Bennett Campground

4.64

27 reviews

Seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles

Featured in:Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park#2 Summer Camping North Dakota#3 Fall Camping North Dakota#3 +1 more

Quick Facts

2,201 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens McKenzie Ranger District office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,201 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens McKenzie Ranger District office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bennett Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping fee is $10 per site, with a 50% discount available to Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders for the site they occupy....

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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USFS

Provider

701-842-8500

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspacioussites

"User reviews for Bennett Campground highlight its peaceful and secluded environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to connect with nature. Positive aspects include large campsites, cell phone reception at higher sites, and clean vault toilets. Some users reported seasonal issues with ticks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles

Bennett Campground

Seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles

Driving directionsLocated seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles. Turn south on road #824 across the green cattle guard and approximately one mile south and west to the camp.

The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 85. Road conditions are suitable for most vehicles, but visitors should exercise caution crossing the green cattle guard.

Nearby places

Grassy Butte, ND (approximately 7.5 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be acquired in Watford City, ND, 22 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Bennett Campground

Bennett Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the grasslands in pristine snow, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers begin their colorful dance across the landscape under crisp, dry skies. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail exploration, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that paint the sky and refresh the land. Fall arrives with a painter's palette of amber grasses and comfortable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Open in summer with trail access, but tick issues reported and limited shade.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler seasons bring better trail conditions and favored solitude per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Trails usable and pleasant in cool seasons; early spring may have ticks though.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with snowy scenery; services limited after Labor Day to Memorial Day.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: 'Campground is open year-round, with limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be in effect.

About Bennett Campground

Discover your own slice of prairie paradise at Bennett Campground, where 13 intimate campsites await beneath the endless Dakota sky. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming both tent campers and RV adventurers to experience the untamed beauty of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for starlit dinners and storytelling around crackling flames. Modern vault toilets provide convenience without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail, where miles of epic terrain beckon just beyond your tent flap.

Bennett Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with its 13 campsites. Group camping and other specialized accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBennett Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the grasslands in pristine snow, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers begin their colorful dance across the landscape under crisp, dry skies. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail exploration, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that paint the sky and refresh the land. Fall arrives with a painter's palette of amber grasses and comfortable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the summer crowds.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Dakota prairie, where Bennett Campground serves as your gateway to a landscape that time forgot. The rolling grasslands stretch endlessly toward the horizon, their golden waves interrupted by unexpected patches of hardy forest that provide shade and shelter. This dramatic terrain tells the story of ancient seas and weathered badlands, creating a photographer's dream at every turn. Keep your camera ready – the local wildlife puts on daily shows, from the haunting chorus of coyotes at dusk to the gentle presence of free-roaming cattle that remind visitors of the region's ranching heritage. Each sunrise and sunset transforms the rugged landscape into a masterpiece of light and shadow.

Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Little Missouri National Grassland, Bennett Campground offers front-row seats to one of North America's most underappreciated natural wonders. This million-acre mosaic of rolling prairies and rugged badlands represents the largest grassland in the United States, where the Dakota Prairie Grasslands ecosystem thrives in all its untamed glory. The dramatic topography tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient sediments have been sculpted by wind, water, and time into the breathtaking landscape that surrounds your campsite today.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive days

Groups

There is no specific information about group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground comprises 13 sites, three of which are pull-through, while the rest are back-in or pull-in.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available, but no specific platform is provided.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served, no reservation required.

AccessibilityAccessible unisex vault toilet is available during the summer months.

Site SizeCampsites are described as large and capable of accommodating RVs, with three pull-through sites and the rest being pull-in/back-in parking. "Big enough lots for groups, campers, and large tents.

PrivacyCampsites are noted for their spaciousness and seclusion. "The campsites are spaced far apart, so you would hardly know anyone else was there.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for protection from the sun. Upper sites are recommended for improved cell phone reception.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Bennett Campground provides access to several non-motorized trails, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail, Cottonwood Trail, and Bennett Trail. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and day hiking are popular activities here. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned, with coyotes and cows being common sights. "One morning I woke up to find cows staring at me from over the fence, and another night my brother said he heard coyotes howling." Seasonal issues like ticks were reported by some reviewers.

HikingMultiple trails are accessible directly from the campground, including the Maah Daah Hey, Bennett, and Cottonwood Trails. "Easy access to the hiking trail to Maah Daah Hey. Did a 10.5-mile hike."

BikingMountain biking is permitted on the trails accessible from Bennett Campground. "The trail from Bennett Campground is moderately difficult." E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and are restricted to established roads.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is frequently mentioned by reviewers. Common sightings include coyotes and cows. "Woke up to mooing cows, great stay!"

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are a reported issue during the summer months. Wildlife, including coyotes, may be present. Caution is advised when hiking in wet conditions due to slick clay.

Active AlertsFire restrictions may be in effect.

Fire PolicyCheck current fire restrictions before use.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available at McKenzie Ranger District Office in Watford City, ND, approximately 22 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, Pack-out rules apply. Campers must carry out all trash and should not dispose of garbage in the vault toilets.

Water FeaturesThe campground has a water source near the trailhead with a hand pump.

Weather at Bennett Campground

Reviews

4.6

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Bennett Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Bennett Campground highlight its peaceful and secluded environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to connect with nature. Positive aspects include large campsites, cell phone reception at higher sites, and clean vault toilets. Some users reported seasonal issues with ticks.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the peaceful and secluded nature of the campground, the spaciousness of campsites, and easy trail access. "Beautiful area, peaceful, quiet. A great base for visiting the nearby...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Seasonal ticks were cited as a major issue by some reviewers. "Ticks make this area almost unbearable." Limited shade at most campsites was also noted. "The only negative thing about this campground...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure shaded sites and treating pets for ticks during tick season. "Only 2 of the 13 sites had any shade, and we took those of course." Bring cash or checks for...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Tick-related issues are prominent during the summer months, while users enjoy solitude and better trail conditions in cooler seasons. "Avoid tick season or just have a good plan for dealing with...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Pretty cool campground with good views. In the upper campsites there is cell phone service which is handy." "Campground great but ticks make this area almost unbearable while we were there in June."...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Upper campsites are noted for better cell reception. "In the upper campsites there is cell phone service." Sites with shade are limited and recommended. "Only 2 of the 13 sites had any shade, and we...

Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilet is described as accessible, but there are no detailed reviews from users on other accessibility features.

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users warn about ticks during summer months: "Dont even think about bringing a pet unless its been treated."

Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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