Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I would not have been president had it not been for my experience in North Dakota.” Once he became the 26th President, he helped shape a conservation policy that still today benefits many national parks, and in his honor stands the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in his beloved North Dakota. The only American national park named directly after a single person, the park covers 70,446 acres made up of three areas: the South Unit, the North Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. The landscape varies, as it includes the badlands, wide open prairie and the Little Missouri River.
The park is one of the most pristine, protected habitats for bison in the United States. Visitors can expect beautiful views and abundant wildlife viewing, including bison, elk, horses, coyotes, pronghorns (the fastest land animal in North America!), bobcats, prairie dogs and so much more. Keep in mind that the wildlife in the park is wild and should be viewed from a distance for your safety. The terrain features rolling hills, hiking through the badlands, prairie ecosystem and canyons, sweeping views and plenty of outdoor fun, including backcountry camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing and much more.
Weather conditions can change quickly, but in general, the wind is considerable year-round. Summers are warm with average highs between the 70s and 80s and winters are cold with lows in the single digits from December through February. In the winter, snow is likely, with an average of 30 inches during the winter months.
There is plenty to do in the towns around the park, especially in the small Badlands town of Medora. It’s the gateway to the South Unit of the park, but is also an Old West Cowtown that features horseback riding, museums, the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, and camping and luxury lodging alike.
If you’re looking for activities within the park, there is lots of fun to experience. A full event calendar can be found here. But don’t forget: the North and South units within the park are in different time zones! The North Unit is in the Central Time Zone and South is Mountain Time.
Spring 18-69 F
Summer 70-80s F
Fall 31-75 F
Winter 3-33 F
Where To Stay
When you visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you have plenty of options for camping and RVing. In fact, we named the park our #1 best RV trip to take in North Dakota! Backcountry camping is also allowed in 30,000 acres of the park with no cost, although a permit is required. More information on backcountry camping is available here.
Keep in mind that most of the campgrounds within the park itself are first-come, first-served, although a few sites do take reservations. Here are some of our favorite campgrounds:
Wthin the Park
Outside the Park
Hit the Trails
Most of the hikes within Theodore Roosevelt National Park are short nature hikes, featuring amazing wildlife viewing, stunning landscape and much more. Here are some of our must-try hikes. For a full hiking and trail guide, click here.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park Trails
Maah Daah Hey
Distance: A wide variety, including plateaus, jagged peaks, and valleys, rolling prairie and rivers.
Terrain: 96 miles across all three units of the park
Skyline Vista
Distance: 0.1 miles
Terrain: Flat, paved nature trail atop Johnson’s Plateau leads to stunning views.
Caprock Coulee Nature
Distance: 1.5 miles
Terrain: Easy to moderate hike through badlands terrain and dry washes, featuring a variety of habitats.
Painted Canyon Nature
Distance: 0.9 miles
Terrain: Easy to moderate hike down into the Painted Canyon, featuring rock layers, junipers and a variety of wildlife.
Prairie Dog Town via the Buckhorn Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Terrain: Great trail for wildlife viewing, especially prairie dogs. Easy to Moderate hike
Lone Tree Loop
Distance: 9.6 miles
Terrain: Moderate to strenuous hike that includes difficult stream crossings.
Buckhorn
Distance: 11.4 miles
Terrain: Variety of terrain, including prairie dog towns, sagebrush terraces, deep canyons, and high open prairies.
Achenbach
Distance: 18 miles
Terrain: Strenuous hike with steep climbs, descents, and two river crossings.
What to Do
Once you are ready to leave the park and experience all the area has to offer, there is plenty to do! Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal to fill your belly, new clothes to wear home, or a museum for some culture and learning, here are some of our top recommendations for things to do around Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Restaurants
In between fun outdoor activities, you’re sure to want a delicious meal. No chain restaurants here! In Medora, you can find lots of unique local restaurants with family-friendly atmospheres. Here are a few we love:
Shopping
Need to pick up some last minute items you forgot to pack for your camping trip? Want to bring home a souvenir? Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it at some of the shops nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Here are some of our favorites:
Roosevelt’s Outpost
Forgot any of your camping or hiking essentials? It happens to the best of us! Roosevelt’s Outpost is the area’s newest outdoor supply store and features all the items needed to have a great time at the national park. Plus, you can find unique Theodore Roosevelt National Park souvenirs and prints perfect for bringing home as a memory from a great trip!
Location: Medora
Cowboy Lyle’s Candy
Have a sweet tooth? Whether you’re young or old, this shop is full of fun treats for all, including handmade chocolates and nostalgic items.
