Campground List
CAMPGROUND NAME: Bennett Camp
VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Mckenzie
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt. 23,
and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 south for 21.4 miles to Bennett
Camp sign. Turn right after sign onto 6th St. NW (gravel) and go
3.9 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn left at intersection and
go 1.5 miles into campground.
NOTE: Access to campground is steep; there is a 400 foot change
in elevation in 1.5 miles.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,200 feet.
This pack it in/pack it out campground is a large loop across a
flat area covered with trimmed grass and sagebrush. There are a
few trees but none provide shade to the campsites. The
campground is surrounded by the Badlands' sculpted multi-colored
landscape. The campsites are open and spacious and separation
rather then vegetation provides fair privacy. Horses are
welcomed in the campground. Some sites have hitching rails.
Although no other equestrian facilities are offered, there is
ample space for portable corrals.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 13
Total Sites: 13
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No
No. Tables on Sites: 13
No. Grilles on Sites: 13
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and accommodate any size RV.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Bennett Creek Trail #8008 (foot, horse, and mountain bike) - 10
miles
connects to Maah Daah Hey Trail #7001 (foot, horse,
and mountain bike) - 97 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Buffalo Gap
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Medora
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take I-94
east 16.5 miles to Buffalo Gap/ Exit 18 signs. Take Exit 18 to
stop sign and turn left. Go 0.1 miles to campground sign. Turn
left at sign and go 0.5 miles into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,600 feet.
The South Section entrance into the Theodore Roosevelt National
Park via [Exit 24, I-94] and Medora, ND, is about eight miles
east of the campground.
The campground has two loops called Mandan Camp and Hidatsa Camp,
separated by a tall grassy hill. Most sites in both loops enjoy
some shade provided by an assortment of vegetation, including ash
and cottonwood trees and native shrubs and grasses. Wild plum
trees as well as Chokecherry and Buffalo berry bushes abound.
This vegetation provides good privacy between campsites. Grass
is trimmed providing spacious space in the campsites. Hidatsa
Camp loop is closest to I-94. Although the highway is not seen
from most campsites in this loop, they are subject to more
traffic noise. Mandan Camp loop, set farther back from I-94,
has the campground's shower building, and a fewer number of
double-wide parking aprons. With easy on/off access to I 94,
this campground, with its manicured appearance, is great for an
overnight stay. However, with so much in the area to do, such
as the nearby South Section of the Theodore Roosevelt National
Park, the community of Medora, the Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch, and
the campground's peaceful nature, it is also good for a long stay.
Possible day trips are Medora, ND with its many attractions,
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Custer Trail Auto Tour, and
nearby Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch for a cook's night out and other
activities.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 27 through September 9.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $20 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 35
Total Sites: 35
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 35
No. Grilles on Sites: 35
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups; No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: Yes
Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes
Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments
Comments:
The parking aprons are paved and will accommodate any size RV.
An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available at
Flying J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: Yes
Hot Showers: Yes
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 9
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The showers are wheelchair friendly and coin operated.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Buffalo Gap Nature trail#7005 (foot and mountain bike) - 2
miles
Buffalo Gap Loop trail (foot, horse, and mountain bike)
connects to Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot, horse, and
mountain bike) - 142 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: CCC
VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: McKenzie
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City
RESERVATIONS: 1-877-444-6777 or make on-line reservation
DIRECTIONS:
In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US 85, State Rt. 23, and
State Rt. 200, take US 85 south and go 14.9 miles to Long X Rd.
(at south end of Little Missouri River bridge) Turn right onto
Long X Rd., immediately after bridge, (gravel) and go 1.1 miles
into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation 2,000-feet.
This pack it in/pack it out campground has three loops (A, B, &
C) on the south side of the Little Missouri River. Although the
river cannot be seen or heard from the campsites, each site has a
great view of the surrounding multi-colored North Dakota
Badlands' landscape. Two loops A and C permit horses but no
horse facilities other than communal "horse hitch rails" are
provided. The campsites in Loops A and C are spacious with
trimmed grass that will accommodate portable corrals. Loop C has
two-unit pull through campsites while the other loops have back-
in parking aprons. Loop B does not permit horses but also has
spacious campsites with great views. The campground is
convenient to both Maah Daah Hey and Long X trails.
