Within Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, Juniper Campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with 50 primitive sites spread across asphalt pads. The National Park Service facility sits at mile marker 5, roughly 17 miles from Watford City, and welcomes pets throughout its tree-dotted layout.
Campers frequently encounter bison moving through the campground, with herds grazing within feet of occupied sites. Kristi D. noted arriving to find "three bison come right past my camper" just 15 minutes after parking. The campground maintains quiet hours starting at 8 PM for generators, though wildlife activity continues around the clock.
Sites vary considerably in size and privacy, with spots 32, 42, 43, and 49 accommodating longer RVs while site 5 offers prime bluff views. Most sites provide minimal screening between neighbors, and space availability fluctuates dramatically—reviewers report everything from abundant choices on weekdays to only four spots remaining on busy Sunday afternoons. The facility includes vault and flush toilets, but no showers or electrical hookups.
Water access presents limitations that catch many campers off-guard. Drinking water flows only at the restroom building, while other spigots throughout the campground carry high fluoride levels marked unsafe for consumption. An RV dump station operates near the entrance, though filling large tanks requires multiple trips to the single potable source. Cell service runs minimal on most carriers, with Starlink providing reliable internet for those equipped.
"Be sure to look up at night…the stars are amazing," advises Stephanie W., who spotted three shooting stars and clear Milky Way views. For campers wanting full hookups, Watford Estates RV Park provides modern amenities eight miles north.
Description
Overview
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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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.
Nearby Attractions
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.
Reservation Info
Only the Juniper Campground Group Site may be reserved, May through September. Reservations begin each year on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. Reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundJuniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota
Directions
The North Unit entrance is along U.S. Highway 85, approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles (80 km) north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles (113 km). Interstate 94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.
Address
208 SCENIC DRIVE
Watford city, ND
Coordinates
47.5941667 N
103.3338889 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/12/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 3/12/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 3/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 4 min from Minot, ND
- 4 hrs 30 min from Rapid City, SD
- 5 hrs 1 min from Billings, MT
