Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

4.54

121 reviews

PO Box 7, Medora, ND, 58645

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds North Dakota#3 Summer Camping North Dakota +1 more

Quick Facts

1,962 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,962 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

60 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group standard area nonelectric sites cost $60 per night during peak season from May 15 to September 30 annually. Fees do not include discounts,...

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$60.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

701-842-2333THRO_Fees_Reservations@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 121 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Juniper Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and spacious sites. Visitors appreciate its proximity to trails and the Little Missouri River, although some mention challenges like limited amenities and occasional disturbances such as construction noises."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 7, Medora, ND, 58645

Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

PO Box 7, Medora, ND, 58645

Driving directionsThe North Unit entrance is along U.S. Highway 85, approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles. Interstate 94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.

The campground is accessed via paved roads, though the access road is noted to be bumpy. Seasonal closures might affect accessibility.

Nearby places

Watford City - 15 miles, Belfield - 50 miles, Medora - 70 miles

Nearby supplies

Watford City, 15 miles away, offers shopping, restaurants, amenities, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

Experience the dynamic seasons of the Northern Plains, where summer days bring warm sunshine that invites you to seek refreshment in the cool waters of the Little Missouri River flowing nearby. As autumn arrives, prepare for crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons perfect for hiking. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though visitors should note that the campground closes during the coldest months. Spring and fall visitors should check ahead, as water facilities may be temporarily unavailable during infrastructure improvements designed to enhance your future camping experiences.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; warm sunny days and river cooling, but heat and bugs reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in ND

Fall praised for golden cottonwoods and cooler temps; reviewers emphasize autumn beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring returns vegetation and trail access; some reviews note variable conditions and bugs.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations Oct–Apr; winter season not active.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to September 30. Closed for reservations from October to April.
Current Alerts: Flush toilets and water facilities may not be available due to construction in certain years.

About Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

Nestled in the heart of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, Juniper Campground Group Site beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts to gather beneath the vast Dakota sky. This exceptional group camping destination serves as your gateway to miles of winding trails that traverse the dramatic badlands landscape, where ancient geological formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The moderately forested setting provides a perfect balance of shade and open spaces, creating an ideal basecamp for groups exploring one of America's most rugged and inspiring national parks.

Juniper Campground Group Site caters to group camping and accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs. It is designed to host groups ranging from seven to 60 people, with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the 26th President of the United States, where Theodore Roosevelt found solace and inspiration following personal tragedy. These very badlands, with their stark beauty and unforgiving terrain, transformed a young New York politician into America's greatest conservation president. The landscape you'll explore shaped Roosevelt's revolutionary understanding that wilderness must be preserved for future generations. His ranching and hunting experiences in this rugged country laid the foundation for our modern national park system, making every sunset viewed from your campsite a connection to this pivotal chapter in American conservation history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of the Northern Plains, where summer days bring warm sunshine that invites you to seek refreshment in the cool waters of the Little Missouri River flowing nearby. As autumn arrives, prepare for crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons perfect for hiking. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though visitors should note that the campground closes during the coldest months. Spring and fall visitors should check ahead, as water facilities may be temporarily unavailable during infrastructure improvements designed to enhance your future camping experiences.

ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements await documentation, visitors will experience the gentle rise and fall of the badlands terrain, where the campground sits comfortably within the park's varied topography, offering both accessibility and immersion in the natural landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine awakening to the rustle of cottonwood leaves overhead, their canopy providing natural shelter and transforming into a golden cathedral each autumn. The campground's strategic location offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater, where the Little Missouri River carves its ancient path through layers of colorful sedimentary rock. Morning mists rise from the river valley while evening light paints the badlands in shades of amber and rose. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound – majestic bison may graze within sight of your tent, while the park's famous longhorn cattle, descendants of Roosevelt's ranching era, roam the grasslands like living pieces of Western history.

Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent Northern Great Plains, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. The campground sits at the intersection of prairie and badlands, where hardy cottonwoods line the Little Missouri River's meandering course through carved canyons and eroded buttes. This unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of life, from delicate wildflowers that carpet the prairie in spring to the hardy juniper trees that lend the campground its name. The rugged badlands topography creates a natural amphitheater of striped cliffs and sculptured formations, each layer revealing chapters from Earth's ancient past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 noon

Check-out

12:00 noon

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights during a visit. Maximum of 30 days total per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The group site can accommodate up to 60 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates seven to 60 people with parking space for up to 20 passenger vehicles. It provides privacy and multiple tent setup areas, making it suitable for larger gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are paved with picnic tables and charcoal grills. The layout includes pull-through and walk-in sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available on a first-come-first-served basis outside of reservation season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. Refunds are issued minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellation penalties apply starting 14 days before check-in, subtracting the first night's recreation use fee from the refund.

