Free Camping in North Dakota
Discover 12 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Summer, Fall
Climate
Continental with cold winters and hot summers
Terrain
Badlands, Prairie
Free Spots
12 locations
Camping Spots (12)
Little Missouri NG – Magpie Road
"Free dispersed camping at Little Missouri NG – Magpie Road in North Dakota. Badlands breaks and scoria roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Magpie. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Limited water Arrive early
Little Missouri NG – Paddock Creek
"Free dispersed camping around Little Missouri NG North Dakota. Badlands breaks with scoria with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Medora South. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Limited water Arrive early to claim a legal
Bennett
Bennett is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 21.7 miles S of Watford City. It has approximately 15 campsites and about 2237 ft elevation.
Buffalo Gap
Buffalo Gap is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 7.6 miles W of Medora. It has approximately 48 campsites and about 2576 ft elevation. Reported amenities include showers, laundry. Typical operating season: early jun-late aug.
Burning Coal Vein
Burning Coal Vein is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 23.0 miles SW of Belfield. It has approximately 10 campsites and about 2536 ft elevation.
CCC
CCC is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 14.9 miles S of Watford City. It has approximately 38 campsites and about 1983 ft elevation.
Hankinson Hills
Hankinson Hills is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 4.7 miles NW of Hankinson. It has approximately 27 campsites.
Magpie
Magpie is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 35.3 miles S of Watford City. It has approximately 11 campsites and about 2230 ft elevation.
Sather Lake
Sather Lake is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 14.1 miles SW of Alexander. It has approximately 60 campsites and about 2267 ft elevation. Notes: 4 campgrounds.
Summit
Summit is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 18.2 miles S of Watford City. It has approximately 7 campsites and about 2504 ft elevation.
Wannagan
Wannagan is a national forest campground in North Dakota, about 21.7 miles NE of Beach. It has approximately 10 campsites and about 2380 ft elevation.
Strawberry Lake - Turtle Mtn State Forest
Strawberry Lake - Turtle Mtn State Forest is a state forest campground in North Dakota, about 8.7 miles N of Bottineau. It has about 2180 ft elevation. Reported amenities include vault toilets, laundry.
Popular Camping Areas
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park Area
- Little Missouri National Grassland
- Sheyenne National Grassland
Important Regulations
- Extreme weather awareness
- Fire restrictions
- High wind precautions
Permits: Most camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in North Dakota
North Dakota provides unique Badlands camping with Theodore Roosevelt National Park area, prairie landscapes, and wide open spaces.
Best Free Camping Areas in North Dakota
North Dakota offers diverse free camping opportunities across badlands, prairie, rivers, grasslands. The most popular areas include Theodore Roosevelt National Park Area, Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit North Dakota for Camping
The best times for free camping in North Dakota are during summer, fall. The state's continental with cold winters and hot summers means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
North Dakota Camping Regulations
Before camping in North Dakota, it's important to understand local regulations. Most camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in North Dakota typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore badlands, prairie, rivers, grasslands at your own pace.