Burning Coal Vein Campground

4.50

28 reviews

Approximately 30 miles south of Medora, ND on Forest Highway Road 3 and one mile south of Forest Road 772.

Peace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Summer Camping North Dakota Fall Camping North Dakota Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Dakota

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Medora Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,530 ft

Price

$6 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Medora Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Burning Coal Vein Campground

$6.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for a single campsite is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount, reducing the fee to $5 per...

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

701-227-7800

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietclean

"User reviews for Burning Coal Vein Campground are generally positive, highlighting its quiet atmosphere, scenic location, and rustic charm. Common praises include the well-maintained vault toilets, privacy provided by the trees, and bright, starry nights."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Approximately 30 miles south of Medora, ND on Forest Highway Road 3 and one mile south of Forest Road 772.

Burning Coal Vein Campground

Approximately 30 miles south of Medora, ND on Forest Highway Road 3 and one mile south of Forest Road 772.

Driving directionsApproximately 30 miles south of Medora, ND on Forest Highway Road 3 and one mile south of Forest Road 772. Some areas of access to the campground pass through private land. Visitors must respect private landowners and stay on the road.

The campground is accessible via dirt and gravel roads. User reviews highlight challenges such as washboard roads and 'clinker' conditions. Road conditions can vary by season, but most vehicles should be able to navigate them with care.

Nearby places

Medora, ND (30 miles south

approximately 45 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel, are available in Medora, ND, approximately 30 miles north of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Burning Coal Vein Campground

Experience the dramatic personality of the northern plains, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the campground into a pristine wonderland of snow and silence, while summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail adventures, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. But it's the nights that truly steal the show – countless visitors marvel at the brilliant canopy of stars that emerges when darkness falls, creating an astronomical display that rivals any planetarium.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight the campground; best season for hiking and services.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Scenic overlooks suit fall colors and hiking; fewer explicit fall reviews available.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Accessible in spring but variable weather; not highlighted in reviews for spring specifics.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but limited services and primitive winter conditions advised.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be in effect based on current conditions, which visitors must monitor.

About Burning Coal Vein Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Burning Coal Vein Campground, where solitude meets adventure in North Dakota's Little Missouri National Grassland. This hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its direct access to the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail, while ancient juniper and towering ponderosa pines create a natural sanctuary far from the crowds. Here, the wilderness whispers stories of the past as you settle into one of the most peaceful camping experiences the northern plains have to offer.

Burning Coal Vein Campground provides primitive camping opportunities with options for tent and RV camping. It is ideal for secluded camping and small group visits.

Historical SignificanceThe campground bears witness to one of nature's most fascinating phenomena – a coal vein that once burned beneath the earth's surface, slowly smoldering for untold years and sculpting the dramatic landscape you see today. Though the underground fires have long since cooled, their legacy lives on in the unique geological formations and the evocative name that reminds visitors of the powerful forces that shaped this extraordinary land.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of the northern plains, where each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the campground into a pristine wonderland of snow and silence, while summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail adventures, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers. But it's the nights that truly steal the show – countless visitors marvel at the brilliant canopy of stars that emerges when darkness falls, creating an astronomical display that rivals any planetarium.

ElevationNestled within the rolling expanse of the Little Missouri National Grassland, the campground sits at an elevation that perfectly captures the essence of the northern badlands – high enough to offer sweeping vistas across the prairie, yet sheltered enough to provide intimate camping spots among the trees.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by a landscape that defies expectations. The rugged badlands terrain creates a dramatic backdrop of sculpted buttes and colorful rock formations, while groves of columnar juniper stand like ancient sentinels alongside majestic ponderosa pines. This remarkable convergence of ecosystems creates endless opportunities for discovery, from hidden valleys to panoramic overlooks along the renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail that winds through this geological wonderland.

Geological RegionBurning Coal Vein Campground occupies a remarkable position within the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, where the Little Missouri National Grassland showcases nature's artistic prowess. This is badlands country at its finest – a mesmerizing tapestry of eroded buttes, deep coulees, and surprising oases of columnar juniper and ponderosa pine forests. The landscape tells a dramatic story of ancient seas, volcanic ash, and the famous underground coal fires that once smoldered here, leaving behind a transformed terrain that continues to inspire awe in every visitor who ventures into this remote corner of North Dakota.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Open 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits are not specified in authoritative sources but assumed standard for the USDA Forest Service, which typically ranges around 8 guests.

Groups

Group camping sites are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes eight back-in sites carved into the landscape to offer wind protection and privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations may be made via USDA Forest Service platforms or USDGS.gov, although specific reservation sites are not named.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe authoritative source does not specify walk-up availability, but user reviews suggest the campground operates somewhat primitively, which may include walk-up options.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation details are not provided but may align with USD Forest Service policies.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features or reviews are provided in the authoritative sources or user comments.

Site SizeThe campground has eight campsites, including one site that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long and parking pads up to 60 feet. User reviews indicate most sites are back-in and carved into the landscape for wind protection.

PrivacyUser reviews such as those by Kimberleigh Simon highlight the presence of many trees in the campground, providing privacy and shade.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites offer privacy and shade due to the surrounding trees. Some sites may not be level, but are far from being inconvenient.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Burning Coal Vein Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities suitable for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and scenery exploration.

HikingThe campground serves as a trailhead for the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a renowned hiking destination. The Juniper Spur trail leads to scenic overlooks showcasing unique geological features.

BikingMountain biking is an option, but E-bikes are classified as motorized vehicles and are prohibited on trails. Users must follow USDA Forest Service guidelines.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located near rare ND pine forests and the Little Missouri River, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. No specific species are mentioned in the reviews.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews advise caution regarding rattlesnakes. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.

Active AlertsFire restrictions may be in effect based on current conditions, which visitors must monitor.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be in effect. Visitors should monitor current conditions at Alerts and Fire Danger Status pages.

Emergency ServicesThe Medora Ranger District (99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601) provides assistance and is approximately 30 miles away. The nearest hospital is likely in Dickinson, ND.

Trash & RecyclingPack-in, pack-out rules apply. There are no trash cans or recycling facilities in the campground. Campers are advised not to dispose of trash in vault toilets.

Water FeaturesThe Little Missouri River is approximately one mile away, accessible via nearby roads.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Burning Coal Vein Campground

Reviews

4.5

28 reviews

Recommended

Burning Coal Vein Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Burning Coal Vein Campground are generally positive, highlighting its quiet atmosphere, scenic location, and rustic charm. Common praises include the well-maintained vault toilets, privacy provided by the trees, and bright, starry nights.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the campground's seclusion, scenic views, cleanliness, and proximity to trails. Jed Arnold praises the "quiet" area and bright stars. Kimberleigh Simon mentions the campground is...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of cell service, uneven sites, and difficulty following highway signs due to missing markers. Rose and Mike Farmer criticize limited access to the Little Missouri River....

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should prepare for pack-in, pack-out conditions and bring cash or check for payment. One reviewer suggests driving to the lookout for cell service and another advises caution on washboard...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round but has limited services between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Visitors in colder months should prepare for primitive conditions. Summer reviews highlight the...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This area is so quiet, and the stars are bright!" - Jed Arnold; "The campground is very well kept!" - Kimberleigh Simon; "Vault toilet. Fire rings and picnic tables at each camp site." - Jesse Roth;...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate one campsite can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long, while others are suitable for smaller RVs or tents. Sites are back-in and carved into the terrain for wind...

Based on 28 reviews