Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Star4.04
91 reviews

Quick Facts

2,582 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Opens May 23, 2025; ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Buffalo Gap Campground (ND) site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season, from May 23, 2025 to September 8, 2025, costs $20. First-come, first-served season costs $20.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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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Provider
701-227-7800
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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 91 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacyquietshowers

"User reviews highlight mixed experiences at Buffalo Gap Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora, clean bathrooms and showers, and scenic views. Complaints focus on issues such as noise from the nearby Interstate, poorly leveled sites, and inoperable dump stations."

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Campground Map

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

46.9550, -103.6737


Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 23–Sept 8 (peak); full services and best access to TRNP and trails in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Off-season is quieter; pleasant for solitude though some services/seasonal access may be limited.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring and early summer ideal for birding and plants; less crowded per seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closes Sept 8; not available in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 08, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opens May 23, 2025; first-come-first-served from June 21, 2025 to June 22, 2025; closes September 8, 2025.

About Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Nestled in the rugged badlands of western North Dakota, Buffalo Gap Campground serves as your gateway to adventure in one of America's most dramatic landscapes. Just moments from the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, this scenic campground places you at the heart of the painted canyon country, where winding hiking trails lead through otherworldly formations and into the very wilderness that captured the imagination of our 26th president.
Buffalo Gap Campground offers RV and tent camping. Sites vary in size and privacy, and some sites are reservable while others are first-come, first-served.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Buffalo Gap Campground include hiking, birding, camping, and picnicking. The Buffalo Gap Trail is nearby and connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for longer hikes. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with species such as mule deer, white-tailed deer, and pronghorn antelope often seen. Birding and plant observations are popular in the spring and summer.
HikingThe Buffalo Gap Trail is perfect for day hikes and connects to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for extended hiking opportunities.
Wildlife viewingCampers frequently see mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs. Birding and plant enthusiasts find spring and summer particularly rewarding.
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Weather at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Reviews

4.0
91 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight mixed experiences at Buffalo Gap Campground. Positive aspects include its proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora, clean bathrooms and showers, and scenic views. Complaints focus on issues such as noise from the nearby Interstate, poorly leveled sites, and inoperable dump stations.
Review Summaries
Based on 91 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, spacious showers with hot water, scenic views, good privacy between sites in certain loops, and a quiet atmosphere are consistently praised.
Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the Interstate, poorly leveled sites, limited cell service, and inoperable dump stations. Some users reported issues with site cleanliness and mismanagement of...
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Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing earplugs to mitigate Interstate noise and being prepared for limited cell service. One user suggested climbing the hill for better Verizon coverage. Another advised...
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Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is less crowded in the off-season, offering a quieter experience for campers. Spring and early summer are ideal for birding and plant enthusiasts.
Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Showers are large and clean with hot water." 2. "Great proximity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park!" 3. "The dump station is inoperable, which was disappointing." 4. "The campground itself was...
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Based on 91 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 in the Mandan loop is frequently mentioned, with some users praising its spaciousness and privacy, while others noted it was poorly leveled. Site 13 in the Mandan loop is highlighted for its...
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Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility beyond general comments on paved parking and accessible picnic areas.
Based on 91 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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