A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape Photo: NPS Photo / Mark Meyers

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Park · North Dakota

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York.

  • LocationMedora, ND
  • Entrance $30 private vehicle
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now48°F Overcast
  • Alerts 3 active alerts

Overview

He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Astronomy
  • Aurora Borealis
  • Birds
  • Bison
  • Buttes
  • Cats (wild)
  • Colonization and Settlement
21 more topics
  • Elk
  • Farming and Agriculture
  • Fish
  • Fossils and Paleontology
  • Geology
  • Grasslands
  • Great Depression
  • Homesteading
  • Horses (wild)
  • Mineral Deposits
  • Night Sky
  • Petrified Wood
  • Prairies
  • Presidents
  • Ranches
  • River and Riparian
  • Rock Landscapes and Features
  • Scenic Views
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Westward Expansion
  • Wilderness
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
The Maah Daah Hey Trail follows the Little Missouri River for several miles before it enters the Theodore Roosevelt Wilderness. — NPS Photo / Laura Thomas

Alerts (3)

InformationTheodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for ent… Read more

Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

More on NPS.gov about Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection (opens in a new tab)
InformationSouth Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Statio… Read more

On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645

InformationPetrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward… Read more

Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.

More on NPS.gov about Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route (opens in a new tab)

Camping

5 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.

  • View of Cottonwood Campground from the main park road. There are buttes in the background with a large stand of cottonwoods and a field in between.

    Cottonwood Campground (ND)

    Reservable Campground

    For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND 701-623-4466 Directions

    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Amphitheater
    • Auto Touring
    Details

    Overview

    For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.

    Recreation

    Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.   

    Facilities

    Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Sites can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles. There are no hookups or a dump station. A water fill station is available for campers (through October 1 each year). All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads. The Group Site (site #25) can accomodate 7-20 people and reservations are available the first business day of March for the upcoming summer season.  Go to the Cottonwood Group Site (ND) to make reservations for the group site.

    Natural Features

    The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. 

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area. 

  • A panoramic view of the Little Missouri River winding through Wind Canyon

    Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

    Reservable Campground

    For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    Directions

    • Hiking
    • Picnicking
    • Amphitheater
    • Birding
    Details

    Fees: Group Site Rate - $60.00 One night in the Cottonwood Campground Group Site by groups of 7 to 20 people. By reservation only. Passholder discounts do not apply. Reservations can be made beginning March 1, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time, of the…

    Overview

    For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round.  

    This reservation section is for reserving the group site at the Cottonwood Campground. Reservations for the group campsite go on sale March 1 for the camping season. If you are interested in reservations for an individual camp site at the Cottonwood Campground please see the Cottonwood Campground (ND) section. The group site serves as a great central camping area providing easy driving access to a varitey of locations and activities.  

    Recreation

    Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.  

    Facilities

    Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided in the campground. The group site can accomodate 7-20 people. There are no hookups or a dump station. A water fill station is available for campers (through October 1 each year). All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads. The Group Site (site #25) goes on sale the first business day of March for the upcoming summer season.

    Natural Features

    The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.

  • Cottonwood trees standing above a river with buttes in the background.

    Juniper Campground (ND)

    Reservable Campground

    For people visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    208 Scenic Drive, Watford City, ND (701) 623-4466

    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Amphitheater
    • Auto Touring
    Details

    Overview

    For people visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Juniper Group Site (ND) page.

    Recreation

    Hikers can access the estimated 30 miles (48 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river.

    Facilities

    Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Sites can accommodate up to six people and two vehicles. There are no hookups. A water fill and dump station is available for campers (from May through October 1 each year). All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads. The Group Site can accommodate 7-20 people and reservations are available the first business day of March for the upcoming summer season.  Go to the Juniper Group Site (ND) to make reservations for the group site.

    Natural Features

    The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. 

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Watford City is approximately 20 miles (32 km) north of the park entrance and has shopping, restaurants, and amenities. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area. 

  • Cottonwood Campground's leafy green cottonwood trees with colorful hills in the background

    Juniper Campground Group Site (ND)

    Reservable Campground

    For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND 701-842-2333 Directions

    • Birding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    Details

    Overview

    For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is open from May through October.

    Recreation

    Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.

    Facilities

    Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The group site can accommodate between seven and 60 people with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles. There are no hookups; a dump station is available for campers. All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads.

    Natural Features

    The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.

Show 1 more campground
  • A scenic view of the Little Missouri River winding through the Badlands as seen from the Wind Canyon Trail

    Roundup Group Horse Camp

    Reservable Campground

    For groups with or without horses visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Roundup Horse Campground is a great place to stay. Located 12 miles (19…

    Reserve on Recreation.gov

    315 2nd Ave, MEDORA, ND 701-623-4466 Directions

    • Hiking
    • Birding
    • Wildlife Viewing
    Details

    Overview

    For groups with or without horses visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Roundup Horse Campground is a great place to stay. Located 12 miles (19 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open from May 1 to October 31.

    Recreation

    Hikers and horseback riders can access the estimated 70 miles (113 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details.

    Facilities

    Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided at this facility. The site can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. The site can accommodate up to 20 people with 20 horses or 30 people without horses. There are no hookups or a dump station. Depending on the weather, water may/may not be available during May and October; however a water fill station is available for campers, located in Cottonwood Campground. All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads.

    Natural Features

    The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall.

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately 12 miles to the south. The Little Missouri National Grasslands is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres. It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • North Unit Visitor Center

    North Unit Visitor Center

    Facility

    A small visitor center is located at the park entrance for visitors to the North Unit. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any trip planning needs, obtain a…

    Details
    A small visitor center is located at the park entrance for visitors to the North Unit. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any trip planning needs, obtain a backcountry permit, purchase a souvenir at the bookstore, or watch the park film, Refuge of the American Spirit. Restrooms are available at this location.
  • Painted Canyon Visitor Center

    Painted Canyon Visitor Center

    Facility

    Features: Panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, gift shop, picnic shelters, drinking fountain, vending…

    Details
    Features: Panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, gift shop, picnic shelters, drinking fountain, vending machines, public telephone, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
  • South Unit Visitor Center

    South Unit Visitor Center

    Facility

    Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for…

    Details
    Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for self-guided tours year-round. Ranger-led cabin tours are offered in the summer. The park film, Refuge of the American Spirit, shows in the theater. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and more. A museum houses artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and time in the badlands.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Hours details
  • Theodore Roosevelt National ParkOpen 24 hours, daily

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.

Entrance fees

  • $30Private Vehicle
  • $25Motorcycle
  • $15Per Person
All 6 fees & details
  • Private Vehicle$30

    Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.

  • Motorcycle$25

    Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

  • Per Person$15

    Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.

  • Commercial Entrance - Van$50

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.

  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$60

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.

  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$150

    Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.

Passes

  • $55Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
  • Annual Entrance - Park

    The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).

Address

PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645

Weather & conditions

48°F
Overcast · feels like 42°
  • Today 51° 41°
    Overcast
    56% rain
  • Tomorrow 41° 37°
    Patchy rain nearby
    92% rain
  • Tuesday 51° 37°
    Sunny
    10% rain

Updated 5 hr ago

What to expect by season

In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.

Upcoming Events

1 coming up
  • Maltese Cross Cabin Tour

    Oct 4, 2026 · 10:30 AM–11:00 AM · through Oct 17 Free

Photos

3 more photos

Getting There

PO Box 7
Medora, ND 58645

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park.

Full directions

The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

Mailing address: PO Box 7, Medora, ND 58645

Map loads when you scroll here