Possible day trips are Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North
Unit, Lake Skakawea and Watford City. The latter offers a cook's
night out and other planned activities such as Homefest, which is
a gathering of families.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided Memorial Day through Labor Day.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 31
Total Sites: 31
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No
No. Tables on Sites: 31
No. Grilles on Sites: 31
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: None
No. RV Pull Throughs: 1
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and accommodate any size RV. There
are two RV waste stations outside the grassland. One, with
potable water, is available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park -
North Unit. Another, with no potable water, is in Watford City
Park. From Main St. in Watford City and 4th Ave NE (State Rt.
23), take 4th Ave east 0.7 miles to the Watford City Park. The
Loop C (equestrian loop) sites are all two-site pull throughs.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a handpump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Long X trail (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 5.8 miles
Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Coal Vien
VISIT DATE: 07/28/2017
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Medora
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Medora
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Medora, ND, at the intersection of I-94 Business (Pacific Ave)
and E River Rd, take E River Rd south for 4 miles to a "T"
intersection. Turn right onto E. River Rd SW (gravel) and go 7.5
miles to a Coal Creek MDHT Trailhead sign. Turn right after sign
into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
Elevation is 2,700 ft.
The campground has two unnamed sections. The lower section is smaller
with the campground's only pull-thrus. The upper section is on top of
a hill which provides the campsites with nice views of the surrounding
badlands. Although the campground has many good size Juniper trees,
few offer shade to any of the campsites. It is the separation between
campsites, rather than vegetation, that give campsites good privacy.
Close to the 142-mile Maah Daah Hay trail and with a drinking water well,
this campground is well-suited to use by hikers and their support team.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10
Total Sites: 10
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No
No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 10
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 3
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: any size RV
Comments:
An RV dump station with potable water is available, for a fee, at
the Sully Creek State Park (N46 53.3883, W103 32.2305).
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 1
Comments:
Hot showers are available at Sully Creek State Park (N46 56.3883;
W103 32.2305). Solar-powered water spigot available at campground
entrance.
WATER SPORTS None
HIKING
Coal Creek trail #7017 (foot, horse, & mountain bike) - 3/4 mile
Coal Creek Spur trail #7019 (foot, horse & mountain bike) - 1 mile
both trails connect to the Maah Daah Hay trail
FISHING No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Elkhorn Camp
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009
UPDATE Date: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Medora
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take Rt.
16 north 29.5 miles to Blacktail Rd. Turn right onto Blacktail
Rd. (gravel) and go 15 miles to campground sign. Turn left after
campground sign and go 0.9 miles to campground on left.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,300-feet.
This horse-friendly, pack it in/pack it out campground stretches
up a little valley or draw in the Badlands with sites spacious
enough for a portable horse corral. The north side of the valley
has the exposed layers of the Badlands geology while the south
side has a dense growth of cottonwoods, juniper, assorted shrubs
and wildflowers. Most of the campsites are tucked into more
riparian-like area providing shade to tables and grilles for most
of the day. Separation not vegetation provides good privacy
between sites. This remote campground with its scenic access,
provides a true grassland camping experience. The only horse
facilities are a couple of hitching rails but there are large
open grassy areas at each site.
A possible day trip is the Roosevelt Elkhorn Ranch in the
Roosevelt National Park. To get there, take the Elkhorn Trail to
the Maah Daah Hey Trail for 2 miles to the Ranch's location and
remaining foundations.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10
Total Sites: 10
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 10
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 18' X 61'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and all about the same size. An RV
waste station, with no potable water, is available at the Flying
J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a handpump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Elkhorn trail #7008 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.5 mile
connects to Maah Daah Hey (foot, horse, mountain
bike) - 97 miles
FISHING No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Magpie Camp
VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Medora
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt. 23,
and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 south 43.1 miles to Magpie Road
sign. Turn right after sign onto Magpie Rd. (gravel) and go 15.6
miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign and go 0.2 miles
into campground.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,200 ft.
This pack it in/pack it out campground stretches across a bluff
above the little Magpie Creek. The steep face of a small butte
along one side of the campground helps to reduce the steady
blowing wind. Most sites have a pleasant mixture of grass and
shrubs with enough ash and juniper to provide not only good
privacy but also shade to the provided tables and grilles. Some
sites have a panoramic view of the surrounding multi-colored
Badlands' buttes. Some sites have hitching rails and horses are
welcomed in the campground. Convenient to the Maah Daah Hey
Trail, this campground may be considered remote but it is worth
the long and scenic drive for the experience of enjoying a
peaceful grassland camping experience.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10
Total Sites: 10
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: Yes
No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 10
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 17' X 43'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a handpump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Magpie trail #7009 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.3 miles
Connects to the Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot,
horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles
FISHING - No
CAMPGROUND NAME: Sather Lake Recration Area
VISIT DATE: 07/02/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: McKenzie
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Watford City, ND, at the intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt.
