Accessed off Interstate 94 at Exit 18 near Sentinel Butte, Buffalo Gap Campground sits within Dakota Prairie National Grasslands and runs $20 per night during its Memorial Day through Labor Day season. The campground has 35 to 37 sites arranged in two loops, named Mandan and Hidatsa, with paved parking pads at every site. Reservations are available, though the campground operates largely first-come, first-served. One important note on access: the Buffalo Gap Road south of I-94 can become seriously difficult in wet conditions, and multiple reviewers flag it as a route to avoid after rain.
Sites vary noticeably in character. Some sit in open grassland with wide sightlines toward the badlands terrain, while others back into tree cover offering afternoon shade and more separation from neighbors. Site 22 in the second loop draws specific mention for its seclusion and space. The campground can fill close to capacity on summer evenings, particularly Thursday through the weekend, so arriving by early afternoon gives the best selection. Highway noise from I-94 is audible throughout, more so on sites closer to the ridge. Cell service is essentially nonexistent at the sites themselves; driving up to the highway entrance is typically needed to get a signal.
Facilities are a consistent strength. The Mandan loop has a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers, including individual shower rooms with hot water. Jessica S. describes the campground as "clean and well maintained, camp hosts friendly and knowledgeable." Vault toilets are also available near the entrance and pavilion. A dump station and potable water fill station are on site, though the fill station spigot sits far enough from the parking area that a hose longer than 25 feet is useful to bring.
Buffalo Gap Trail is accessible directly from the campground for day hikes. The south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is roughly a ten-minute drive, making this a practical base for multi-day park visits. The nearby town of Medora, with services and the park visitor center, is about seven miles away. Campers who want dispersed alternatives in the same corridor can look at Buffalo Gap Rd Dispersed Camp or Custer Snow Camp for more remote setups. Pets are permitted throughout. For a summer visit, arriving midweek and carrying cash or a check covers the self-pay option when there is no cell service to register online.
Description
Overview
Buffalo Gap campground, located in the heart of western North Dakota.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
There are two flush toilet building and a building with 3 showers.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
It a short drive to the small town of Medora and enterance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuffalo Gap Campground (ND) is located in North Dakota near Medora
Coordinates
46.95498 N
103.673706 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 7/30/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 53 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 12 min from Minot, ND
- 3 hrs 45 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 49 min from Rapid City, SD
















































