The grasslands and rugged landscape in North Dakota are a site to behold. But you don’t need to spend a fortune at RV parks and campgrounds to spend the night in this unique landscape.
We have chosen these 3 best Theodore Roosevelt National Park boondocking sites for their proximity to the national park, as well as being legally allowed camping locations that are easy to access.
For more information about visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, see our guide that we put together during our visit.
We stayed at the Medora Campground during that stay, one of the best places for Medora Camping. However we also highly recommend boondocking locations as a great alternative.
Summit Campground
Management: U.S. National Forest Service – Dakota Prairie Grasslands
A small campground located near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, about 10 minutes away.
Two tent sites (walk-in) are available, as well as pull through camping sites for RVs and vehicles for a total of 5 camping sites.
There are two sheltered picnic areas and a handicap accessible vault toilet.
Take the hiking trail from the campground for scenic views of the valley.
According to the U.S. National Forest Service McKenzie Ranger District Office: Located 18.5 miles south of Watford City on Highway 85. Turn west at either sign and travel approx. ½ mile where a well-maintained gravel road will lead you to the campgrounds.
Tent Camping: Yes
Address:
Watford City, ND 58854
(701) 842-8500
GPS Coordinates: 47.540359, -103.241776
Related Post: Best Camping in South Dakota Badlands
Scoria Pit
Management: U.S. National Forest Service Little Missouri National Grassland
Located about 15 minutes from the South Unit entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This boondocking site is on the road where you will find the Petrified Forest Loop.
It gets windy here, so be prepared! In the summer time it feels good, but if the weather is colder it will be frigid!
Easy entrance and exit.
When entering the Scoria Pit, you will find a circle on your left hand side that can accommodate three RVs. Continue past the circle and you will find a knoll on the left hand side, or a ridge on the right hand side with parking for several trailers and better views. If there is no space available, keep on going down the road where you will find a few more sides on the right hand side before arriving at a barbed wire fence, which is the last place to park.
Tent Camping: Yes
Address:
West River Rd.
Medora, ND 58645
(701) 227-7800
GPS Coordinates: 46.9454, -103.5866
Cell Service: Cell service is reported as being decent to excellent, with at least two bars of coverage on Verizon and AT&T.
Camels Hump Lake
Management: Department of Fish and Wildlife (WMA)
Located at a lake with a boat launch, this is a beautiful Theodore Roosevelt National Park boondocking location!
Sites have picnic tables. There is very little shade for trying to escape North Dakota summer heat.
This 127-acre location is only open seasonally and camping is NOT allowed on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
No restroom facilities.
Easy access from the highway with an entrance on a well maintained dirt road. Just northeast of Sentinel Butte 1-94 Exit 10.
Tent Camping: Yes
Address:
Camels Hump Rd.
Sentinel Butte, ND 58654
(701) 328-6300
GPS Coordinates: 46.9464, -103.8172
Cell Service: Cell service is reported as being decent, with one to three bars of coverage on Verizon and AT&T.
Be sure to see our other helpful campground guides, including: