# Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota

> From the Enchanted Highway to the Little Missouri: a prairie circuit past wild horses, prairie dogs and flat-topped buttes, where in the evening you watch…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-165-theodore-roosevelt-north-dakota/

**At a glance:** 5-day road trip of about 344 km (214 mi) with 8 stops, from Dickinson to Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit. About 3 h 49 min of driving in total. From the Enchanted Highway to the Little Missouri: a prairie circuit past wild horses, prairie dogs and flat-topped buttes, where in the evening you watch bison wander past your pitch.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 344 km (214 mi) |
| Driving | 3 h 49 min |
| Suggested days | 5 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Dickinson → Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit |
| States | ND |
| Updated | September 1, 2026 |

*From the Enchanted Highway to the Little Missouri: a prairie circuit past wild horses, prairie dogs and flat-topped buttes, where in the evening you watch bison wander past your pitch.*

## The spirit of the route

Coming from the east on the I-94, you drive for hours through wheat, sunflowers and grazing land, and then the ground tears open: here the Little Missouri has eaten gullies, cones and striped slopes into the clay, burnt red by lignite seams that caught fire centuries ago. In Theodore Roosevelt National Park a bison stands at the roadside as if the tarmac belonged to it, prairie dogs whistle from their town, and in the evening the Painted Canyon turns orange and violet. Medora is a small Western town with wooden boardwalks, but the real character of the route lies outdoors: in the silence of the Little Missouri National Grassland, in the wind that smells of sage, and in a darkness that is rarely disturbed by lights. Add the huge scrap-metal sculptures of the Enchanted Highway, towering above the wheat fields. The route is quiet, wide open and needs little haste; it does, however, demand respect for animals, weather and the long distances between filling stations.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Dickinson to Regent (approx. 70 km)

- **The drive:** From Dickinson take the I-94 east for a good 10 miles to Exit 72 (Gladstone), then head south on the Enchanted Highway, which runs some 32 miles (just over 50 km) to Regent. It is a two-lane, well-built country road with no notable gradients, speed limit mostly 55 mph (88 km/h) and very little traffic; slow farm machinery now and then. Pure driving time is a good hour, or half a day with photo stops at the sculptures. There are filling stations in Dickinson and Gladstone; along the way and in Regent the choice is thin, so fill up beforehand.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Geese in Flight near Gladstone: this sculpture made of metal parts is described as the largest scrap-metal sculpture in the world and can be seen from the I-94; a car park with a viewpoint is right by the access road. Half an hour is enough.
  - More sculptures along the route: among others “Deer Crossing”, “Grasshoppers in the Field” and “Fisherman’s Dream” stand a few miles apart, each with its own pull-out. The pieces are the life’s work of the artist Gary Greff from Regent.
  - Enchanted Castle and Gift Shop in Regent: at the end of the road stand the Enchanted Castle (a hotel with a restaurant) and a gift shop; opening times are seasonal, so check beforehand. The town lies in a small landscape of hills with wide views.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** In Dickinson and in Belfield, about 19 miles to the west (e.g. The Crossings Campground), there are private sites with hook-ups; check opening times and facilities in advance. Regent itself offers only basic options; according to the latest information simple pitches are possible around the gift shop, but please phone to clarify facilities and prices. If you arrive in the late afternoon, it is better to stay overnight in Dickinson and drive back at the start of the stage.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In open farmland, overnighting on private land without permission is forbidden, and most of the land along the roadside is private. On public land in the west (Little Missouri National Grassland) dispersed camping is allowed, see stage 3. If in doubt, politely ask farmers or rangers.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Buy water, food and gas in Dickinson; there are practically no shops between Gladstone and Regent. In spring and after rain, gravel access roads to the sculptures can turn boggy; for large vehicles it is better to stick to the paved pull-outs. Mobile reception away from the I-94 is patchy, so download an offline map.

### Stage 2: Regent to Medora (approx. 135 km)

- **The drive:** From Regent go back the same way to Gladstone and then west on the I-94 to the Painted Canyon (Exit 32) and on to Medora (Exit 24). It is an interstate with a 75 mph limit; in the badlands at Exits 32 and 27 the road drops in gentle waves towards the Little Missouri; watch for crosswinds and, in winter, ice on the bridges. Driving time is around 1.5 hours, or a good half day including a visit to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Painted Canyon Overlook and Visitor Center (part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, right on the I-94): a rest area with wide views into the badlands, a short walk to the viewpoint, and a ranger programme in summer. Especially beautiful early in the morning and shortly before sunset.
  - Medora: a former cattle-trading town, today with wooden boardwalks, a cowboy museum and the Chateau de Morès, the house of the French Marquis de Morès. In summer the Medora Musical runs at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre; check dates and tickets beforehand.
  - Maltese Cross Cabin: the log cabin that Theodore Roosevelt used in the 1880s stands next to the South Unit Visitor Center in Medora; a short walk round, but check the visitor centre’s opening times in advance.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park: on the Little Missouri under cottonwoods, pitches without electricity or water hook-ups, drinking water and toilets on site, dump station available; reserve via Recreation.gov (up to six months ahead) and check the length limits there. Alternatives are the Medora Campground in town (private, with hook-ups) and Sully Creek State Park south of Medora (a simple site by the river, starting point of the Maah Daah Hey Trail; check access and status beforehand). The national park campground has no showers; showers are available in Medora.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping is generally allowed in the Little Missouri National Grassland (US Forest Service), usually for up to 14 days in one place and at a distance from water. Vehicles may only drive on existing tracks; roads become very slippery in rain (“gumbo” clay). When it is wet, it is better not to drive on gravel.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In rain the clay in the badlands turns into soft soap, even on gravel roads; trailers and motorhomes have no business off the tarmac then. Fill up with water in Medora, and use the dump station and bins at the park campground. Take care in the evening: bison walk through the campgrounds – keep at least 25 yards (23 m) away and never step between animals and their young.

### Stage 3: Medora to South Unit Scenic Loop and Medora (approx. 60 km)

- **The drive:** The South Unit Scenic Loop Drive is a loop road of about 36 miles (58 km) with a speed limit of 25–35 mph, beginning and ending at the Visitor Center in Medora. The road is paved, winding and hilly, with a few steep ramps; trailers and longer motorhomes must reckon with limited parking space in the pull-outs and at the viewpoints. Pure driving time is about 2 hours, or a whole day with stops.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Wind Canyon Trail and viewpoint: a short walk to the Little Missouri with a view of the river and the layers of the badlands, especially in the evening light; a very short outing of about 15–20 minutes.
  - Prairie Dog Town: several colonies by the road; do not feed the animals and keep your distance, as they can carry fleas and diseases. There are also semi-wild horses near Peaceful Valley.
  - Peaceful Valley Ranch and Ridgeline Nature Trail: horse riding is possible seasonally, and the trail is short. If you have more time, you will find the Buckhorn Trail in the south for a longer hike.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Cottonwood Campground (see stage 2) remains the practical base for a second day in the South Unit; if you cannot get a pitch, drive back to the Medora Campground or to Sully Creek. Motorhomes of more than about 40 ft should clarify vehicle length, pitch size and manoeuvring room with the park administration in advance.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Wild camping is forbidden in the national park itself; backcountry camping in the park needs a free permit from the visitor centre. In the grassland outside the park boundaries dispersed camping applies (see above).
- **Insider tip for campers:** Since 2026, visitors without US residence have faced higher fees or surcharges in some national parks; check current amounts on nps.gov. The America the Beautiful Pass is valid in the national park. Start early in the morning: the animals are most active then, the heat in July and August can climb above 35 °C, and shade is scarce.

### Stage 4: Medora to Watford City (approx. 140 km)

- **The drive:** From Medora take the I-94 east to Belfield (Exit 42), then north on the US-85 through the Little Missouri National Grassland and over the Little Missouri River. It is a well-built two-lane road with a 65 mph limit and frequent lorry traffic from the oil industry in the Williston Basin, so expect traffic and some wide vehicles. Driving time is about 2 hours. There are filling stations in Belfield and Watford City, and hardly any in between.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Grassy Butte and the Little Missouri National Grassland: the road leads through open grazing land with flat-topped buttes; wild horses and bison occur near the boundary with the national park, so always drive with care and keep your distance.
  - Maah Daah Hey Trail: the long-distance trail of about 144 miles for hikers, mountain bikers and riders links the South Unit with the North Unit; there are trailheads on the US-85 and near the North Unit. Short sections can be walked as a day hike.
  - Watford City: the main town of the region, with supermarkets, filling stations and the McKenzie County Heritage Center; check opening times beforehand.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Juniper Campground in the North Unit of the national park (the North Unit entrance lies about 14 miles south of Watford City on the US-85, and the campground a few miles inside the park, under cottonwoods on the Little Missouri), without electricity or showers, but with water, toilets and a dump station; since 1 May 2026 all pitches can only be used with an advance reservation via Recreation.gov, so mind the length limit when booking. An alternative in Watford City is a municipal or private RV park with hook-ups (the offer changes, so check beforehand). In the oil region pitches are at times occupied by workers, so reserve early.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Dispersed camping on the Little Missouri National Grassland is generally allowed (14 days, away from water); around Watford City there is a lot of private land and oilfield land, so follow the signs and only overnight on land that is clearly public.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The US-85 runs through an active oilfield area, with dust, lorries and gas flares in the dark; vehicles keep to the speed limits. Fill up with fuel, shop and top up your water supplies in Watford City before heading into the North Unit. Do not underestimate mosquitoes on the river floodplains in early summer.

### Stage 5: Watford City to North Unit Scenic Drive and return (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** The North Unit Scenic Drive is a dead-end road about 14 miles long from the Visitor Center on the US-85 to the River Bend Overlook (about 14 miles each way); the road is paved, winding and has a few gradients. In total it takes about 1.5 hours with stops, or half a day with hikes. The North Unit is much quieter than the South Unit.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Oxbow Overlook: a viewpoint above a loop of the Little Missouri; in autumn the cottonwoods glow yellow. Good for sunset and wildlife watching.
  - River Bend Overlook: a view of the river valley and the buttes; a short walk from the car park. Bison and deer are often to be seen.
  - Caprock Coulee Nature Trail: a circular trail of about 1.5 miles through badlands, juniper and prairie; a good chance for photos and bird watching.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Juniper Campground (see stage 4) as a base for two days in the North Unit; no showers, basic facilities. If you want to move on, stay overnight in Watford City or drive back to Medora (about 140 km).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** In the North Unit wild camping in the park is forbidden; backcountry camping only with a permit. On the grassland around the park dispersed camping applies, but overnighting at highway pull-outs is often not allowed; observe the signs.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Drive carefully on the park road after sunset; bison and elk often cross at dusk. On clear nights the sky here is very dark, ideal for stargazing. Water, bins and supplies in the park are limited, so bring supplies from Watford City.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- North Dakota allows dispersed camping on National Grassland land (US Forest Service), usually for up to 14 days in one place; on private land, in state parks and in the national park areas outside the campgrounds it is forbidden. In the national park itself backcountry camping is only possible with a free permit.
- Overnighting in the car parks of supermarkets or casinos is not allowed everywhere; ask in the store. Motorway rest areas usually allow only a short rest and no camping.
- Wildlife: bison are unpredictable and injure visitors every year; keep at least 25 yards (23 m) away, and the same for wild horses. Rattlesnakes occur in the badlands, and ticks and mosquitoes are common; store food securely in the vehicle.
- Apps and sources: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt; Recreation.gov for national park and Forest Service campgrounds, North Dakota Parks and Recreation for the state parks such as Sully Creek.
- Fires: open fires are prohibited during droughts and fire bans; bans are published by the park administration and the Forest Service. Only in existing fire rings, never unattended, and put the ashes out completely.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- There are dump stations at the Cottonwood and Juniper campgrounds, and also at private RV parks in Dickinson and Medora, often for a fee. A fee is usual at dumps at filling stations; sanidumps.com lists locations.
- Drinking water is available at the national park campgrounds; in winter the water is turned off. Streams and the Little Missouri are muddy and only suitable with a filter; it is better to bring fresh water.
- Do not let grey water run onto the ground, and empty chemical toilets only at dump stations. Leave No Trace applies in the grassland.
- Propane is available from filling stations and dealers in Dickinson, Watford City and Belfield; European gas bottles need an adapter and are usually not refilled.
- Fuel and food: Dickinson, Belfield, Medora and Watford City have filling stations and shops; in the badlands themselves there are none. Mobile reception is patchy in the park and on the minor roads.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits: interstate up to 75 mph (121 km/h), US highways mostly 65 mph, in the national park 25–35 mph; vehicles with trailers should keep to the signs. North Dakota has no low-emission zones, and there are no tolls on the I-94 or the highways.
- Park fees: entry to the national park is charged per vehicle and is valid for several days; the America the Beautiful Pass is valid there. For visitors without US residence higher amounts or surcharges sometimes apply, so check current details on nps.gov.
- Dimensions: in North Dakota the maximum height is usually about 14 ft (4.27 m); mind bridge heights on minor roads. On gravel, wet clay tracks and in the badlands large vehicles quickly get stuck.
- Weather and season: summers are hot (above 35 °C) with thunderstorms and possible hail; spring and autumn are cool and windy, and in winter there is often snow and ice, so check road status on the North Dakota 511 service. The best time is May–June and September.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception is missing in parts of the badlands. Take water, a hat and sun protection on hikes; the heat and the distances are easily underestimated.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Water containers (at least 20 l) and sun protection, because shade and drinking-water points are scarce in the badlands.
- Binoculars and a telephoto lens for watching bison, wild horses and prairie dogs from a safe distance.
- Insect repellent and a tick card for the river floodplains in early summer.
- Offline maps and a paper map, as mobile reception away from the I-94 is patchy.
- Sturdy shoes and levelling ramps for gravel pitches and slightly sloping pitches; do not move the motorhome on clay tracks in rain.

_As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Dickinson** (ND)
2. **Gladstone** (ND)
3. **Regent** (ND)
4. **Belfield** (ND)
5. **Painted Canyon** (ND)
6. **Medora** (ND)
7. **Watford City** (ND)
8. **Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit** (ND)

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota?**
5-day road trip of about 344 km (214 mi) with 8 stops, from Dickinson to Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit. About 3 h 49 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota?**
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 49 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota start and end?**
It starts in Dickinson and ends in Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit.

**Which states does Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota pass through?**
North Dakota.

**Where can you camp along Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota?**
OpenStreetMap lists 23 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: CCC Campground, Summit Campground and Cottonwood Campground.

**When is the best time for Bison, badlands and scrap-metal giants – by camper through the Theodore Roosevelt country of North Dakota?**
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)