Camping at Theodore Roosevelt: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees

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

Theodore Roosevelt National Park has two developed campgrounds within its boundaries: Cottonwood in the South Unit and Juniper in the North Unit. Some sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while the rest are available first come, first served. The short answer is yes, you can camp inside the park 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?

The park welcomes campers in both of its main units. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside designated sites. To camp in the backcountry, you can get a free backcountry permit from the rangers. The entrance stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but some roads occasionally close in winter after heavy snowfall.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Cottonwood Campground (South Unit)

Cottonwood is in the South Unit, just a few minutes east of Medora, the park's gateway town. It's the most accessible and busiest campground. Sites accommodate tents and RVs. Peak-season amenities include flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. Some sites have electrical hookups. In the evening, bison regularly cross the campground, making wildlife viewing a free and reliably available activity.

Juniper Campground (North Unit)

Juniper is in the North Unit, about 80 miles north of Medora via Highway 85. The setting feels wilder, and crowds are much lighter. You'll find the same basic amenities here, including restrooms, water, and electrical sites at some campsites, along with an amphitheater where rangers host evening programs during the peak season. When I visited the North Unit, longhorns were grazing less than 165 feet away at sunrise. That's a good reason to choose Juniper if you're looking for peace and quiet.

RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?

Both campgrounds accept RVs, but site sizes limit the maximum length for each site. Check this restriction when you reserve through Recreation.gov, before you hit the road. Electrical hookups, either 30-amp or 50-amp depending on the site, are available at both campgrounds in limited numbers. There are no full hookups, with water, electricity, and sewer all connected at once, on-site. If your vehicle requires full hookups, plan on staying at a private campground in Medora or Watford City. For more details about RV camping 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 the undeveloped areas of Theodore Roosevelt. The permit is free and available directly from the park's ranger stations or visitor centers. Campfires are prohibited outside designated areas. You must store food securely at all times. The Theodore Roosevelt hiking guide describes the backcountry areas you can access and the trails that lead there.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite at Theodore Roosevelt

Reservations open on Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. Some sites remain first come, first served, so arrive before 10 a.m. to give yourself the best chance of finding an available site. During the peak season, from June through August, sites with electrical hookups often sell out within a few hours of the reservation window opening. From September through May, demand drops sharply, and you'll usually find a site without trouble when you arrive. See the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt guide to choose the best time for your trip.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Theodore Roosevelt?

Sites without hookups cost about $14 per night at both campgrounds. Sites with electrical hookups cost slightly more. 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, which costs $55, covers repeat entries but not camping nights. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & 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 80 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. Put away all lightweight gear before you hit the trail, and return to camp by 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 Should You Choose?

Family or first trip: Cottonwood is better serviced, just outside Medora, with all amenities available during the summer season.
Looking for solitude: Juniper is quieter, in the North Unit, with wildlife less disturbed by tourist traffic.
Large RV that requires full hookups: Stay at a private campground in Medora or Watford City, and visit the park during the day.
A full backcountry experience: Get a free permit and spend a night among the Badlands' clay formations.

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

Frequently Asked Questions