Are you planning a camping trip to North Dakota with your dog? We've got you covered. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find campgrounds in North Dakota that allow pets. These scenic and easy-to-reach North Dakota campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.
Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.
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 Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. 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
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.
If you're looking for campgrounds in Medora, ND, consider Medora Campground. Conveniently located on the west side of Medora, the Medora Campground is the perfect place to set up your basecamp for adventure in the Badlands. You can choose between our hook-up spaces or our primitive camping area, whichever makes your Medora experience perfect. Facility amenities include: -150 campsites of varying sizes. -FREE Wi-Fi -Access to bathroom and shower facilities -RV waste station -Playground for the kids -And a new General Store with many of the provisions you might need -- plus a laundry facility to help clean up your gear after a day in the Badlands.
$30 - $60 / night
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
Just south of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and a couple miles from the town of Medora, Sully Creek State Park is located in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands. This small park provides easy access to the Little Missouri River for paddlers and anglers, and serves as a launch point for the 170-mile Maah Daah Hey and the 50-mile Maah Daah Hey II trails. These two scenic trails invite hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders to discover the Badlands’ peaks, plateaus, prairies, and wetlands—just as Roosevelt saw them more than a century ago. Sully Creek also makes an ideal basecamp for exploring the nearby national park in a quieter setting, or if the park’s facilities are full.
Sully Creek offers 41 spacious campsites in three open, grassy areas: Whitetail Flats, Cedar, and Little Muddy Breaks. Whitetail Flats offers open, grassy, pull-through sites that can accommodate large RVs; Cedar is a wooded loop with pull-through and back-in sites for smaller RVs and tent campers; Little Muddy Breaks is an open area designated for horse campers, and features corrals and a round pen. All sites are equipped with picnic tables, and there are vault toilets, a shower house, drinking water, and a dump station available; hookups are not available at this location. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Camping is available from April through November. Campsites are $12/night; reservations accepted.
Located on the grassy plains near the confluence of the Missouri and Heart rivers, Fort Abraham Lincoln is North Dakota’s oldest state park. Established in 1907 to commemorate a 1700s US Army outpost, the park offers a look at America’s early years, as well as even longer ago when the Mandan peoples called this area home. The park is located about 7 miles south of the town of Mandan, and about 200 miles east of Fargo. In addition to its historical significance, the park is also noted for its diverse, high prairie landscape and exceptional views. More than 16 miles of multiuse trails are available for summer and winter roaming among the park’s prairies, woods, and shrublands.
Abraham Lincoln State Park offers more than 100 tent and RV campsites, in addition to camping cabins and Cheyenne tipis. Most sites are open and grassy, and equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and fire pits; pull-through sites can accommodate large RVs and trailers. Amenities in the campground include both flush and vault toilets, showers, water faucets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, Wifi service, and a dump station. There are also corrals available for horse campers. Additional park features include a visitor center, coffee and gift shop, and an outdoor amphitheater. Dogs must remain leashed unless in designated areas. Camping is available year-round; sites are $17–$25/night; tipis are $35/night, and cabins $60/night; reservations accepted.
There are plenty of things to do at Fort Abraham Lincoln, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing, but the main attractions are the park’s historical area and Mandan village. The historical area has replicas of Lieutenant Colonel George Custer’s home, as well as a barracks building, stables and blockhouses. Tours are available during summer months. The Mandan On-a-Slant Village—named so for the sloping ground it rests on—features several “Earthlodges” constructed in similar fashion to those used by the native peoples for homes and meeting places. A trolley runs through the park with stops at both historic locations, in addition to going to the nearby town of Mandan.
$15 - $85 / night
Located about 26 miles northwest of Dunseith, and sharing a border with Canada, Lake Metigoshe is North Dakota’s largest state park. Encompassing an area of more than 1,500 acres in the Turtle Mountains, the park was established in 1938 as a year-round retreat. Prior to settlers arriving in the area, this forest and lake country was home to indigenous Blackfoot, Hidatsa and Assiniboine peoples. The name Metigoshe is derived from a native phrase translated “clearwater lake of scrub-oaks.” While the park contains numerous lakes, which can be explored by foot or paddle, most of the facilities and activities can be enjoyed on or near the shores of Lake Metigoshe. Summer activities include fishing, boating, paddling, swimming and hiking; winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding.
Lake Metigoshe State Park offers numerous tent and RV camping areas, including the Washegum and Maid O’ Moonshine campgrounds, as well as several primitive camping areas. The wooded campgrounds feature more than 80 pull-through and back-in sites with electricity and water hookups. Some of these sites are ADA accessible. These campgrounds provide water, flush toilets, and showers; a dump station is located between the two sites. The primitive tent areas are dispersed near the shore of Lake Metigoshe, and feature 40 drive-in and walk-in sites. These areas provide vault toilets only. The park also offers three group campsites, two group dorms, and several cabins. Other amenities in the park include an Outdoor Learning Center, kids’ playgrounds, amphitheater, dog park, and picnic shelters. Campsites are $17–25/night; group sites are $25/night; cabins and dorms range from $60–$125/night.
