How much does camping cost at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Camping fees at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) first-come first-served or reservation?

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) 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 Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) before I book?

Yes! Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) has 6 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 Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) is open May 23, 2025 - September 08, 2025. 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 Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Yes, Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Cell phone service at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Pets are not allowed at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Popular activities at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd) include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

4.04

91 reviews

Featured in:Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Book on Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Book on Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)Official Website

Get Directions

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

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

46.9550, -103.6737

Best Time to Camp at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Summer brings the warmest access, with daytime highs in the 80s–90s°F and nights in the 50s–60s. The longest daylight hours allow for extended hiking and wildlife viewing, and the painted canyon colors are sharpest in strong sunlight. Trails and overlooks are fully accessible. July sees the highest visitor numbers. Bring sun protection and plenty of water, and plan to arrive early for first-come sites.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder temps and good wildlife viewing make fall especially appealing.

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)

Buffalo Gap Campground sits in the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands at 2,582 feet, a short drive from Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora. The campground offers tent and RV sites for $20/night, with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Interstate noise reaches some sites, but the proximity to badlands hiking and wildlife viewing keeps campers coming back.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest access, with daytime highs in the 80s–90s°F and nights in the 50s–60s. The longest daylight hours allow for extended hiking and wildlife viewing, and the painted canyon colors are sharpest in strong sunlight. Trails and overlooks are fully accessible. July sees the highest visitor numbers. Bring sun protection and plenty of water, and plan to arrive early for first-come sites.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks painted canyon country where rust-red buttes rise in layered bands against the prairie. Bison and prairie dogs are visible year-round, with mule deer and white-tailed deer appearing at dawn and dusk. Pronghorns move across the grasslands, and bird activity picks up throughout the day. Some sites have shrubs providing partial screening, while others open directly onto the prairie. The badlands formations shift color with the light, most vivid during long summer evenings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during first-come, first-served season from June 21, 2025 to June 22, 2025.

Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations for individual sites will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityPaved parking and accessible picnic areas are available.

Site SizeSites range from small to medium; some are spacious with shrubs providing privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some sites are described as having good spacing and shrubs, while others, especially reservation-only sites, are less desirable.

Need help booking Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Weather at Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

91 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

Based on 91 reviews