Parks / Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
National Park · ND
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection
Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.
South Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP
On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645
Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route
Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.
Entrance Fees
Beginning May 1, 2026 Theodore Roosevelt National Park transitioned to a fully cashless fee system and will accept only electronic card payments for entrance fees. An entrance fee is required to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park year-around. Fees are collected at entrance stations May through September and in visitor centers the rest of the year. The park does not issue timed entry permits. Passes can be purchased online. The South Unit entrance station is in the town of Medora. The North Unit entrance station is 15 minutes south of Watford City. During the winter season (usually October through May) entrance fees can be paid or passes presented in the South or North Unit Visitor Center. If the visitor center is not open, payment can be made at www.recreation.gov.
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).
Campgrounds (3)
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are by reservation at recreation.gov. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September.
Details →Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground is 5 miles from Hwy 85 and is the only campground in the park's North Unit. All sites are open to tent camping and most can also be used by vehicles/RVs (no hookups). Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are only available by reservation at recreation.gov. Due to limited cell service in the North Unit, it is recommended to make reservations before arriving at the park. See the RESERVATIONS section below.
Details →Roundup Group Horse Camp
Roundup is the park's only camping facility in which horses are permitted. This private campsite is located 12 miles from Medora, ND in the park's South Unit. It is reserved by one group at a time; space is not be shared among different parties. Reservations for Roundup begin each season on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. See the RESERVATIONS section below. Roundup can accommodate up to 20 people and 20 horses or 30 people if camping without horses.
Details →Upcoming Events
South Unit Ranger Led Hike
Sep 1, 2026
South Unit Guided Hike
Sep 2, 2026
North Unit Star Party
Sep 11, 2026
North Unit Star Party
Sep 12, 2026
Things to Do
Become a Theodore Roosevelt National Park Junior Ranger
Visit one of the park's visitor centers to pick up a Junior Ranger Field Journal, and start your journey to becoming a Junior Ranger!
Bike the North Unit Scenic Drive
Bike the 14-mile scenic drive of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's remote North Unit!
Bike the South Unit Scenic Drive
Hop on your mountain bike and experience the South Unit Scenic Drive in a whole new way.
Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot!
Drive the North Unit Scenic Drive
The North Unit scenic drive provides access to the more rugged North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Drive the South Unit Scenic Drive
The South Unit scenic drive is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Explore the Cannonball Concretions
The cannonball concretions are an arresting and unusual geological formation. Stop at this pullout to explore their mysteries!
Hike Boicourt Trail
This short hike, with its elevated perspective and accessible trail, offers a unique view of the Little Missouri Badlands that the whole family can enjoy.
Hike Coal Vein Trail
Take a hike on this 0.8-mile loop and learn about the geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Hike Skyline Vista Trail
Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Hike The Little Mo Nature Trail
Take a short hike along the Little Mo Nature Trail and learn about the nature and geology of Theodore Roosevelt National Park!
Hike the Painted Canyon Nature Trail
Painted Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop trail located just off Interstate 94 near the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It offers a great introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, whether visitors are just passing through or planning on a multi-day stay.
Hike the Petrified Forest
The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.
Hike up Buck Hill
Hike to the top of Buck Hill, one of the highest points in the park, and get an amazing 360° view of the surrounding badlands!
Hike Wind Canyon Trail
Wind Canyon trail is a short, moderate-difficulty trail that rewards hikers with incredible views of the Little Missouri river and the surrounding badlands.
Hiking in the North Unit
Nature Trails in the North Unit are perfect for casual hikers and nature enthusiasts, but the backcountry trails really steal the show! The Buckhorn, Caprock Coulee, and famed Achenbach Trails traverse the park's vast wilderness areas. Check out all the options and what will fit your trip best.
Hiking in the South Unit
From paved paths to strenuous backcountry trails – the hiking trails in the South Unit have a little something for everyone. Explore a sampling of park terrain with trail options to fit all levels of hikers.
See the Stars in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers incredible night skies for amateur and expert stargazers alike to enjoy year round.
Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.
Visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin
The Maltese Cross Cabin was Theodore Roosevelt's first home in Dakota territory. Step inside and learn about how he lived during his time in the badlands where the romance of his life began.
Watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Film: Refuge of the American Spirit
Visit one of the visitor centers and watch the Theodore Roosevelt National Park film, Refuge of the American Spirit.
Wildlife Viewing - North Unit
Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Wildlife Viewing - South Unit
Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Visitor Centers
- North Unit Visitor Center
- Painted Canyon Visitor Center
- South Unit Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.