Location: Medora
Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association Bookstore
History buff? This is a perfect stop before you leave the park! There are bookstores in the South Unit Visitor Center, Painted Canyon Visitor Center and the North Unit Visitor Center, all within the National Park. Even better, your purchases directly support the park itself.
Location: Medora
The Home Merchant
Stop in for unique home items, accessories for you and your home, clothing and much more.
Location: Medora
Ticket Junction
If you are hoping to bring home a unique Medora or Theodore Roosevelt National Park souvenir, this is the place to stop! There is a section just for kids items, and plenty of souvenirs including t-shirts, toys, puzzles, and other official Medora gear. Additionally, you can get tickets to Medora attractions including The Medora Gospel Brunch and The Medora Musical.
Location: Medora
Museums
Hoping to move outdoors to an indoor activity? Check out some of the museums in the area. Here are a few we recommend.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit Visitor Center
In the South Unit entrance of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Visitor Center also features a museum with Theodore Roosevelt collections and exhibits on history, nature, and geology.
Harold Schafer Heritage Center
Visit this heritage center to learn more about the life of Harold Schafer, legendary North Dakota businessman and philanthropist. Additionally, the displays include the creation of two internationally known products, Mr. Bubble and Snowy Bleach.
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
This 15,000-square foot interpretive center is all about the western culture! Learn more about the North Dakota Native American, Ranching, & Rodeo communities with permanent and traveling exhibits, a Hall of Honorees, theater and even activities and events.
Maltese Cross Cabin
This landmark log cabin was once temporarily occupied by President Theodore Roosevelt in the late 1800s. It’s been restored to its original state and is available for tours. Located behind the South Unit Visitor Center.
Sightseeing
While the park itself features plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife, there is much more to be seen in the area.
Little Missouri River Activities
The Little Missouri River is North Dakota’s only state scenic river that winds through the park. It’s 274 miles long. There are plenty of sights to see along the way, and the best way is right in the water in a kayak or canoe.
Burning Hills Amphitheatre
Nestled right within the Badlands in Medora sits the beautiful, open-air Burning Hills Amphitheatre, where you can take in the Medora Musical and many more shows and plays. You’re sure to love the play or musical act just as much as the gorgeous setting you’re taking it all in at.
Oxbow Overlook
Along the scenic byway sits the Oxbow Overlook, offering a sweeping panoramic view of both the Badlands and an oxbow in the Little Missouri River.
How to Get There
Traveling to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park shouldn’t offer any problems! You can reach the park via plane, car or RV.
By Car
When traveling by car, you have plenty of options, thanks to the three entrances. The South Unit entrance is accessible via Interstate 94, exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on U.S. Highway 85; coming from 1-94, travelers can access highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND. To access the Elkhorn Ranch Unit, travel via gravel roads is required, and road conditions can be extremely variable. Be sure to consult with park staff for information on the travel before you leave.
By plane
If you’re flying, the nearest large airports are located in Bismarck, ND and Billings, MT, and smaller regional airports in Dickinson, ND, and Williston, ND.
By RV
But we think the best way to travel to Theodore Roosevelt National Park is in comfort – in an RV! Renting an RV allows you to travel comfortably and see the sights, beauty, and wildlife offered in the park at your own pace. Even if you don’t own an RV,RV rentals are available across the country. Whether you want to start at your location and drive the whole way, or fly in and pick up an RV closer to the park, there’s a perfect option available to you.
The park is RV friendly and much of it can be seen right from the windows of your vehicle, but there are some guidelines, which can be found here.
If you are hoping to stay in your RV in the park, you must stay at a designated campsite within the Cottonwood or Juniper Campgrounds. There is running water spigots and bathrooms (no showers), but there are no electricity or water hookups. Both the campgrounds have a variety of back-in and pull-through sites, which can accommodate most large vehicles.
View RV RentalsEntering the Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park does collect a park entrance fee for all visitors age 15 and over. Find more information about the variety of passes offered, including an annual park pass and interagency passes here. Private vehicle, motorcycle, and per person passes are all valid for 7 days and can be purchased online.
Private Vehicles : $30
All persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Motorcycle : $25
One or two passengers on a private, single, non-commercial motorcycle.
Per Person : $15
A visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse or other non-motorized means of travel. Youth 15 and under are admitted for free.
Are you ready and excited for your upcoming trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park? We are! At RVshare, we love helping our customers get outdoors, spend time making memories with friends and family and of course, seeing all the beauty our great nation has to offer. RVing is the best way to have a front row seat to all the beauty, all while being comfortable.
We want to hear all about your trip, even if you don’t rent an RV from us and are just driving in. Send us photos at [email protected], tag us on social media, share amazing details, and anything else you want others to know about your experience for a chance to be featured on our blog or social media channels.