Elkhorn Campground
Elkhorn Campground is a serene, scenic campground nestled in the heart of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands — perfect for those seeking a peaceful, secluded basecamp. Located north of Medora and just steps from the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the historic Elkhorn Ranch site, it offers a genuine Badlands experience amid rolling prairie and rugged buttes.
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Active Alerts
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.
- Trailhead for the Maah Daah Hey Trail is located ½ mile east of the campground.
- No electrical hook-ups are available.
- Campground rules and information are posted on kiosks located at the main entrance.
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 can be placed in the fee tube at the campground entrance; they must be made immediately upon selecting a site. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
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: 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: 47.22722222
Longitude: -103.6688889
Directions
- From Medora, ND, go 13 miles west on I-94 to exit 10. Follow County Rd 11 North for 9 miles, turn right onto 160th Ave SW/ Westerheim Road for 5 miles, turn left onto Belle Lake Road for 12 Miles, and right onto Elkhorn Ranch Road.
- From Watford City, ND, go 16 miles west on US-85, turn south onto ND-68 for 17 miles, turn south onto ND-16 for 30 miles, turn east onto Blacktail Road for 12 miles, turn south onto Belle Lake Road for 3 miles, then east on Elkhorn Ranch Road.
Parking
Parking pads up to 60-feet long.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Accessible unisex vault toilet.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Potable water from a hand pump for well water is available from spring through fall (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.
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Note: Horse feed and straw must be certified as free of noxious weed seed.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
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.
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.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
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.
Biking - Road Cycling 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.
Viewing Scenery 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 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.
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.