How much does camping cost at Elkhorn Campground?

Camping fees at Elkhorn Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elkhorn Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Elkhorn Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elkhorn Campground before I book?

Yes! Elkhorn Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elkhorn Campground?

Elkhorn Campground is open Exact peak season dates unspecified, but year-round operation includes shoulder and off-peak seasons.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elkhorn Campground?

Elkhorn Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Elkhorn Campground?

Fire policies at Elkhorn Campground: Fire rings are provided; fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Elkhorn Campground have?

Elkhorn Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Elkhorn Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elkhorn Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elkhorn Campground?

Elkhorn Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elkhorn Campground?

Popular activities at Elkhorn Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elkhorn Campground

4.19

16 reviews

99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601

Top 16% in NDWinter

Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Summer Camping North Dakota#1 Fall Camping North Dakota#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Dakota

Quick Facts

2,349 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,349 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elkhorn Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single sites are $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on fees for their occupied campsite only....

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

701-227-7800

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601

Elkhorn Campground

99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601

Nearby places

Sentinel Butte: approximately 28 miles southwest with roughly 40 minutes of travel time.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be accessed in Dickinson, ND, approximately 63 miles east of the campground.

Weather at Elkhorn Campground

Current alert: Fire restrictions may periodically affect the campground. Visitors should consult NDResponse.gov for current alerts.

Best Time to Camp at Elkhorn Campground

Fall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime highs in the upper 40s to low 70s, crisp nights in the 20s to 40s, and golden prairie grasses under clear skies. Lower insect activity and lighter crowds make hiking the Maah Daah Hey especially rewarding. Summer reaches 84°F with excellent trail conditions. Winter drops to around 8°F, manageable only for experienced cold-weather campers. Spring brings wildflowers but unpredictable road conditions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as the 'sweet spot' with golden grasses, crisp nights and lighter crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Exact peak season dates unspecified, but year-round operation includes shoulder and off-peak seasons.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.

About Elkhorn Campground

Elkhorn Campground sits at the junction of Dakota Prairie Grasslands and badlands terrain, offering 10 first-come, first-serve sites near the Maah Daah Hey Trail and Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Sites run $10 per night and include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Expect zero cell service and genuine solitude. Pack out your trash and bring cash for the fee box.

Elkhorn Campground is a rustic site designed for campers seeking solitude and a connection with nature. It offers eight campsites that operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical Significance

The nearby Elkhorn Ranch Unit marks where Theodore Roosevelt ranched during the 1880s, a period of personal tragedy and reflection that shaped his conservation philosophy. A short hike from the campground reaches the cabin site where the future 26th president developed the environmental ethic that would define his presidency.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the sweet spot. Daytime highs in the upper 40s to low 70s, crisp nights in the 20s to 40s, and golden prairie grasses under clear skies. Lower insect activity and lighter crowds make hiking the Maah Daah Hey especially rewarding. Summer reaches 84°F with excellent trail conditions. Winter drops to around 8°F, manageable only for experienced cold-weather campers. Spring brings wildflowers but unpredictable road conditions.

ElevationTucked into a sheltered canyon within the sweeping Dakota prairie grasslands, Elkhorn Campground offers a unique topographical experience. The canyon walls provide natural protection from prairie winds while creating an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel embraced by the landscape itself. This distinctive setting combines the expansive feel of the grasslands above with the cozy seclusion of the canyon below.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a scenic canyon carved through colorful rock layers that reveal ancient seas and volcanic ash deposits. Native grasslands surround the canyon rim, part of one of North America's most endangered ecosystems. Wildlife is abundant: mule deer appear at dawn, coyotes call at dusk, hawks circle overhead. The elevation sits at 2,349 feet where prairie transitions to badlands.

Geological RegionDiscover a landscape sculpted by millions of years of natural forces at Elkhorn Campground, strategically positioned where the Dakota Prairie Grasslands meet the rugged badlands terrain. This remarkable junction showcases a scenic canyon carved by ancient waters, revealing colorful rock layers that tell the story of prehistoric seas and volcanic ash. The native grassland ecosystem surrounding the canyon represents one of North America's most endangered habitats, making every visit a chance to experience a vanishing piece of the American landscape. Adjacent to both the iconic Maah Daah Hey Trail and Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Elkhorn Ranch Unit, this geological crossroads offers campers a front-row seat to the powerful forces that shaped the Great Plains.

