Camping at Theodore Roosevelt

Colorful badlands that inspired America's conservationist president.

2+ Campgrounds4.3★ AverageBest: Year-round (varies by season)

Find Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Campgrounds Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

4.7

(101)

Ccc Campground (Nd)

Dakota Prairie National GrasslandsWatford City, ND

Excellent 4.74 rating with substantial reviews (101) makes this a highly reliable choice despite the longer drive time. The Dakota Prairie National Grasslands setting offers a similar badlands experience while serving as a quality base camp for park visits.

Dakota Prairie GrasslandsGrassy Butte, ND, ND

Strong 4.64 rating with adequate reviews provides good quality assurance, and the 85-minute drive is manageable for day trips. Located in Dakota Prairie Grasslands, it offers hiking opportunities to complement your park exploration.

Dakota Prairie GrasslandsWatford City, ND

Solid 4.52 rating with sufficient reviews and the shortest drive time at 77 minutes makes this an efficient base for multiple park visits. The grasslands location provides additional hiking opportunities beyond the national park.

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

Dakota Prairie National GrasslandsND

The closest option at just 53 minutes drive time, making it ideal for maximizing time in the park while minimizing travel. Despite a lower rating, it has substantial reviews (91) and offers convenient access for day-tripping.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 6 campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Map of campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Explore Interactive Map →

Park Boundary

Inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Juniper Campground Group Site (Nd)

Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Ccc Campground (Nd)

Bennett Campground

Summit Campground

Buffalo Gap Campground (Nd)

View all 6 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Theodore Roosevelt National Park camping offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in North Dakota's dramatic badlands landscape, where colorful layered cliffs, expansive prairie vistas, and free-roaming bison herds create an unforgettable camping experience. The park's unique terrain of eroded coulees, sedimentary buttes, and cottonwood-lined river corridors provides campers with front-row seats to some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the Great Plains, along with exceptional stargazing under dark night skies.

Best Time

The best time for Theodore Roosevelt National Park camping is May, June, and September when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Late spring (May-June) offers wildflower blooms and active wildlife, with daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s°F.

Destination Highlights

2+ campgrounds within 40 miles
Located in North Dakota
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Scenic driving along park loop roads and overlooksWildlife viewing (bison, pronghorn, prairie dogs)Hiking badlands trails like Painted Canyon and Wind CanyonPhotography of layered rock formations and prairie landscapesStargazing and night sky observationVisiting historic Elkhorn Ranch site

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve Cottonwood Campground sites well in advance for summer visits, especially during Medora Musical season and peak weekends.
2Arrive early for first-come sites during shoulder seasons.
3Bring extra water as potable sources may be seasonal, and pack wind protection and layers for rapidly changing weather conditions.
4Plan wildlife viewing and photography for dawn and dusk when animals are most active.

2 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park