Elkhorn Campground

4.75

16 reviews

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

Peace & 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

Opens Medora Ranger District site

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

Opens Medora Ranger District site

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

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

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeaceful

Some mention

cell service

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Elkhorn Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Camel Hump (Sentinel Butte) take Exit 10 on I-94, go west and northeast 15.5 miles on County Road 11 to Road 708. Then, travel 11.5 miles northeast on Road 708. Turn right onto Road FH2- travel east 1 mile to the campground entrance.

Accessible via paved and unpaved roads. Seasonal challenges may occur.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Elkhorn Campground

Experience the dramatic seasons of the North Dakota Badlands, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge to a bracing 7.93°F—best left to the hardiest adventurers. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers paint the grasslands in vibrant hues, signaling the start of prime camping season. Summer brings glorious days with temperatures reaching a perfect 84°F, ideal for trail exploration and stargazing. From late spring through early fall, Elkhorn reveals its gentler side, offering campers the most comfortable conditions for experiencing this remarkable landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak services Memorial Day–Labor Day; ideal for trail access and warm-weather use.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview notes dramatic seasons; fall likely scenic and enjoyable.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Accessible in shoulder season but services are limited before Memorial Day.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with limited services; winters are cold but offer unique scenery.

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

About Elkhorn Campground

Escape to Elkhorn Campground, where the spirit of the Old West lives on in this beautifully remote hideaway. Nestled alongside the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail and just a stone's throw from Theodore Roosevelt National Park's historic Elkhorn Ranch Unit, this intimate campground offers eight secluded sites perfect for those seeking authentic wilderness solitude. Each site comes equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring, while fresh water flows from a traditional hand pump—adding to the rustic charm that makes Elkhorn so special. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover the same untamed beauty that once captivated a future president.

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 SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at Elkhorn Campground, where the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt permeates every vista. Just nearby stands the Elkhorn Ranch Unit, the very ground where the 26th President of the United States found solace and inspiration during his transformative years in the Badlands. It was here, amid personal tragedy and profound reflection, that Roosevelt developed his conservation ethic that would later reshape America's relationship with its wild places. Today's campers follow in his footsteps, experiencing the same rugged beauty that helped forge one of our nation's most influential leaders.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasons of the North Dakota Badlands, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge to a bracing 7.93°F—best left to the hardiest adventurers. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers paint the grasslands in vibrant hues, signaling the start of prime camping season. Summer brings glorious days with temperatures reaching a perfect 84°F, ideal for trail exploration and stargazing. From late spring through early fall, Elkhorn reveals its gentler side, offering campers the most comfortable conditions for experiencing this remarkable landscape.

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 SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, where Elkhorn Campground serves as your gateway to one of America's most underappreciated ecosystems. The campground's canyon setting creates a natural amphitheater of geological wonders, while native grasses dance in the wind above the rim. Wildlife thrives here—watch for mule deer at dawn, listen for coyotes at dusk, and marvel at the hawks circling overhead. The proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park enriches the ecological tapestry, creating a diverse habitat where prairie meets badlands in spectacular fashion.

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.

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 layoutSites are arranged to offer varying levels of privacy, with some secluded by trees.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

HikingThe campground's proximity to the Maah Daah Hey Trail provides excellent hiking opportunities. This trail is well-regarded for its scenic views and challenging terrain.

BikingThe campground supports mountain biking and road cycling. However, E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and are restricted to established and paved roads.

Wildlife viewingThe remote and natural setting of the campground makes it ideal for observing local wildlife. User reviews mention the peacefulness and solitude of the area, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsFire restrictions may periodically affect the campground. Visitors should consult NDResponse.gov for current alerts.

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

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.

Camp HostNo information available.

Weather at Elkhorn Campground

Reviews

4.8

16 reviews

Top-Rated

Elkhorn Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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