CCC Campground
The CCC Campground in the Badlands offers a rustic camping experience. There are 38 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground serves as a trailhead for both the Maah Daah Hey Trail, Long X Trail, and Sunset Trail Loop, and it is just a short walk from the Little Missouri River.
Note: Highway construction near CCC and Summit Campgrounds is scheduled during summer 2026 and may slow travel access to the areas. For details click here.
Click an image to view the photo gallery in full-screen size and read the descriptive captions.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Make Reservations HereThere are 25 campsites in total.
- Sixteen single campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Six single campsites (#5, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25) are reservable.
- Three group campsites include:
1) RV site #15 (reservable).
2) Equestrian site #1 (reservable).
3) Tent site #10 is first-come, first-served.
The current overnight camping fee is $10.
Make all campsite reservations at Recreation.gov.
Contact the local Ranger District Station for more information.
General Information
- A seasonal Campground Host is on-site 20 hours weekly, Thursday through Sunday, from mid-May to Labor Day.
- 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.
- Campground rules and information are posted on the kiosk.
For specific questions, contact the McKenzie Ranger District Office.
Open 24 hours/day
- 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.
- Horse feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.
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 only (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 may be made in one of two ways:
- Via the Fee Tube with fee envelopes (located at the campground entrance near the kiosk pictured in the photo gallery above).
- Via the Scan & Pay feature. Directions for this payment method are available here: Scan & Pay Information and Instructions. Note to use this feature for the First-Come, First-Served campsites, you must be physically present; therefore, the QR code is only available at the kiosk.
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed at all times within the campground. Keep our campgrounds clean. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: McKenzie Ranger District office
Contact Phone: 701-842-8500
Address: 1905 S. Main Street, Watford City, ND 58854
Phone: (701) 842-8500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: McKenzie.RD@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.58638889
Longitude: -103.2758333
Directions
Sixteen miles south of Watford City.
From Watford City, head south on US-85 for 15 miles, turn West onto Long X Road, and follow for one mile into the campground.
Parking
Parking is available at each picnic area, campsites, and the trailhead.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
The potable water well is available from spring to fall seasons (turned off during winter).
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Equestrian facilities include corrals, highlines, hitchrails, and manure stations.
Other Amenities
- Electrical hookups at tent sites are 20- or 30-watt.
- Electrical hookups at RV and Equestrian sites are 20-, 30-, or 50-watt.
- Two sets of bike wash and maintenance racks are near the trailheads.
- Six accessible vault toilets within the campgrounds
Closest Amenities:
- Watford City, ND – Gas station, hotels, restaurants.
- Grassy Butte, ND – Gas station only.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
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.
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.
Picnicking - Groups Info
The CCC Campground in the Little Missouri National Grassland offers designated group picnic areas suited for larger gatherings. Each group area includes picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and access to electrical hookups, accommodating up to 20 people and four vehicles per site. A large, covered picnic pavilion provides a central spot for groups to gather and share meals. The surrounding open expanses of grassland also provide plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a traditional picnic in a wide, scenic prairie setting.
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.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
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 McKenzie Ranger District Office for more information.