National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

National Park★ 4.8
Rugged badlands overlook in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with eroded sandstone ridges and a winding river valley.

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

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit
Shoulder seasons (late spring and early fall) to balance wildlife viewing and crowding; avoid peak summer if possible

Highlights

Why Visit
The park spans vast badlands carved by the Little Missouri River, a landscape that shaped one of America’s most enduring conservation legacies. Its two units present complementary experiences: the South Unit’s accessible scenic loops and the North Unit’s wilder river canyons. The scale of the place—open skies, sweeping vistas, and free-roaming wildlife—defines the frontier spirit and underscores the practical realities of managing public lands at scale. The park’s layout and seasonal operations highlight how a national park is stewarded for both resilience and human access, not just scenery.
Top Things To Do
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive (36 miles); North Unit Scenic Drive (14 miles); Wildlife viewing: bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep

Areas to plan around

South Unit
Scenic Loop Drive, proximity to Medora, diverse wildlife
North Unit
Remote landscapes, river canyons, potential for wildlife sightings
Painted Canyon
Visitor Center on I‑94 Exit 32, dramatic canyon perspectives
Medora Area
Gateway town with services and access points to park

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK), Dickinson, ND
Getting There Driving Distances
From Dickinson: ~60 miles to the South Unit; From Medora: ~30 miles to the South Unit; North Unit farther afield
Getting There Entrances
South Unit entrance near Medora; North Unit entrance on State Route ND-3; Painted Canyon Visitor Center on I-94, Exit 32
Getting Around Shuttles
Not applicable; no internal park shuttle system
Getting Around Reservations
Backcountry dispersed camping requires a permit; regular campground sites are first-come, first-served; Roundup Group Horse Campground may require reservations for the group site
Getting Around Parking
Parking typically sufficient outside peak events; no published limits

Where to stay

Where To Stay Inpark Lodging
No in-park lodging; camping available at designated campgrounds; nearby Medora offers lodging options
Where To Stay Campgrounds
Juniper Campground, Cottonwood Campground, Roundup Group Horse Campground
Where To Stay Gateway Towns
Medora, ND

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country
Wildlife includes bison and wild horses; keep 100 yards from bison and large animals, 25 yards from smaller animals; bison can run up to 30 mph
Safety Weather
Weather extremes: hot summers, cold winters; snow possible in winter; afternoon lightning risk
Safety Altitude
Varies
Safety Leave No Trace
Pack out trash; stay on designated trails; minimize impact on wildlife and habitats
Safety Permits Needed
Backcountry permits required for dispersed camping; group site reservations for Roundup Campground may be necessary
Wildlife Overview
Bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep
Wildlife Where To See
Along South and North Unit loops; horse populations along North Unit corridors; prairie dogs in grasslands
Wildlife Safety
Maintain distances: 100 yards from bison; 25 yards from smaller wildlife; never feed wildlife

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy
Day 1: South Unit Loop; Day 2: North Unit Drive; Day 3: Painted Canyon/Medora gateway; optional backcountry stay if permits
Entrance Hacks
No timed-entry; gate lines are generally manageable; use Painted Canyon entrance for easier access to I-94; plan to start early in peak summer months
Basecamp Logic
WEST SIDE (South Unit) offers proximity to Medora and services; EAST SIDE (North Unit) delivers solitude and expansive wildlife habitats; split stays if possible to balance access and solitude
Crowd Calendar
July–August: peak mosquitoes and visitation; September–October: crowd decline; June: mixed; May: pleasant; Winter: open with weather-driven closures
Tips Advice
  • Buy the online pass ahead of time; no timed-entry for general entry
  • No shuttle; rely on own vehicle; drive slowly on park roads
  • Stay 100 yards from bison; 25 yards from smaller animals
  • Weather can swing quickly; bring extra layers and water

More details

Park Code
thro
Tagline
National Park
Entrance Fee
$30.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
7-day private vehicle pass $30; motorcycle $25; pedestrian/bicycle $15; digital passes via Recreation.gov; passes accepted: America the Beautiful, Annual Park Pass, Senior Pass, Military Pass, Access Pass
Nearby Services
Medora provides services; Dickinson, ND offers broader services and medical facilities; nearest major hospital in Dickinson (~45-minute drive from South Unit)
Family Friendly Notes
Family programs not listed; typical Junior Ranger activities not detailed in provided data
Photography Tips
Use early morning light; pull over safely for wildlife viewing; avoid stopping in roadway; respect road users
When To Visit Peak Season
July–August
When To Visit Shoulder Season
Late May–June; September–October
When To Visit Winter
Open year-round; winter closures possible; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing popular when conditions allow
When To Visit Road Opening
Road openings depend on snow and ice; Caprock Coulee Trail on North Unit affected by winter weather; 6-mile segment of South Unit Loop Drive reopened after reconstruction
Weather Averages
Semi-arid conditions with hot summers and cold winters; wide diurnal ranges
Weather Precipitation
Low to moderate annual precipitation with more rain in spring; snow in winter
Weather Info
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
What To Bring Essential Gear
Bear spray (optional), layers, water, maps
What To Bring Clothing
No cotton; wool or synthetic layers; windproof outerwear; sturdy footwear
Review Summary
Visitor sentiment notes manageable crowds relative to larger parks; winter closures require planning; wildlife viewing and landscape scale offer meaningful experiences; roads and closures can alter itineraries

Location

A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscapethe Little Missouri River under blue skiesA muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttestwo bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominancethe swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a timed-entry permit to enter Theodore Roosevelt National Park?

No. There is no timed-entry system for general entry; purchase a 7-day vehicle pass or use an eligible pass online or at the gate.

Where can I buy passes for entry?

Digital passes are available online at Recreation.gov; you can also buy at the park gate.

Are campground sites first-come or reservation-based?

Regular campground sites are first-come, first-served; the Group Horse Campground site requires reservations; dispersed camping requires a backcountry permit.

Are pets allowed on trails?

Pets are allowed on leash in developed areas and along roadsides, but not on hiking trails.

What wildlife safety rules should I follow?

Keep at least 100 yards from bison and large animals, 25 yards from smaller animals; never approach or feed wildlife.

Badlands Spur Trail

Badlands hub. Access rugged terrain with flexible loop and out-and-back routing options.

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Alexander

Tiny gateway 76 km north of the park. One motel, sparse services. Plan fuel and supplies ahead.

Belfield

Quick supply stop 15 min from the park. Gas, motels, casual food. Check restaurant hours—most close by 10 PM.

Watford City

Your last shot at supplies before the North Unit. 44 miles north.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.