About Theodore Roosevelt
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.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- South Unit Petrified Forest Trail4.2 mi
- Wind Canyon Trail0.4 mi
- Ridgeline Trail0.8 mi
- Buck Hill Trail0.5 mi
Camping
Approximately 146 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – September).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – September. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.$15
- Commercial Entrance - Van — Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.$50
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.$60
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Bismarck, ND. Park center: 46.980°, -103.450°.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads.
Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt?
Peak season is June – September. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
Can you camp in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes — about 146 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Bismarck, ND is the nearest major city. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads.
What are the best hikes in Theodore Roosevelt?
Popular trails include South Unit Petrified Forest Trail (4.2 mi), Wind Canyon Trail (0.4 mi), Ridgeline Trail (0.8 mi), Buck Hill Trail (0.5 mi). The park has roughly 100 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.