AccessibilityThe campground includes paved roads and picnic tables. Restrooms with running water and flush toilets offer basic accessibility for visitors.

Site SizeThe sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including larger rigs like 33-foot travel trailers. Parking pads are paved, and layouts vary in size and shade availability.

PrivacyCampsites offer a mix of privacy levels, with some areas more secluded while others are closer to shared spaces. Walk-in sites provide additional shade and distance from the main camping zones.

Total Campsites60 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded walk-in sites for privacy and cooler conditions. Riverfront sites are ideal for views. Site 42 is noted as spacious and suitable for solar-powered equipment.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Juniper Campground offers access to several recreational activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, and canoeing/kayaking on the Little Missouri River. The site provides direct access to trails like the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail.

HikingThe Achenbach Trail, spanning 17.7 miles, offers a challenging hike through diverse landscapes, including river bottomland and Achenbach Hills. The trail also has a spur leading to Oxbow Overlook. Visitors should inquire about river crossing conditions beforehand. The Little Mo Trail is a self-guided 1.1-mile nature trail ideal for exploring woodland and badland ecosystems.

SwimmingWhile there are no designated swimming areas, visitors can cool off in the Little Missouri River during summer months when temperatures peak.

BikingJuniper Campground provides cycling opportunities, with visitors mentioning scenic bike rides to overlooks and trails starting from the campground.

BoatingBoating activities such as canoeing and kayaking are available on the Little Missouri River, which runs adjacent to the campground.

Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently observe wildlife including bison, longhorn cattle, deer, moose, and bird species. User reviews often praise the close encounters with wildlife, making it a highlight of the camping experience.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are prevalent, and poison ivy is found near walk-in sites. Wildlife such as bison and longhorn cattle roam freely, which can be both an attraction and a potential hazard.

Active AlertsFlush toilets and water facilities may not be available due to construction in certain years.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions are common during dry months. Gathering of dead and downed wood is allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators allowed from 8 AM to 8 PM, implying quiet hours outside these times.

Emergency ServicesWatford City, approximately 15 miles north, provides emergency services including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are conveniently available at each campsite. Recycling facilities are also available, as noted in user reviews.

Water FeaturesThe Little Missouri River flows along the west side of the campground, providing opportunities for paddling and cooling off.

Camp HostCampground hosts are knowledgeable and helpful, as noted in multiple reviews.

Weather at Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

Reviews

4.5

121 reviews

Top-Rated

Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Juniper Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and spacious sites. Visitors appreciate its proximity to trails and the Little Missouri River, although some mention challenges like limited amenities and occasional disturbances such as construction noises.

Review Summaries

Based on 121 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes from reviews include wildlife encounters (e.g., bison roaming the campground), clean and well-maintained facilities, helpful campground hosts, and the peaceful, secluded environment....

Based on 121 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve the lack of shower facilities and sporadic construction disturbances. Some visitors also reported issues with bugs, ticks, and weather conditions like rain and heat.

Based on 121 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug repellent, charcoal for grilling, and being vigilant about poison ivy. Many suggest arriving on weekdays for better site availability and choosing shaded sites to...

Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonally, summer reviews note the beauty of cottonwood trees and wildlife but highlight the prevalence of bugs and heat. Fall reviews emphasize the golden foliage and cooler temperatures. Spring...

Based on 121 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'A herd of buffalo visited our campsite after supper and returned during the night for a 30-minute visit under a full moon. Magic.' - Tom Rogers 2. 'Stopped for 1 night at campsite and stayed 4...

Based on 121 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews include mentions of Site 42, which is large enough for a 33-foot travel trailer and provides full sun for solar use. Site 9 is noted for its privacy and cleanliness. Sites...

Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are appreciated, such as paved roads and restrooms with running water. Some reviews mention the need to walk a short distance to restrooms as a minor inconvenience.

Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at Juniper Campground, and visitors often bring dogs. One review specifically mentioned keeping dogs cool using water stations during summer heat.

Based on 121 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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