There are plenty of things to see and do during a camping vacation at Lake Metigoshe. Summer months offer plenty of water activities: catch some rays or take a dip at the park’s swim beach, fish for bass, crappie, walleye and perch, or rent a kayak or canoe and go for a paddle. Try the park’s 2-mile water trail that links four lakes togethers (some portages required). For exploring the woods and wetlands by foot, there are 15 miles of multi-use trails available for hikers and mountain bikers. Pick up an interpretive brochure to learn about the park’s flora and fauna on the 3-mile Old Oak Trail, or head out on any of the other paths to look for moose, deer, pine martens and grouse. Many of these trails are open in winter months for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There is also a 3.7-mile snowmobile trail. Trail maps are available at the park’s visitor center.
Buffalo Gap campground, located in the heart of western North Dakota.
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.
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.
It a short drive to the small town of Medora and enterance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
$20 / night
Season Info March 1 - taking reservations
April Preseason - openings dependent on weather
May 1 to Sept 30 - regular season
October Postseason - openings dependent on weather Contact us for more information
$20 - $40 / night
Ranger
Medora Campground boasts a prime location near Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the charming town of Medora. With spacious sites along the Little Missouri River, it’s a tranquil spot with easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and the Medora Musical. Amenities are basic but sufficient, and the views of the surrounding badlands make it a picturesque choice for nature enthusiasts.
A little pricey for our taste, but the hook ups in the August heat were worth it.
Legend
General: Small (37-site) forest service campground in two loops near Theodore Roosevelt National Park. No hookups or cell service (despite proximity to the highway). We arrived on a Thursday afternoon in late August with no reservation and had no problem securing a site, although it filled almost to capacity by evening.
Site Quality: Many are in direct sun, but we found one that had some afternoon shade. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. All camper pads are paved.
Bath/Shower house: There were six vault toilets (two by the entrance and two in each loop) that had sinks but no soap; they were reasonably clean. Two showers were in the other loop from where we stayed, and we did not use them.
Activities: There is access to the Buffalo Gap Trail, but we did not hike it as this was an overnight stop for us and quite hot. It is not far from the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
It was hot when we were there (high 80s) so we just kind of collapsed upon arrival and took off the next day. The good news is you are close to the highway, but you will hear some road noise. $20 or$10 with the senior pass makes it a good deal. Cash or check if you cannot register online (no service with Verizon).
Traveler
This place is amazing.
Guide
A long, very dusty gravel road got us to this spot. By the time we left, our car and camper looked like 2 dirt piles. That said, the spot was very peaceful with a ton of birds. There is a pit toilet there which was locked. It had a sign telling you how to break in, in the case of emergencies. Never have seen such a sign before. Well, I needed to use it, broke in using a screwdriver, and Ohmygod. It’s going to take awhile to get that out of my head. Do not open up the pit toilet, no matter the emergency.
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.
Guide
While East Bay Campground boasts a stunning location on Devil’s Lake, the owners’ shocking disregard for guest concerns and lack of basic hospitality make this a place to avoid. Our experience was a nightmare due to the owner's negligence, resulting in serious damage to our property that they refused to apologize for or rectify.
Upon arrival, we noticed a large tree limb hanging over our camper. We immediately reported it, concerned that it could fall and cause damage. The office reassured us, but no one came to address it. That night, the limb fell and punctured a hole in our roof.
When we informed the owner, Bill, his response was nothing short of appalling. Instead of offering any help, showing concern, or even apologizing, he dismissed us, repeatedly telling us to"just patch it up" and actively discouraging us from filing a claim.
It took three days of persistence to obtain the necessary insurance information—still with no apology or acknowledgment of their responsibility. Another reviewer had a similar experience, reporting,"we sustained major damage to our roof from trees. When I reported this to the office, they were'sorry' but offered nothing else"(RV Life Review).
Bill’s behavior reflected a complete lack of concern, remorse, or responsibility, which was deeply disturbing, especially considering the damage could have been easily prevented. This was more than just bad customer service—it was an utter failure to demonstrate even the most basic principles of hospitality or human decency.
The campground itself lacks the attention to detail expected of a well-run facility. The shower curtains in every bathroom were 2-3 inches too narrow, leaving a gap leaving anyone taking a shower exposed. Fire ring was bent, broken and unusable. When we rented a boat and reported the anchor rope was frayed and unusable, they promised it would be replaced. But, just like with the tree limb, nothing was done.
If you stay here, be prepared to have excellent insurance and no expectations of any help, because the owners clearly don’t care.
Bill and Val only seem to offer hospitality to guests who require nothing from them and request nothing that their time or attention is needed to address with respect and kindess.
Based on our experience, they will treat you like a nuisance the moment you raise a concern. For your peace of mind, I recommend finding another campground. The beautiful views are simply not worth enduring owners who show no responsibility for their guests or property.
Legend
General: Approximately 100-site US Army Corps of Engineers campground in three loops; there are paths connecting each loop. All sites have paved camper pads and electric hookups.
Site Quality: All sites appeared level and had a decent amount of separation between sites. There are some trees to provide shade to some sites.
