Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
North Dakota | Established 1978
About Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the North Dakota badlands that captivated the 26th president during his ranching years in the 1880s. The park spans two units 70 miles apart, each with its own campground and scenic drive. American bison, wild horses, elk, and bighorn sheep roam freely through layered buttes and coulees that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit offers 76 sites at $14/night, with odd-numbered sites reservable on recreation.gov and even-numbered sites first-come, first-served. Water and flush toilets run May through September; off-season camping uses vault toilets and hand pumps. Juniper Campground in the North Unit has 50 first-come, first-served sites at $14/night with similar seasonal services. Neither campground has hookups, showers, or laundry. Medora, a small western town at the South Unit entrance, offers private RV parks with full amenities.
Camping Tips for Theodore Roosevelt
- Reserve odd-numbered Cottonwood sites on recreation.gov up to six months ahead for summer. Even-numbered sites and all Juniper sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive before noon on summer weekends.
- Stake your tent for severe prairie wind. Use all stake loops plus guylines and position the narrow end into the prevailing west wind. Single-wall tents fail in sustained gusts above 30 mph.
- Drive the South Unit Scenic Loop at dawn or dusk for reliable bison and wild horse sightings. The 36-mile loop passes within yards of grazing herds. Stay in your vehicle when animals are near the road.
- The North Unit is quieter with deeper canyons and larger bighorn sheep populations. Caprock Coulee Trail (4.4 miles) is the best hike for canyon views and wildlife.
- Summer temperatures swing 40°F or more between afternoon highs near 100°F and overnight lows in the 50s. Bring layers and a sleeping bag rated to at least 40°F.
RV Parks & Campgrounds Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
11.Z RV Park
Located in Killdeer, North Dakota, Z RV Park offers a comfortable stay for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. This RV park provides a peaceful retreat amidst the beautiful North...
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12.Whitetail Flats Campground
Whitetail Flats Campground is not mentioned in the provided website content. However, based on the website structure, it appears to be a part of the North Dakota Parks and...
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13.Burning Coal Vein Campground
Dakota Prairie Grasslands offers many natural attractions to visitors. Each grassland provides a unique recreational experience. Choose a recreation opportunity or recreation...
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14.Eastview Campground
Eastview Campground is a highly-rated campground located in Killdeer, North Dakota, boasting an impressive 4.9-star rating from visitors. This well-reviewed destination offers a...
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15.Boots Campground
Boots Campground is located in Medora, North Dakota, near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The campground offers 44 sites with full hookups, 30/50 amp electrical, water,...
Show more16.Sather Lake Campground
Dakota Prairie Grasslands offers many natural attractions to visitors. Each grassland provides a unique recreational experience. Choose a recreation opportunity or recreation...
Show more18.Elkhorn Campground
Dakota Prairie Grasslands offers many natural attractions to visitors. Each grassland provides a unique recreational experience. Choose a recreation opportunity or recreation...
Show more19.Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground is located within the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The park offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife...
Show more20.Summit Campground
Dakota Prairie Grasslands offers many natural attractions to visitors. Each grassland provides a unique recreational experience. Choose a recreation opportunity or recreation...
Show moreShowing 11–20 of 34 campgrounds within 50 miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the North and South Units?
The South Unit near Medora has more facilities, a 36-mile scenic loop, wild horses, and the larger Cottonwood Campground. The North Unit near Watford City offers deeper canyons, fewer visitors, bighorn sheep, and the smaller Juniper Campground. They are 70 miles apart.
Most visitors see only the South Unit, making the North Unit ideal for solitude. The Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit takes two to three hours with stops. The North Unit Scenic Drive is 14 miles one way. Both units have bison herds. Wild horses live only in the South Unit. Backcountry camping with a free permit is available in both units.
Can I camp with an RV at Theodore Roosevelt?
Yes, but both campgrounds have a 13-foot vehicle height limit due to overhanging tree branches. RVs under that height fit in most sites. Neither campground offers hookups, showers, or dump stations. Cottonwood has a 35-foot length limit on most sites.
