Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)
4.0427 reviewsBuffalo Gap Campground (Nd)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season, from May 23, 2025 to September 8, 2025, costs $20. First-come, first-served season costs $20.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$20.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider701-227-7800
About this campground
Nestled in the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, Buffalo Gap Campground serves as your gateway to adventure in one of America's most dramatic landscapes. Just moments from the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this scenic campground places you at the heart of the painted canyon country, where winding hiking trails lead through otherworldly formations and into the very wilderness that captured the imagination of our 26th president.
Buffalo Gap Campground offers RV and tent camping. Sites vary in size and privacy, and some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to a landscape painted in impossible hues—rust-red buttes rising like ancient sentinels against azure skies, their layered bands telling stories millions of years in the making. This vibrant badlands ecosystem pulses with life: graceful pronghorns bound across the prairie, mule deer emerge at dawn from hidden coulees, and white-tailed deer graze peacefully in the evening light. For bird enthusiasts, the campground offers front-row seats to nature's aerial theater, while botanists and wildflower lovers will discover a surprising diversity of prairie plants thriving in this seemingly harsh environment.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityPaved parking and accessible picnic areas are available.
Sites SizeSites range from small to medium; some are spacious with shrubs providing privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are described as having good spacing and shrubs, while others, especially reservation-only sites, are less desirable.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 23, 2025; first-come-first-served from June 21, 2025 to June 22, 2025; closes September 8, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during first-come, first-served season from June 21, 2025 to June 22, 2025.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for individual sites will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Buffalo Gap Campground include hiking, birding, camping, and picnicking. The Buffalo Gap Trail is nearby and connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for longer hikes. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn antelope often seen. Birding and plant observations are popular in the spring and summer.
Hiking
The Buffalo Gap Trail is perfect for day hikes and connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for extended hiking opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently see mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs. Birding and plant enthusiasts find spring and summer particularly rewarding.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
24
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 12.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 08, 2025
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences at Buffalo Gap Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora, clean bathrooms and showers, and scenic views. Complaints focus on issues such as noise from the nearby Interstate, poorly leveled sites, and inoperable dump stations.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, spacious showers with hot water, scenic views, good privacy between sites in certain loops, and a quiet atmosphere are consistently praised.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include noise from the Interstate, poorly leveled sites, limited cell service, and inoperable dump stations. Some users reported issues with site cleanliness and mismanagement of...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing earplugs to mitigate Interstate noise and being prepared for limited cell service. One user suggested climbing the hill for better Verizon coverage. Another advised...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is less crowded in the off-season, offering a quieter experience for campers. Spring and early summer are ideal for birding and plant enthusiasts.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Showers are large and clean with hot water." 2. "Great proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park!" 3. "The dump station is inoperable, which was disappointing." 4. "The campground itself was...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 11 in the Mandan loop is frequently mentioned, with some users praising its spaciousness and privacy, while others noted it was poorly leveled. Site 13 in the Mandan loop is highlighted for its...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility beyond general comments on paved parking and accessible picnic areas.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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