Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp in North Dakota? The Dyrt showcases a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking and everything in between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Grasslands OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands. Along certain roads, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off road to camp. These roads are shown on the Grassland's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the grassland. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a pasture or clearing. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire rings. Clear an area of combustible material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading into a wildfire. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch. Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE (creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes). When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. Do not use ANY soap directly in a water source. Use biodegradable soap.
Sheyenne National Grassland is located in southeastern North Dakota, comprising 70,180 acres (28,400 ha) of public land amid 64,769 acres (26,211 ha) of privately owned land. It is characterized by sandy soils, originally deposited as the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz. Since that time, wind and rain have shaped the topography into a unique landscape ranging from flat deltaic plains to choppy sand dunes. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chickens in North Dakota as well as several other sensitive species such as the Dakota skipper and Regal Fritillary. It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid, which has been placed on the list of Threatened Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other unique plants found on the grassland include other orchids and ferns. The grassland is managed with prescribed grazing, fire, and mowing. These programs are all managed in cooperation with the local grazing association. Treatment of noxious weeds is also very important and is accomplished through herbicide application, biocontrol, and sheep grazing. Recreation opportunities abound throughout the grassland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, photography, and backpacking. See Activities section below for detailed descriptions. Some points of interest to visit while on the grassland include: Iron Springs creek, the Horseshoe Hills, Old Bridges, Owego Pioneer Cemetery, and an Old Fire Lookout Tower. The grassland is located in eastern Ransom and western Richland counties, about 12 miles (19km) east of the city of Lisbon. The grassland is administered by the Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands from the Supervisor’s office in Bismarck, North Dakota. The local Sheyenne Ranger District office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. Other places of interest in the vicinity of Sheyenne National Grassland include: The town of McLeod, North Dakota. Visitors can learn about the area’s history, including some of the Grassland’s history at the McLeod Museum Complex. The museum complex includes a Presbyterian Church built in 1909, the Soo Line Depot, a homestead house built in the late 1800s, and a one-room school house which operated from 1904-2002. McLeod is located three miles south of Highway 27 on County Road 54 or 149th Avenue SE. The Nature Conservancy operates Brown Ranchthrough their Sheyenne Delta office located just a few miles southwest of McLeod, ND. Some of this land is managed in conjunction with the Sheyenne National Grassland. Explore the Seven Wonders of Ransom County.
You are welcome to camp anywhere on the Denbigh Experimental Forest, except at designated trailheads. There are no designated campgrounds.
When camping with horses, please remember the PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT rule which refers to cleaning up after your horse(s) as well. Also remember that feed and straw must be certified as being free of noxious weed seed and stock cannot be tied to trees.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Grasslands OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience.
Driving cross-country (off a road or trail) by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited in the National Grasslands. Along certain roads, vehicles may drive up to 300 feet off road to camp. These roads are shown on the Grassland's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Picking a Campsite
If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the grassland. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Do NOT camp within 200 feet of any water source, plants near water are especially fragile. Don't camp in the middle of a pasture or clearing. Make your campsite less visible so that other visitors will see a "wild" setting. Campfires
Many wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Use existing fire rings if they exist. Minimize the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants by using existing fire rings. Clear an area of combustible material six feet away from a campfire to reduce the chance of it spreading into a wildfire. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. You should be able to put your whole hand into the ashes without being burned and it should be cool to the touch. Protect Water Quality
Water gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly. To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 inches deep and AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE (creeks, wetlands, springs, or lakes). When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and take your toilet paper with you to dispose of in a proper waste container. Never defecate or leave toilet paper on top of the ground, it could easily get into the local water source and contaminate it. Wash your body, dishes, etc., and dispose of waste water AT LEAST 200 FEET AWAY FROM ANY WATER SOURCE. Do not use ANY soap directly in a water source. Use biodegradable soap.
Traveler
This place is amazing.
RangerFound this site close to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Road in is pretty good, any right should be able to make it. There are several sites in the camping area, some could fit big rigs. Smaller rigs can get into any of the other sites. Despite being near the Interstate, it was really quiet at night. Great Verizon signal on this location. Starlink had some of the fastest connections we have seen.
GuideEasy access on a gravel road all the way to the top of the bluff. We opted to park at one of the first few pull out spots but saw several campers all along the road up to and on the bluff itself. We had great Verizon service.
GuideNot far from the park. Great views from the top. We had no issues getting out jeep all the way up, but larger campers would need to find spots lower.
GuideAlong Buffalo Gap Rd closer to I-94 area. The land is within Little Missouri National Grassland and there are no signs at this spot saying not to camp. The campground area, fee area, is on the other side of I-94.
GuideInteresting pond spot. There are three roads from Camel Hump Rd that go into lake area loops. Chose the second right turn 1st, so you can scope out the areas down the first and third roads from across the pond, because those are tight and if someone is already there then theres no use driving down. Theres about two private spots down the 1st and 3rd right turns. The second turn though has tables and is more open and recreational for swimming and fishing. The best spot at 2nd right turn (middle of pond) is first loop on left with table and pit. It has a clear swim spot. Its a bit deep there but nice. No toilet or water but nice area to chill on a hot day.
