Little Missouri National Grassland is home to Summit Campground, a free Forest Service site in Grassy Butte, North Dakota, sitting close to the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The layout is straightforward: four RV-friendly spots with picnic tables, two of which have canopy covers, plus additional tent camping space and a vault toilet. Sites are generally well-maintained, though spots east of the toilet become inaccessible when wet, so road and ground conditions matter here.
Noise is worth factoring into expectations. The campground sits near Highway 85, and reviewers consistently note steady truck traffic through the night. Cell coverage is described as okay on its own, better with a booster. On the activity side, a hiking trail behind the sites leads to open views of the badlands, and the North Unit entrance is roughly ten minutes by car. As Nevin C. puts it, it's an "easy walk to a great view of the badlands."
The campground fills quickly, especially on summer weekends, so arriving early is practical advice from multiple visitors. There is a 14-day stay limit, fire pits are available subject to current NPS fire conditions posted on-site, and pets are welcome. Campers interested in dispersed options nearby can look at Little Missouri Grassland Dispersed off Dry Creek Road or CCC Campground for a different setup with more distance from the highway.
Description
There are two walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire grates. There are also two picnic areas with shelters and pull through camping units for RV's and other vehicles. The campground has a handicap accessible vault toilet. A 100-yd hiking trail leading west from the campground provides visitors with a scenic view of the underlying valley. Summit trailhead is in the north end of the campground on the west side of the road. The campground has sufficient parking space that can also be used as a meeting point for Summit Trail.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSummit Campground is located in North Dakota near Grassy Butte
Directions
Located 18.5 miles south of Watford City on Highway 85. Turn west at either sign and travel approx. ½ mile where a well-maintained gravel road will lead you to the campgrounds.
Coordinates
47.54004534 N
103.24179275 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/23/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
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
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 16 min from Bismarck, ND
- 2 hrs 20 min from Minot, ND
- 4 hrs 10 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 47 min from Billings, MT