23, and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 north 16.9 miles to State Rt.
68/Sidney signs. Turn left after sign onto Rt. 68 and go 16.3
miles to Sather Lake Recreation Area's Bass Loop. Turn left at
boat ramp sign into Bass Loop or continue on for another 0.3
miles to Sather Lake/State Rt. 16 signs. Turn left onto Rt 16
south and go 0.4 miles to Trout loop or 0.6 miles to Perch loop.
Both Loops are on the east/left side of Rt. 16.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
This pack it in/pack it out campground on the banks of Sather
Lake has four loops. Bass Loop, the only part of the campground
on Sather Lake's east shore, has a boat ramp and campsites.
Along the Lake's west shore is Bluegill Loop, which is for day
use only and has the campground's only drinking water source.
Perch and Trout loops, also on the west shore, have spacious,
sunny campsites with views of the surrounding rolling hills.
Separation rather than vegetation provides good privacy. The
irregular curving shoreline of Sather Lake suggests it would be
an interesting place to explore with a canoe or kayak. None of
the loops with campsites have a source for drinking water.
NOTE: The Forest Service has posted the following notice:
"Potable water has higher than recommended levels of fluoride --
alternate water is suggested for children 9 years old and
younger."
Possible day trips are Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North
Unit, Lake Skakawea and Watford City. The latter offers a cook's
night out and other planned activities such as Homefest, which is
a gathering of families.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 18
Total Sites: 18
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No
No. Tables on Sites: 18
No. Grilles on Sites: 18
Equestrian Camping: No
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 16' X 49'
Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and all about the same size.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a handpump.
WATER SPORTS
Lake: Yes
Swimming (provided): No
Sailing: No
Boat Ramp: Yes
Boat Carry Down Access: Yes
Power Boating: Yes
Boating (no power): Yes
Water Skiing: No
Rafting (whitewater): No
Kayaking (whitewater): No
Comments:
Sather Lake is 23 acres and permits boats with electric motors.
The boat ramp is in Bass Loop.
HIKING - No
FISHING
Fishing: Yes
Comments:
Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill. A fishing pier is
available in Trout Loop.
CAMPGROUND NAME: Wannagan
VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009
UPDATE DATE: 6/10/2024
STATE: North Dakota
REGION: Northern
RANGER DISTRICT: Medora
NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach
RESERVATIONS: No
DIRECTIONS:
In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take I-94
east 8.6 miles to Sentinel Butte/Camel Hump Lake signs (Exit 10).
Take Exit 10 to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and go 0.3
miles to Camel Hump Rd. Turn right onto Camel Hump Rd. and go
0.5 miles to an intersection. Continue straight onto 160 Ave SW
and go 2.5 miles to where the road's designation changes to 30 St
SW. Continue on 30 St SW and go 4.1 miles to Wannagan Cr. Rd.
Turn left at sign onto Wannagan Rd. and go 9.1 miles to Wannagan
Camp sign. Turn right after the sign and go 0.8 miles to another
campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles into
campground.
NOTE: Starting with the exit off I-94, the first 0.1 miles are
paved. The remaining distance is on a native dirt and gravel
road (Caution! can be very slippery when wet) that starts as a
wide single lane and the last half-mile is narrow, rough single
lane.
GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,400 feet.
This pack it in/pack it out campground is a single spur up a draw
into a natural amphitheater in the Badlands' landscape. Sites
are open, sunny, and ample for portable corrals. Equestrian
(horse) facilities are limited to a couple of hitching rails.
Separation, not vegetation, provides fair privacy between sites.
This remote campground, with its scenic access provides a real
grassland camping experience.
SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes
Seasonal Comment:
Services provided May 15 through November 15.
RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $10 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14
CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10
Total Sites: 10
Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No
No. Tables on Sites: 10
No. Grilles on Sites: 10
Equestrian Camping: Yes
RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No
Average Parking Apron Size: 16' X 49'
Comments:
Parking aprons are gravel and grass and all about the same size.
An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available at the
Flying J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94.
FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes
Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
No. Threaded: 0
Comments:
The water spigot is a handpump.
WATER SPORTS - None
HIKING
Wannagan Trail #7006 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.2 miles
Connects to Maah Daah Hey Trail #7001 (foot, horse,
mountain bike) - 97 miles
FISHING - No
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