Summit Campground
4.506 reviews1905 S. Main Street Watford City, ND 58854
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsSummit Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00
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USFS
Provider701-842-8500
What Campers Say
4.50
Recommended
Based on 6 reviews
28 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleansites
"Users frequently note that Summit Campground is a clean, simple spot with convenient access to trails and scenic views. Some highlight the lack of privacy at most sites due to their proximity to the road."
Fees & Passes at Summit Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive days
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official McKenzie Ranger District office website.
Best Time to Camp at Summit Campground
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Dakota prairie at Summit Campground, open 365 days a year. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland with freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall that blankets the grasslands in pristine white. As spring emerges, the prairie awakens with new life, leading into warm, sun-drenched summers perfect for stargazing under expansive skies. The dry summer conditions create ideal camping weather, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round, with limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
About Summit Campground
Escape to Summit Campground, where five thoughtfully designed sites await your arrival in the heart of the Dakota prairie. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk-in tent spot tucked among the native grasses or need a convenient pull-through site for your RV adventure, this intimate campground provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the vast grasslands. Each site offers the essentials for a memorable outdoor experience while keeping you connected to the raw beauty of the prairie landscape.
Summit Campground provides options for walk-in tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. The campground is small, with only five sites, including back-in and pull-through options.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Dakota prairie at Summit Campground, open 365 days a year. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland with freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall that blankets the grasslands in pristine white. As spring emerges, the prairie awakens with new life, leading into warm, sun-drenched summers perfect for stargazing under expansive skies. The dry summer conditions create ideal camping weather, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the sweeping vistas of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, where endless waves of native grasses dance in the wind. Summit Campground serves as your gateway to this remarkable ecosystem, complete with a scenic hiking trail that rewards adventurers with breathtaking valley views. The short trek reveals the prairie's hidden beauty, from wildflower meadows to distant horizons that seem to stretch forever. This is where the sky meets the earth in an unforgettable display of natural grandeur.
Geological RegionDakota Prairie Grasslands
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilet is noted as accessible, but no other accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThere are small back-in sites, and a hollow is mentioned as the location for the tent sites.
Sites Privacy"The only downfall is that all but a couple of the spots are along a road that goes through it, so there isn't much privacy in those spots," according to one user review.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five sites, including two walk-in tent sites and pull-through units.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is indicated, as no reservations are required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Summit Campground offers opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The proximity to natural trails allows visitors to enjoy activities such as picnicking and observing scenic views.
Hiking
A 100-yard hiking trail leads west from the campground to a scenic view of the valley. Additionally, the Summit Trailhead is located at the north end of the campground.Biking
Mountain biking is mentioned, but E-bikes are prohibited on trails and restricted to established and paved roads.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are listed as available winter activities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available at each site. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
Hazards
General hazardsFire restrictions may be in effect depending on the season. Visitors should monitor the Alerts and Fire Danger Status page.
Weather at Summit Campground
15
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
McKenzie Ranger District office located at 1905 S. Main Street Watford City, ND 58854. Phone: 701-842-8500.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingPack-in, pack-out rules apply. "Please do not put any trash in the vault toilets," as stated in the authoritative content.
Common complaintsLack of privacy in most sites due to their proximity to the roadway.
Campground Map
1905 S. Main Street Watford City, ND 58854
Driving directionsThere are small, rectangular metal National Grasslands picnic area signs along the roadsides leading into the campground indicating its presence.
The campground is accessible from the main road, but all trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles, are prohibited.Nearby places
Watford City, ND (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Watford City, ND (specific supply details not provided)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
6 reviews
Summit Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently note that Summit Campground is a clean, simple spot with convenient access to trails and scenic views. Some highlight the lack of privacy at most sites due to their proximity to the road.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews commend the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and simple layout. "Clean, amazing views, easy access, and simple sites," one review states. Another reviewer mentions, "Nice to...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The proximity of most sites to the road is a frequent complaint. "The only downfall is that all but a couple of the spots are along a road that goes through it, so there isn't much privacy," one user...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared for a lack of potable water and adhere to pack-in, pack-out rules. Hiking the trail is highly recommended, as noted in user reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground operates year-round, but services are limited between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Reviews do not specifically address seasonal experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean, amazing views, easy access, and simple sites." "Nice to have a facility available and definitely take an hour and a half and walk the trail here!" "The only downfall is that all but a couple...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned, but the tent sites are described as being in a hollow, and back-in RV sites are noted as mostly level.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
The vault toilet is noted as accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned by users.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the campground at all times, as indicated in the authoritative content.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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