Burning Coal Vein Campground
Burning Coal Vein Campground is a remote campground in the Little Missouri National Grassland near Medora, North Dakota, and is the southernmost campground and trailhead along the Maah Daah Hey. It offers scenic views of the surrounding badlands, columnar juniper, and ponderosa pine forest. Located near Amidon and White Butte (the highest peak in ND). The campground includes 8 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, shaded gravel parking pads, a vault toilet, and a hand pump with potable water. Campsites are spacious and spread out.
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Reservations
No reservations. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
- Leave No Trace - Pack in, Pack Out. rules apply. If you brought it with you, please take it out.
- Please do not put any trash in the vault toilets.
- No electrical hook-ups are available.
- Campground rules and information are posted on the kiosk.
- Trailheads:
- The Maah Daah Hey Trailhead is located on the west side of the campground.
- The Juniper Spur trail is located on the south side of the campground.
For specific questions, contact the Medora Ranger District Office.
Year-round.
24/7
- Fire Restrictions may be in effect. Visitors are responsible for monitoring current conditions on the Alerts and Fire Danger Status page and NDResponse.gov
- Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
- All trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Therefore, all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles, are prohibited.
The Senior Pass and the Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees per night. Discounts apply only to the site the pass holder occupies (not for additional guest sites).
Visit the Passes page for more information about the America the Beautiful National Park Passes.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $10 per night
Payments should be made via the fee tube with fee envelopes located at the campground entrance near the kiosk
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the campground at all times. Keep our campgrounds clean. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: Medora Ranger District
Contact Phone: 701-227-7800
Address: 99 23rd Ave. W., Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 227-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: Medora.RD@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.59722222
Longitude: -103.4436111
Directions
Located 27 Miles South of Medora in Slope County.
From Medora, go south for 4 miles on Pacific Ave, and turn south on East River Road. Follow the road and signs to the campground.
From Belfield, go south 10 miles on US85 to 47th St SW, take 3rd Creek Rd to Burning Coal Vein Rd (follow the signs).
Note: Some campground roads leading to the campground pass through private land. Please respect private landowners and stay on the road.
Parking
Parking pads available up to 60-feet long.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
The water at Burning Coal Vein Campground is currently unavailable due to maintenance. The timeframe for restoring water service there is yet to be determined. Please check here for updates.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
The USDA Forest Service considers E-bikes as motorized vehicles, restricted to established and paved roads, and prohibited on trails unless otherwise authorized. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Horseback Riding Info
Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse that causes damage to live trees, soil, or water is prohibited.
OHV Road Riding Info
In the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, OHV use within established campgrounds is limited to entering and exiting the site using designated roads and parking areas. Cross‑country or off‑road riding is not allowed inside developed campgrounds. All OHVs must be state‑registered, and riders must follow posted speed limits and the OHV use on the Little Missouri National Grassland. Additional maps and resources are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Contact the Medora Ranger District Office for more information.
Picnicking - Groups Info
Although the site does not include designated group picnic tables, the open layout provides plenty of room for groups to gather comfortably. The area’s wide, natural setting makes it easy for visitors to spread out, set up their own seating, and enjoy time together in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Picnicking - Single Info
Picnic tables are available within the established campsites at this location, offering convenient spots for a traditional sit‑down meal. However, the surrounding area is open and spacious, providing plenty of room to spread out a blanket and enjoy an old‑fashioned picnic wherever it feels most comfortable. It’s a flexible setting that works well for both structured and more relaxed picnic experiences.
Viewing Plants Info
Before you go, download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Before you go, download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands.