Trailhead to Buffalo Gap
Camper
Camper
Campsite #1
Campground pavilion

About Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

Buffalo Gap campground, located in the heart of western North Dakota. 

Available sites

17 total sites

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 9 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

17 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ 1, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
$20
/ per night
⛺ 10, Loop: Mandan Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: Mandan Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 12, Loop: Mandan Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 13, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 14, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 15, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 16, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 17, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 27, Loop: Hidatsa Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 3, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 4, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 5, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 6, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 7, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 8, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 9, Loop: Mandan Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews

127 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Buffalo Gap Campground offers a peaceful and well-maintained environment, ideal for relaxation and stargazing, especially close to Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Campers appreciated the spacious sites, friendly hosts, and clean facilities, including hot showers. While some noted issues with site reservations and minor maintenance concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the campground as a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Based on guest feedback

4.2

Overall rating

Based on 127 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 54.3% (69)
4 stars 24.4% (31)
3 stars 10.2% (13)
2 stars 9.4% (12)
1 star 1.6% (2)

Showing 127 reviews

ALISA R

September 28, 2025

Fairly decent campsite but bathrooms had no toilet paper. For booking, there is a QR code to book electronically but cell service for ATT was 1 bar so it took a while to book. Walking/running/biking trails right out of the campground! Worth the $ for the trail access.

Helpful

kevin H

Verified

September 16, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Mandan

Nice little campground. We stayed two nights in Mandan #5. Positive is flush toilets and free hot showers with good pressure. Good potable water access. Also had very good cell service with T-Mobile phones. Mandan loop has the house with three showers.
Negatives: as others have mentioned, the traffic noise on the interstate is quite noticeable - we used a small portable white noise machine to help with that issue. Our site was not very level, but we were able to get our little pickup turned at an angle to level out our rooftop tent enough.
Biggest complaint is there seemed to be no evidence of a camp host, or any other person keeping the place maintained. Maybe that was over for the season, but we didn't see anyone, and the bathrooms and showers were not clean. No toilet paper, other than what seemed to be a roll or two donated by other campers. We stayed at another campground on this trip that had vault toilets that were cleaner, better stocked, and better smelling. Note - no lights inside the showers or toilet rooms, so take a headlamp or flashlight at night. Our site did not have a sign indicating that we had reserved it, only a plaque saying reservations are required.
Overall, an OK place to stay for a couple of nights, especially for hot showers. Easy access to Medora and Theo Roosevelt National Park. If showers are not vital, the Cottonwood Campground in the Park might be a better and quieter option.

Helpful

Tammy W

Verified

September 14, 2025 Stayed at: 3, Loop: Mandan

Reserved a spot through recreation.gov and arrived to find someone in the spot. There was no campground host, never saw a park ranger. Kind of seemed like it was a free for all.

Helpful

Gary A L

Verified

September 12, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Mandan

well maintained and wide spaces for parking and camping Great view; excellent hiking;

Helpful

Doug S

Verified

September 12, 2025 Stayed at: 27, Loop: Hidatsa

We didn't have the option to ride the Buffalo Gap Trail because my wife rides an ebike, but we were able to ride some fun gravel roads in the area.

Helpful

Katie I

Verified

September 11, 2025 Stayed at: 5, Loop: Mandan

We loved staying here and will definitely be coming back! The campground was very well-maintained, and our site was large and a good distance away from the other sites. Having flush toilets, sinks with running water, and showers were huge bonuses. The site was also very quiet; we weren't bothered by any road noise, despite being so close to the highway. This location is perfect for anyone going to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Highly recommended!

Helpful

Vicki L

September 11, 2025

Easy, peasy to stay at Buffalo Gap campground. Quiet, kept very clean, awesome camphost who checked in with everyone in the campground. Highly recommend this FCFS campground

Helpful

Steven S

Verified

September 8, 2025 Stayed at: 13, Loop: Mandan

Out of the way campground with very nice sites.

Helpful

Larry K

Verified

September 5, 2025 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Mandan

Conveniently located and well maintained campground.

Helpful

Scott D

Verified

August 27, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: Mandan

I stopped here for the showers!! I had been in the National Parks for 4 days and needed a shower. Showers were functional, but not super clean. Facility is a bit old. I was in Site 11 and there was no shade. Site Host was very nice and friendly.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Buffalo Gap Campground (ND)

99 23rd Ave W., Dickinson, ND 58601 United States

Elevation: 788 ft

Nearest town

Dickinson, ND - 45 mi

About 41 min to downtown

Highway access

Buffalo Gap Campground is accessible via Interstate 94, which is approximately 25 miles to the southeast.

Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The closest entrance is: South Unit Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 9.1 mi · 16 min

Policies & Rules

General

  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 25, 2026

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Population: 25,357

Elevation: 2,411 ft

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