Camping at Theodore Roosevelt: 3 NPS Campgrounds, Reservations, and Rates from $5

By David Sanchez · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt National Park has three NPS-managed campgrounds: Cottonwood in the South Unit, Juniper in the North Unit, and Roundup Group Horse Camp, which is reserved for groups with horses. Altogether, 127 sites are available, all by reservation through Recreation.gov. Cottonwood and Juniper are open year-round.

Campgrounds in the park (3)

• Campground Cottonwood Campground recreation.gov · 76 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Juniper Campground recreation.gov · 50 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Roundup Group Horse Camp see NPS · 1 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can you camp inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

The park welcomes campers in its two main units, with Cottonwood and Juniper open twelve months a year. Dispersed camping isn't allowed outside designated sites. For backcountry camping, you can get a free backcountry permit from rangers. The entrance stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but some roads close temporarily in winter after heavy snowfall.

Campgrounds in the park

Cottonwood Campground (South Unit)

Cottonwood is in the South Unit, a few minutes east of Medora, the gateway town to the park. It's the largest of the three campgrounds, with 76 sites, including 12 tent-only sites and one group site. Facilities are limited to restrooms and water. The campground is open year-round, with a self-registration kiosk for arrivals at any hour. Check-out is by noon. In the evening, bison regularly pass through the campground.

Juniper Campground (North Unit)

Juniper is in the North Unit, about 81 miles north of Medora on Highway 85. It has 50 sites, including 9 tent-only sites and one group site, open only from May through late September. It's the park's only campground with a dump station, in addition to restrooms and running water. Juniper is open year-round. The setting feels wilder, and crowds are significantly lighter than in the South Unit.

Roundup Group Horse Camp rounds out the options with one group site designed for riders and their horses. It costs $70 a night. Facilities include restrooms and water. The campground is open from May through October and closed the rest of the year. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov.

RV vs. tent camping: which site should you choose?

The two main campgrounds accept RVs, but site dimensions limit the maximum vehicle length at each site. Check this restriction when you book through Recreation.gov, before you hit the road. None of the park's NPS campgrounds has electrical hookups or full hookups. Juniper has a dump station, but Cottonwood doesn't. If your vehicle requires full hookups, choose a private campground in Medora or Watford City. For more about traveling by RV at Theodore Roosevelt, see the park's RV camping guide.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

Medora has several private campgrounds with full amenities, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Watford City, the gateway to the North Unit, offers similar options. These sites are especially useful in July and August, when Cottonwood and Juniper regularly fill up. For lodging around the park, including motels, cabins, and lodges, see the Theodore Roosevelt lodging guide.

Dispersed and backcountry camping (permit required)

Backcountry camping is allowed in undeveloped areas of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The permit is free and available directly from the park's entrance stations or visitor centers. Campfires aren't allowed outside designated fire areas. You must store food securely at all times. The Theodore Roosevelt hiking guide covers areas open to backcountry camping and the trails that lead there.

How and when to reserve a campsite at Theodore Roosevelt

Reservations are available through Recreation.gov up to six months in advance for all three campgrounds. During the peak season, from June through August, sites go quickly as soon as the booking window opens. From September through May, demand drops sharply and sites are easier to find. Cottonwood has a self-registration kiosk for late arrivals, making after-hours check-in easier. See the guide to the best times to visit Theodore Roosevelt to choose the best time for your trip.

Rates: how much does a night of camping cost at Theodore Roosevelt?

Sites at Cottonwood and Juniper cost $5 a night, regardless of site type. Roundup Group Horse Camp, the group campground for riders, costs $70 a night for the group site. These fees are in addition to the park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days, or $25 per motorcycle and $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. The park-specific annual pass costs $55 and covers repeat entry, but not camping nights. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks fees and passes page.

Safety and best practices

Bison. The park's herd roams freely through every unit, including the campgrounds, day and night. Always keep at least 82 feet between yourself and each animal. Never get between a bison and the direction it's headed.

Prairie rattlesnakes. They're found throughout the park. Wear closed-toe shoes whenever you leave your site, including for a nighttime trip to the restrooms.

Heat and thunderstorms. In summer, temperatures often climb above 95 °F, and late-afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly over the Badlands. Secure lightweight gear before you hit the trail, and return to camp before late afternoon. In winter, temperatures can drop below -4 °F, so four-season gear is essential. For month-by-month climate details, see the Theodore Roosevelt weather guide.

Which campground fits your trip?

Family or first visit: Cottonwood is the largest, with 76 sites, and it's well served and just minutes from Medora.
Looking for solitude: Juniper is quieter in the North Unit, with a dump station and wildlife less disturbed by tourist traffic.
Group with horses: Roundup Group Horse Camp is open from May through October and costs $70 a night for the group site.
Large RV requiring full hookups: Stay at a private campground in Medora or Watford City and visit the park during the day.
A full wilderness experience: Get a free backcountry permit for a night among the Badlands' clay formations.

The complete Theodore Roosevelt guide will help you plan your entire trip.

Frequently asked questions