Measure your rig height carefully before arriving since clearance is strictly enforced by the tree canopy. Slide-outs and awnings risk damage from low-hanging branches even below the 13-foot limit. Private RV parks in Medora and Dickinson offer full hookups for taller vehicles. Generators are allowed 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at both campgrounds with effective mufflers required. Battery power or solar panels are needed for evening use.
When is the best time to see bison and wild horses?
Bison are visible year-round along both scenic drives, with the largest herds concentrated near Peaceful Valley in the South Unit. Wild horses (South Unit only) roam near Painted Canyon and Buck Hill. Dawn and dusk offer the most active viewing.
The South Unit herd numbers around 300 bison and several bands of wild horses. Drive slowly and pull into designated overlooks when animals are near. Maintain 25 yards distance from all wildlife. Spring calving season (April to May) brings newborn bison and foals. Binoculars improve the experience significantly. The North Unit has a smaller bison herd but also hosts elk and bighorn sheep on steeper terrain.
Is backcountry camping allowed?
Yes. Free backcountry permits are available at either visitor center. Camp at least half a mile from any road or developed area and 200 feet from water sources. No designated backcountry sites exist; choose your own location following Leave No Trace principles.
Backcountry camping is best in the North Unit where canyon terrain provides wind protection. Carry all water since natural sources require treatment. Bison trails crisscross the backcountry, so hang food in trees or use a bear canister even though bears are absent. Rattlesnakes inhabit rocky areas, so watch your step. File your backcountry trip plan at the visitor center before departing.
How windy does it get, and how should I prepare?
Prairie winds average 10 to 20 mph with gusts regularly exceeding 50 mph during spring storms. The badlands terrain offers almost no natural windbreaks at campground elevation. March through May brings the most sustained high wind, but strong gusts occur year-round.
Choose a campsite in a lower coulee or near the cottonwood tree line when possible. Bring a freestanding tent rated for three-season use minimum. Use every stake point and add guylines to prevent tent failure. Cooking with a camp stove requires a windscreen. Tarps and pop-up shelters are inadvisable without heavy anchoring. Wind chill can make 50°F evenings feel like 30°F, so layer appropriately.
What facilities are available at Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood has 76 sites at $14/night with picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, flush toilets, and an amphitheater for ranger programs. No hookups, showers, dump station, or laundry. Sites accommodate tents and RVs under 35 feet and 13 feet tall.
The campground sits along the Little Missouri River near the Scenic Loop Drive entrance. A short trail connects to the Cottonwood Nature Trail. Water and flush toilets operate May through September. Off-season camping is available year-round with vault toilets and hand-pumped water. Cell service is unreliable at most sites. The closest showers and laundry are in Medora, half a mile from the South Unit entrance.
Are there any ranger programs at the campgrounds?
Yes. The South Unit offers evening campfire programs at the Cottonwood amphitheater during summer months, typically Friday and Saturday nights. Topics include badlands geology, local wildlife, and Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy. Ranger-led hikes and guided nature walks run on a weekly schedule.
Check the park bulletin board or visitor center for the current schedule. Programs are free and family-friendly. The North Unit occasionally runs informal talks at the Juniper Campground but has fewer scheduled programs. Junior Ranger programs are available at both visitor centers for children. The Painted Canyon Visitor Center on I-94 offers additional exhibits and is a common first stop.
Can I visit both units in one day?
Yes, but allow a full day. The North and South Units are 70 miles apart (about 90 minutes driving). Most visitors base at Cottonwood in the South Unit and make a day trip to the North Unit. Include both scenic drives and at least one hike per unit.
The South Unit Scenic Loop takes two to three hours with stops. The North Unit Scenic Drive is 14 miles one way with an additional one to two hours for overlooks and short hikes. Fuel up in Medora or Watford City since no gas stations exist inside the park. Pack lunch and water for the full day. The Elkhorn Ranch Unit (Roosevelt's original ranch site) sits between the two units but requires a high-clearance vehicle on an unpaved road.
Quick Facts
- Entrance Fee
- $30/vehicle (7 days)
- Best Time to Visit
- May – September
- Nearest Town
- Medora, ND, Watford City, ND, Dickinson, ND
- Elevation
- 2,240 – 2,865 ft
- Park Size
- 70,446 acres
- Annual Visitors
- ~0.8 million