Scenic ViewsScenic canyon views. Some sites are secluded with trees, offering privacy and a natural ambiance.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground is strictly for camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in permitted 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Check-out permitted 24 hours/day.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit limit described.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are described.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutParking pads accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet. Some sites sit in the open, others are tucked among trees for privacy. The layout varies enough that scouting multiple spots on arrival is worth the effort.

Reservation PlatformsReservation information may be accessible via Medora Ranger District Office or potentially third-party services.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis. Payments are required immediately upon selecting a site.

Cancellation PolicyReservation rules and cancellation policies are unspecified but may incur fees.

AccessibilityThe facility has an accessible unisex vault toilet.

Site SizeParking pads at campsites can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long.

PrivacyThe campground provides a mix of site privacy levels. Some sites are secluded with trees, while others are more open, as per user reviews.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with tree coverage for added privacy and shade.

Best CampsitesSites with trees offer better privacy and quieter settings, according to campers. Specific site numbers aren't documented in reviews, but visitors note the campground's 10 spots provide varying levels of seclusion.

Need help booking Elkhorn Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Elkhorn Campground provides basic amenities catering to campers seeking a rustic experience. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and a hand pump for potable water. An accessible unisex vault toilet is also available. The campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy, meaning visitors must take all their trash with them. It is open 24/7 and year-round, though services are limited between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Parking pads can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet long.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Elkhorn Campground offers a variety of activities, particularly for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Theodore Roosevelt Elkhorn Ranch, the area is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. The campground is also open to winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing is another highlight due to the remote and natural setting.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include lack of cell service, extreme weather conditions, and wildlife encounters. Visitors are advised to monitor fire danger status.

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyFire rings are provided; fire restrictions may apply during high fire danger periods.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified; user reviews emphasize general quietness given remote location.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services available at Medora Ranger District office, 99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no trash service on-site. Campers must adhere to the pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.

Water FeaturesNo water bodies directly cited; potable water available via hand pump.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Elkhorn Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

16 reviews

Satisfactory

Elkhorn Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Elkhorn Campground emphasize its remoteness, tranquility, and scenic beauty. The lack of cell phone service and the secluded location are highlighted as both positives and challenges, depending on the user's perspective.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere, scenic views, and proximity to the Maah Daah Hey Trail. 'I stayed here for 3 nights for the first time. I would stay again. Very peaceful and quiet,'...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted the lack of amenities, such as cell phone service and trash disposal facilities. Additionally, the remote location might be a drawback for those seeking more convenient access to...

Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest that some sites are more private and shaded than others, but specific site numbers are not mentioned.

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

'Be prepared to pack out your trash and bring cash for payment,' one user advised. Another recommended visiting the nearby Theodore Roosevelt Elkhorn Ranch for a short hike to the cabin site.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground receives positive feedback for its year-round accessibility. However, services are limited outside the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Winters offer unique opportunities for...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Very peaceful and quiet. Far away from towns or major roads.' - 'You definitely experience the quiet and peacefulness of nature.' - 'There are a couple nice secluded sites with trees.'

Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features, though the vault toilet is noted to be accessible.

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted but must be leashed. Users appreciate the pet-friendly policy but emphasize the importance of cleaning up after animals.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Maah Daah Hey hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who wants genuine quiet near Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch. Sites accommodate rigs up to 60 feet, potable water is on-site, and $10/night with a senior pass discount makes it hard to beat.

Skip if

No cell service is the full reality here, not just spotty bars. Nearest groceries are 63 miles east in Dickinson, there's no trash disposal, and payment is cash or check only, campers who didn't prep before leaving the highway will feel it.

Nearby Campgrounds

99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601

Wannagan Campground sits in a small valley within the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, about 30 miles from Medora. The campground has 10 primitive sites with vault toilets, a hand-pump well for potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites cost $10/night and can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. You'll share the area with fracking truck traffic, but the southern views and stargazing are worth the gravel-road drive.

Elkhorn Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Elkhorn Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Elkhorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elkhorn Campground

Planning Tips

About Elkhorn Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Elkhorn Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Elkhorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Elkhorn Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Elkhorn Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews