Overview
Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the stark beauty of North Dakota's Badlands along the Little Missouri River, offering a quieter alternative to busier western parks. The park is named for the 26th president who found his conservation calling here after arriving in 1883 to hunt bison.
Day Trips · History · Nature · Trekking · Wildlife
Before you go
Accommodation
Advance reservations for Cottonwood Campground (South Unit) are recommended May through September via recreation.gov. Juniper Campground (North Unit) is first-come, first-served.
Connectivity
Cell phone service is unreliable throughout the park. Download offline maps before arriving.
Money
Visitor centers and campground fee stations accept credit cards. Cash may be needed at self-pay stations. Medora and Watford City have ATMs.
Safety
Maintain 100+ feet distance from bison. They can charge without warning. Carry water, as dehydration risk is high even on short hikes.
Transport
No public transportation exists within the park. A personal vehicle is required. Fill up in Medora or Watford City as fuel options are limited near the park.
Weather
Pack for all conditions regardless of season. Afternoon thunderstorms can bring flash floods and lightning to badlands terrain. Temperature swings of 30°F between day and night are common.