Bath/Shower House: Loops One and Two have more modern bathhouses; each with two sinks, two stalls, and two showers. They were clean. Note that the lights are motion-detected; if you are in a stall too long, the light will go out! Loop Three has vault toilets and I have seen cleaner ones. There is also a bathhouse with two all-in-one (shower, toilet, sink) each for men and women.
Activities: Fishing is very popular here. There are also two short hiking trails (part of the Lewis and Clark and North Country trails). Loops One and Two have playgrounds; the one in Loop Two appears more modern so if you have kiddos who like playgrounds, I would recommend this loop. There is an amphitheater between Loops Two and Three but I’m not sure it has been used in a while as it looked a bit overgrown. There are opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.
We initially checked out the nearby state park but for less than half the price (with our senior discount), this campground was a better fit for us. The only downside was the number of yellow jackets that chased us inside our van to eat dinner!
Ranger
Great little find in a small cute town called Michigan. There are four sites that have electric and several sites for tent camping or dry camping. Right next to a little golf course that we played. Campground was great. Level spots but golf course left a little to be desired. The greens were Astroturf, which were a little hard. Everything was kind of on the honor system as you can see in the golf sign. You can stay there for free, but I thought it was nice to leave a little cash to help with the electric bill.
Guide
Just off I94 this location has multiple campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, a few pit toilets and picnic tables all along a lake. Depending on the wind direction you will hear highway noise, but it appears to be well maintained and not busy during the weekday. Great one night spot for thru travelers
Scout
Good: green, lots of trees, big dog park, adjacent city park and trail, cute town. Bad: hook-ups are awful—they are behind your RV spot, shared with the RV behind you; shared power pedestals so only one gets 50amp, whoever gets there first; the 20amp breaker was useless; sewer connections are 90° angle and 1/2” off ground so almost impossible to use sewer elbow and they have sewer flies; water is a pex tube coming out of the ground, shared, and had a unremovable fitting that did not allow me to connect my pressure regulator. Some sites have utilities on the COMPLETE OPPOSITE side of standard RV connections requiring two additional sewer hoses and extra power cord. Ridiculous.
Traveler
Easy access plenty of space. Good Quiet and relaxing
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.
Scout
I love this place every quiet, lots of coyotes and animals at night lake is big only 2 places to fish (BRING WATER AND $15 cash for over night fee) the water from the taste is not filtered good for cleaning dishes
Legend
Nobody here. Anvelops only. $ 40 per night. Truck stop in vicinity, and the smell from diesel fuel ⛽️ is horrible !
Ranger
There are a lot of people coming and going at this busy family operated campground. Sites are fairly close, not much privacy. Bathrooms, showers and laundry on site, all of which were maintained adequately. It is a short walk to downtown Medora. Campground is within the town and across from residences. Upon check-in, a staff member escorts you to your site and directs you where to park. Mixture of grass sites and gravel sites. Cell signal is adequate. Garbage and dump station on site. Small convenience store on property with essentials.
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.
ScoutWe checked in today and were met by rude registration staff followed by a deranged woman employee who screamed commands laced with sarcasm and condescension as I tried to back the camper into our site. When I tried to politely explain that I had backed the camper successfully for years, she suggested I go camp somewhere else. We did leave and landed happily at a much nicer and kinder campground that wasnt covered in fleas. They also made it quite clear that there would be no refund. We visited North Park Campground, no overnight stay.
Scout
Big event, we're lucky to find his space open. campground completely full , thousands of pickups and cars. Level sites with cement pad. Some pull through most back in. Amazingly, very quiet at night.
Guide
Lovely campground with sites along the river and in an area closer to the office and showers. That area is rather tight, but adequate.
Good walking trails.
Scout
Power, water, sewer; a bathroom with a shower; good wifi. So those are all good. It’s pretty close to hwy 2 so unavoidable road noise but not too bad; our site #6 needed leveling blocks but got pretty flat; and there’s no shade. Amy the proprietor is super nice and friendly, and the reservation process was seamless. Worked well for our cross country trip
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.
Guide
Reasonable rates for FHU.. Quiet shady site. Friendly staff. Bathrooms adequate. Wifi inconsistent. Good verizon signal.
GuideThis campground is perfectly located for visiting the TRNP, Painted Canyon and the town of Medora has nice offerings for entertainment and western history and way of life. The campground is decent with a small store, nice laundry machines and the restrooms are decent and clean but could use a little sprucing up.
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.
GuideThis would be a decent campground if it wasn’t for the other city park visitors in the camping area. It’s supposed to be for registered campers only but they allow non campers to fish the river and they abuse that privilege and park their vehicles in front of campers and some even set up a bbq in vacant campsites. There were a couple of teens selling chips and walking through campsites. We felt uneasy about non campers wandering around Most sites are uneven, it’s ok for a one nighter
GuideWe opted for what the staff person told us were more level sites instead of those overlooking the river. Although our site was level, the spaces were closer together. Fine for an overnight stay. Have not checked the bathroom facilities yet, but they do stay locked, a plus.
North Dakota offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic views to ample amenities, these campgrounds cater to both you and your pets.
