Wannagan Campground

Star4.54
29 reviews
99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,451 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Medora Ranger District Office site

Official Website
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Wannagan Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use of single campsites is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount, applicable only to the...
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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

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and remote setting, its proximity to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the stunning views of the ND badlands. Multiple users praise the clear night skies for stargazing and the scenic drive despite challenging road conditions."

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Campground Map

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

Wannagan Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom the Sentinel Butte exit on I-94, go east three miles and then 14 miles northeast on Road #726 to the camp.
Road #726 leading to Wannagan Campground is narrow, winding, and primarily gravel. User reviews indicate it can become challenging in rainy conditions. Driving cautiously is advised.
Nearby places
Medora (10 minutes away per user review), Dickinson (approximately 45 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Medora, which is 10 minutes away from the campground according to user reviews. Supplies include gas stations, grocery stores, and basic amenities.

Best Time to Camp at Wannagan Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Badlands throughout the year at Wannagan. Summer brings azure skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland of snow and ice—though temperatures can plunge to bone-chilling extremes. Spring and fall offer their own rewards, but be prepared: rain can turn access roads into challenging adventures, adding an extra element of excitement to your journey into this remote paradise.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer has comfortable temps; peak season for trails, scenic views and stargazing.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Dramatic seasonal shifts noted; fall likely excellent for views and fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access possible but services limited before Memorial Day; variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but limited services and winter conditions may restrict access.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be in effect depending on current conditions. Visitors are advised to monitor Alerts and Fire Danger Status pages.

About Wannagan Campground

Escape to the untamed beauty of Wannagan Campground, where the rugged North Dakota Badlands stretch endlessly before you. This remote sanctuary invites adventurers seeking an authentic primitive camping experience, far from the crowds and close to nature's raw magnificence. With essential amenities including vault toilets, hand-pump water wells, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies, Wannagan strikes the perfect balance between wilderness solitude and basic comfort.
Wannagan Campground accommodates both RV and tent camping, catering to a range of camping preferences. Its open layout is suitable for larger vehicles, but the primitive setup emphasizes a back-to-nature experience.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Anytime as the campground is open 24 hours.
Check-out
Anytime within the limit of 14 consecutive days.
Stay Limit
Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wannagan Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that align with its rustic and natural setting. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the Maah Daah Hey Trail provides excellent opportunities for exploration.
HikingThe campground provides immediate access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, known for its steep climbs and scenic overlooks. A user review highlights, 'Heading North on the trail a short distance and steep climb there is a bench and amazing view in all directions.'
BikingThe campground offers access to biking opportunities, especially road cycling. E-bikes, however, are classified as motorized vehicles and restricted to established and paved roads.
Wildlife viewingThe region provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. One review notes the presence of deer and coyotes in the area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes are mentioned in user reviews as a potential hazard. Additionally, rainy weather can make roads difficult to navigate.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be in effect depending on current conditions. Visitors are advised to monitor Alerts and Fire Danger Status pages.

Weather at Wannagan Campground

Reviews

4.5
29 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Wannagan Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and remote setting, its proximity to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and the stunning views of the ND badlands. Multiple users praise the clear night skies for stargazing and the scenic drive despite challenging road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's scenic beauty, including 'sweeping vistas' and 'beautiful long view looking south.' The presence of basic amenities such as vault toilets, a hand pump for potable...
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Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users express concerns about the narrow, winding, and occasionally bumpy gravel roads leading to the campground. Limited shade and the absence of electricity or cell service are other noted...
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Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient supplies due to the remote location, driving carefully on the narrow roads, and preparing for potential encounters with wildlife such as rattlesnakes....
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Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground operates year-round but offers limited services outside the summer season. Peak summer months are popular for stargazing and trail activities, while winter conditions may limit...
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Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautifully clear skies perfect for stargazing, we saw several large shooting stars.' 2. 'The drive in is about 20-30 minutes of loose bumpy gravel road, but our 99 camry made the drive just...
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Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are mentioned in reviews, but users generally describe the sites as spacious and well-maintained.
Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilet's handicap accessibility during summer months is highlighted, but no other accessibility features are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain leashed. Users caution about wildlife in the area, including deer and coyotes, which may pose risks to unattended animals.
Based on 29 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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