Summit Campground
Summit Campground is a basic, but convenient campground with three campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, a vault toilet, and trailhead parking for easy access to the Summit Trail.
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.
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Active Alerts
Reservations
No reservations. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
General Information
- Small, rectangular, brown-and-white National Grasslands picnic area signs are posted at both entrances (no sign specifically states Summit Campground).
- 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.
- Easy access to the 2-mile Summit Trail and ÂĽ mile Overlook Trail.
- Campground rules and information are posted on the campsite kiosk.
For specific questions, contact the McKenzie 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.
NA
No fees are required for this site
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed at all times within the campground. 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: 47.53972222
Longitude: -103.2416667
Directions
Located approximately 19 miles south of Watford City on I-85. Turn west onto Summit Road and turn into one of two gravel road entrances. A small, rectangular, metal, brown-and-white National Grasslands picnic area sign is posted at each entrance (no sign specifically states Summit Campground).
Parking
The campground has sufficient parking space.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The campground has an accessible vault toilet.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Please come prepared.
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.
MiscellaneousMiscellaneous Info
- RV Camping
- Group Camping
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.
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.
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.
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.