Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Williston? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your North Dakota camping excursion.
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
50 first-come, first-serve sites with electric. Park has 5 concrete picnic shelters, boat ramp, shower house, swim beach, golf course, 3 fishing piers, playground.
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
$10 - $15 / night
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!
Guide
If you can't get into the national park this is the next best thing. Good spacing. Trailhead for maah daah hey .
LegendThe 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.
TravelerIt was an awesome campground. The views from the campsite were beautiful and there’s an access to the Maah Daah Hey trail from the campground. There’s no shade so it can get hot and you can see every other campsite but it’s still really awesome!
RangerFirst 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.
GuidePicked 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.
ScoutThe campsite was mostly empty so we got to choose pretty much any campsite! Very close to TRNP with just as good of views! The weather was nice but very very hot!
LegendWe 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.
LegendBeautiful, 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.
ScoutWe 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.
RangerI 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
GuideFirst 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.
GuideWe felt so fortunate to procure a site at this first come, first serve campground. Well-situated sites with gorgeous views. Clean restrooms with flush toilets and running water!
LegendThis place is very well kept. Vault toilets and hand pump for water. The views are just awesome. 360 deg. Large sites spaced far apart. 40 plus sites. Host said never full. $10 a night. No road noise. Lots of wildlife. Deer and prairie dogs.
LegendThis 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.
Guide
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!
LegendI loved this place. I wanted a quiet, uncrowded campground to spend the 4th of July weekend. I got more than I bargained for. This beautiful place with sweeping 360 degree views was virtually empty. There was a campground host and one other RV in the entire campground. There were a few tents on 7/2, but they left. The sites are well spaced. There are vault toilets that would be barely adequate if the place where full. Potable water is available only by hand-pumping….not so great if you are trying to fill you fresh water tank. There is no sanitary dump on the property. These detractions are the reason it is not a 5.
The campground is the beginning/end of the 144 mile Maah Daah Hey trail. I hiked sections of this trail two days in a row and it was completely delightful. The trail and campsite are on the south side of the Little Missouri River and the visitor center for the national park and the Juniper campground are on the north side. Caution: the river marks the dividing line between Central and Mountain time zones. The weather around here can be dramatic. There were two intense thunder storms the last two nights.
TravelerThe 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.
GuideWe stayed here for two nights and loved the views we had. I and made a reservation but there was no where to check in so it seemed as if anyone could camp here whenever. It wasn’t busy at all and was very quiet. It has a trail that leads you all the way up on of the foothills and further into the national park! We saw cattle on the path and it was very clean. The bathrooms were pretty nice. Definitely bring some bug spray to this site. The nearest gas station is about 25 mins away, so plan ahead for buying water and firewood.
Guide
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.
GuideWe had a nice campsite and enjoyed our visit. Boathouse was well maintained. Enjoyed the views and the visit of a Buffalo one evening (he was close, but not too close).
Traveler
The CG is free. They want you to check in at the Confluence Visitor Center. The CG has tables, fire rings, and trash cans. Nobody has pulled in around us. Nothing better than free camping with solitude these days! We camped here in a 35 ft 5th wheel. Lots of great history with the old forts (Buford and Union) nearby. And the Confluence Visitor Center was good.
RangerSpread our shaded spots close to the river front and away from regular traffic. First come first serve camping. Fully functional flush toilet bathrooms.
Things to know: No showers Seasonal host No hooks ups
50 total spots
https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/juniper-campground.htm
RangerSpread our shaded spots close to the river front and away from regular traffic. First come first serve camping Things to know: No showers Seasonal host No hooks ups
GuideVery minimal shade and very hot in June but it’s definitely a good spot to stay. The spots aren’t that close to one another I’ve definitely had worse. It’s right at the beginning of the north side of Theodore Roosevelt and a good stop to stay at while visiting the park. We even saw a couple Buffalo in the campground! Big horn cows also come and visit often.
GuideI spent three nights at the juniper campground and explored the north unit of the park. The scenic drive is amazing and saw lots of bison. The campground is quiet and well maintained. There is water available and a free rv dump. The bathrooms were super clean and the camp host was friendly.
Traveler
Went here deliberately because it is not extremely busy and has a warm lake for swimming, boating, tubing. Canoing that is very near the campground. Fantastic restaurant in Genora, ND about 5 miles away. Went in late July and flies were somewhat bothersome. But lake was so refreshing and this would make a perfect 1-2 day stop between many locations in MT and ND. 27 miles to Canadian Border. Went swimming every day I was there except one day when it was cool. 150 miles to Theodore Roosevelt National Park which was also great.
Camping with pets near Williston, North Dakota, offers a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature while bringing their furry friends along. Several campgrounds in the area welcome pets, ensuring a fun and accommodating experience for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Williston, ND?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Williston, ND 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 Williston, ND?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dog-friendly camping locations near Williston, ND, with real photos and reviews from campers.
