overall, we enjoyed this campground. It’s small and well kept. Has a cute little Marina. The toilet facilities were kept in good, clean condition. (Bring your own toilet paper tho, they run out quick). The only thing keeping me from giving 5 stars is our electricity box at our site was completely unusable, so we couldn’t cook at all as there was also a fire ban in effect so we couldn’t make a fire either. :)

  • Keith L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park
    Oct. 23, 2021

    Lewis & Clark State Park — Lewis And Clark State Park

    Rip off!

    Off season ccamping... not here.

    There was a signboard at entrance booth that might have included camping rates. But it was covered up. I drove around and could not find any employees to ask how much. I camped and did find someone in the morning. She the camping fee (with toilet facility and water shut off was $25. No off season rate and no senior discount.

    Too much for camping in what is essentially a closes RV parking lot! I would have gone somewhere else if they had not hidden the camping rate singn.

    I will not be back.

  • n
    Camper-submitted photo from American Legion Park
    Sep. 16, 2021

    American Legion Park

    Nice looking place but locked and closed

    We arrived but the gate was locked. We walled to the camping spots and it looks like it would have been a great place to stay, covered tables, sites far apart, surreal flaring wells on the distant mountains. The water was really low. We stated outside the gate and had no issues.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Watford City, ND?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watford City, ND is Bennett with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Watford City, ND?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Watford City, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.