North Dakota
BLM Little Missouri Badlands Dispersed Area
Dispersed Camping
Open desert camping on BLM land adjacent to the Little Missouri National Grassland, offering expansive views of badlands formations and big sky country. Sites are user-defined across rolling prairie with scattered juniper and sage. Wind can be relentless, so secure your gear well. Fire restrictions often in effect during dry periods — check current status before heading out.
Access from Medora via a network of ranch roads and two-track trails — navigation skills essential as signage is minimal. High-clearance 4WD recommended for wet conditions when the bentonite clay becomes impassable. No shade, no water, but incredible solitude and night skies. Respect private land boundaries marked by fence lines.
Big sky desert camping near Medora
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 2680 ft |
| Nearest town | Medora, North Dakota |
| Miles from pavement | 12.4 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rough dirt |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 15 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | BLM |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |