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Map showing campground location near Amidon, North Dakota
Camper submitted image from Burning Coal Vein CampgroundView 19 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Amidon, North Dakota

Burning Coal Vein Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

A cash-only fee of $10 per night and a vault toilet on-site set the practical tone for Burning Coal Vein Campground, a drive-in site managed by the US Forest Service within campgrounds near Little Missouri National Grassland. No hookups are available, and the water pump on-site is hand-operated, making it unsuitable for filling an RV tank. The access road is narrow and can develop ruts after wet weather, so drivers should expect one-lane conditions and allow extra time if the ground is soft.

Sites are spaced generously across a shallow valley with some shade cover, and each includes a picnic table and fire ring. The campground sees light traffic, which means sites are rarely crowded. Rangers do make periodic check-in visits, so the self-pay envelope system is actively monitored. Pets are welcome, and alcohol is permitted on-site.

Hikers have direct access to the Columnar Junipers trail and surrounding bluffs, which give open sightlines across the Little Missouri National Grassland. The Maah Da Hey Trail is also reachable from the campground for those wanting a longer route. Lara F. describes it as "great access to the Columnar Junipers hike and bluffs." Nearby options include Cabins of Amidon to the southeast and Coal Creek Campground to the north for campers building a multi-stop itinerary through the region. Burning Coal Vein suits those who want a low-infrastructure base in grassland country without the noise of a developed facility.

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Map & DirectionsBurning Coal Vein Campground is located in North Dakota near Amidon

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

The campground can be accessed from highway 85 approximately 10 miles south of Belfield, traveling 20 miles on gravel roads #767 and #742

Coordinates

46.59800474 N
103.44340536 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Burning Coal Vein Campground

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5.0

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5 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned spacious, private sites in a quiet valley setting with basic facilities and excellent value at $10/night. Access to hiking trails and peaceful boondocking experience were highlights.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2025

Burning Coal Vein Campgroung

No hookups - one vault toilet - picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Boondocking only. National Forest land - part of the Little Missouri River Grasslands. Hiking from park. Outstanding views - BIG lots - peaceful. Love it!

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • view from the overlook parking area above our camping site.
    Play button icon
  • circling from our spot.
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  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Rhonda M., June 6, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 30, 2024

Passed through, it looked good

We did not personally camp here but we cruised through on a motorcycle. The sites looked to be spaced out fairly well, many of them had a picnic table, there is a bathroom on site and also a water pump that did not seem accessible by vehicle, so I doubt you could fill an rv with it. The sign seemed to say $10 a night, pay with cash in an envelope. We passed a forest ranger coming out to check on the campground while we were there. The short road in was in need of a bit of repair, but most vehicles could get through it, just a bit of a rut from people getting stuck in mud. Rather narrow as well, could definitely only accommodate one way traffic as a time.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Erin G., July 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Erin G., July 30, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2020

Remote, scenic site

Lovely spot that is little visited but beautiful. The sites are in a protected shallow valley with good shade. They are fairly private. Great access to the Columnar Junipers hike and bluffs for beautiful overlook of this part of the Little Missouri National Grassland.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Lara F., August 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Lara F., August 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Lara F., August 21, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Burning Coal Vein

Fun little place to camp, and fun little hike to the Butte, or hop on the Maah Da Hey Trail and hike for miles.

  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Brenda R., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Brenda R., July 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Burning Coal Vein Campground by Brenda R., July 7, 2020
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Burning Coal Vein Campground in North Dakota?

Burning Coal Vein Campground offers basic facilities perfect for a rustic camping experience. The campground features well-spaced sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. There is one vault toilet on-site and a water pump, though the pump doesn't appear to be vehicle-accessible (making it impractical for filling RV tanks). This is a boondocking-only site with no hookups available. The campground is set on National Forest land as part of the Little Missouri River Grasslands, providing a peaceful, natural setting with outstanding views.

Are there photos available of Burning Coal Vein Campground?

Photos of Burning Coal Vein Campground would showcase its beautiful setting in a protected shallow valley with good shade. Images would likely capture the well-spaced campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, and the surrounding natural beauty of the Little Missouri National Grassland. The campground's proximity to scenic hiking trails, including access to the Columnar Junipers hike and beautiful overlooks of the grasslands, makes it a photogenic destination. To find current photos, check the official U.S. Forest Service website or The Dyrt's campground listing.

How close is Burning Coal Vein Campground to Medora, ND?

Burning Coal Vein Campground is located in the Little Missouri National Grassland, in southwestern North Dakota. While the exact distance from Medora isn't specified, it's within reasonable driving distance for those planning to explore both areas. The campground offers a quieter, less-visited alternative to staying directly in Medora, while still providing access to the beautiful badlands landscape. For those looking to experience both the cultural attractions of Medora and the natural beauty of the grasslands, this campground can serve as a peaceful home base. Contact the U.S. Forest Service for specific driving directions and travel time from Medora.

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