GuideAs a tenter or suv camper I drove to the top of the grasslands boondocking area to find others doing the same thing. Even without an actual "spot" I was able to get a nice place on the bluff to spread out, not close to other dudes. Obviously no services here but just piss into the wind. Ominous heavy fog in the morning with low visibilty but a cool spot for sure. Drive, dont roll, down the hill. No need for bug spray but maybe a pair of binoculars to check out the ladies. Big sky, wild horses, and yummy grasshoppers. No west bound access when leaving so take Buffalo Gap Rd or backtrack to Medora. Such a nice town to chill during the hot days, especially at the historic park with covered tables.
ScoutArrived the afternoon 07/27/24 and had no issues finding a spot. Went past where Google maps took us for Scoria Pit and up the hill to sit atop on the bluffs for some amazing views! No amenities, but the location and quietness around us was very much worth it. Good location a little off the highway near Theodore Roosevelt NP. One section of the road was a little washed out, but generally easy access.
GuideStunning views in every direction and plenty of spots to choose from once you turn onto the gravel/dirt road. It’s a little bumpy so take it slowly, but I had no problem and I drive a 2WD hatchback.
A quick word of warning: rattlesnakes could be in the bushes! Keep your dog close and be cognizant of your surroundings!
TravelerNarrow Road, but plenty of spots to park at as well as not being too close to the next camper! Some of the most beautiful views you’ll see
ScoutBest part is it’s free, there isn’t much traffic, plenty of room. Pets allowed. Someone might be here to greet you, but probably not.
GuideEasy access with good road plenty of room. Great views
RangerPullouts along a dirt road provide good camping spots! Able to find a free spot on a friday night around 4 but there were definitely other people filling in.
Travelermost amazing campsite. arrived around 4pm and secured a spot with views of the whole valley. windy at times but was able to move the car in front of the tent!
Travelereasily accessible, multiple spots to choose from that are dispersed about half a mile from each other. far enough from the interstate to not see it, but close enough to still hear it. also had full bars with verizon. insanely windy but beautiful!!
ScoutGreat spot to stay for a night. Winds can be high so if you’re sleeping between fabric walls it may get loud.
GuideA little weird to get to if you’re headed east on 94. You’ll backtrack about a mile, but it’s worth it. Great views of the draws and grasslands on most sites. It’s ND so it can be super windy on the ridges. Good gravel road in the dry months. Not a place I’d bring a trailer or bigger RV if it was wet out.
Scout
Pretty little campground. Electric sites were decently spaced. Lots of awesome primitive sites. My kids spent hours playing in the creek. Lots to explore. Vault toilets were pretty clean. No showers.
Guide
Road was closed to the actual marked area. There was another campsite right before the road with a fire pit if you follow the directions.(recommend heading across to Scoria pit instead.)
There was a large beautiful herd of feral horses bedding down with their little ones here in the evening though!
GuideThere are a decent number of spots to choose from out here. The top area did have a couple strands of barbed wire blocking it this trip so we stayed in the lower area. But had A TON of space to ourselves. Our closest “neighbors” were about 100 yards away in either direction.
Great views were just a short walk from where we set up camp.
We are rocking a 4runner with a RTT and had no problems getting around. Saw some travel trailers, RVs and fifth wheels towards the front as well so moderately accessible but personally would risk going far back in something big. There are some tight turns/uneven terrain towards the top.
Really quiet area for the most part and extremely peaceful.
ScoutEasy to find. Good road even for a 32 ft motorhome. Beautiful views. Quiet and peaceful. Smells amazing from all the sage and other shrubs.
ScoutQuite a bit of people, but I was able to find some nice folks that let me park near them! Beautiful country views with decent service so I was able to work online. Even after a decent rain I had no issues with my pickup truck getting to the spot!
ScoutThis site was poppin', so we had to drive down the road further to find a spot. The road is blocked by a wire fence halfway through but there were still plenty of open spots. Ended up camping at the top of the hills and had views similar to that of TR National Park.
ScoutStayed in the first spot available once getting onto the service road. The recent rain made the road extremely muddy and difficult to get through even with an AWV vehicle, so beware to smaller cars. There's a set of train tracks not far away and a train passed by around 1am, but only the once. Otherwise it was a very peaceful spot. Lots of crickets to lull us to sleep at night.
GuideLong grass limits spots. Alot of rude vanlife people have crowd others. But before the weekend it was pretty peaceful and nobody around for most part.
Guide
The sites aren’t very well indicating and so we parked next to a fire ring and picnic table. A van pulled up in front of us with plenty of room left for other neighbors. A sign indicates that camping for more than 10days is not permitted and rigs aren’t to be left unattended for more than 24hours. Two docks for the pups to jump off of and swim. Beautiful clear water was calling my name in the evening.
GuideA little hard to find as every path seems to have “no trespassing” signs. But once we made it up the hill (which I wouldn’t recommend with big rigs), the views are beautiful! Little fire pit, no noise…what more can you ask for?
North Dakota offers a unique experience for those seeking the freedom of dispersed camping, with stunning landscapes and a variety of amenities to enhance your outdoor adventure.
