Bennett Campground
4.6310 reviewsSeven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles
Bennett Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Overnight camping fee is $10 per site, with a 50% discount available to Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders for the site they occupy. Payment must be made via cash or check.
About this campground
Discover your own slice of prairie paradise at Bennett Campground, where 13 intimate campsites await beneath the endless Dakota sky. This hidden gem operates on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming both tent campers and RV adventurers to experience the untamed beauty of the Little Missouri National Grassland. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for starlit dinners and storytelling around crackling flames. Modern vault toilets provide convenience without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the doorstep of the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail, where miles of epic terrain beckon just beyond your tent flap.
Bennett Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with its 13 campsites. Group camping and other specialized accommodations are not explicitly mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsBennett Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter blankets the grasslands in pristine snow, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and warm campfires. As spring awakens the prairie, wildflowers begin their colorful dance across the landscape under crisp, dry skies. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for trail exploration, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that paint the sky and refresh the land. Fall arrives with a painter's palette of amber grasses and comfortable temperatures, creating ideal conditions for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the summer crowds.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Dakota prairie, where Bennett Campground serves as your gateway to a landscape that time forgot. The rolling grasslands stretch endlessly toward the horizon, their golden waves interrupted by unexpected patches of hardy forest that provide shade and shelter. This dramatic terrain tells the story of ancient seas and weathered badlands, creating a photographer's dream at every turn. Keep your camera ready – the local wildlife puts on daily shows, from the haunting chorus of coyotes at dusk to the gentle presence of free-roaming cattle that remind visitors of the region's ranching heritage. Each sunrise and sunset transforms the rugged landscape into a masterpiece of light and shadow.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Little Missouri National Grassland, Bennett Campground offers front-row seats to one of North America's most underappreciated natural wonders. This million-acre mosaic of rolling prairies and rugged badlands represents the largest grassland in the United States, where the Dakota Prairie Grasslands ecosystem thrives in all its untamed glory. The dramatic topography tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient sediments have been sculpted by wind, water, and time into the breathtaking landscape that surrounds your campsite today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible unisex vault toilet is available during the summer months.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and capable of accommodating RVs, with three pull-through sites and the rest being pull-in/back-in parking. "Big enough lots for groups, campers, and large tents."
Sites PrivacyCampsites are noted for their spaciousness and seclusion. "The campsites are spaced far apart, so you would hardly know anyone else was there."
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites for protection from the sun. Upper sites are recommended for improved cell phone reception.
Best CampsitesTwo campsites have shade, which are often preferred by visitors. Upper campsites reportedly offer better cell reception.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days
Groups
There is no specific information about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground comprises 13 sites, three of which are pull-through, while the rest are back-in or pull-in.
Open and Closed Season'Campground is open year-round, with limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be available, but no specific platform is provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served, no reservation required.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bennett Campground provides access to several non-motorized trails, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail, Cottonwood Trail, and Bennett Trail. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and day hiking are popular activities here. Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned, with coyotes and cows being common sights. "One morning I woke up to find cows staring at me from over the fence, and another night my brother said he heard coyotes howling." Seasonal issues like ticks were reported by some reviewers.
Hiking
Multiple trails are accessible directly from the campground, including the Maah Daah Hey, Bennett, and Cottonwood Trails. "Easy access to the hiking trail to Maah Daah Hey. Did a 10.5-mile hike."Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on the trails accessible from Bennett Campground. "The trail from Bennett Campground is moderately difficult." E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and are restricted to established roads.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned by reviewers. Common sightings include coyotes and cows. "Woke up to mooing cows, great stay!"Winter Activities
Winter activities are not detailed in available sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Check current fire restrictions before use.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks are a reported issue during the summer months. Wildlife, including coyotes, may be present. Caution is advised when hiking in wet conditions due to slick clay.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be in effect.
Weather forecast
75
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available at McKenzie Ranger District Office in Watford City, ND, approximately 22 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingPack-in, Pack-out rules apply. Campers must carry out all trash and should not dispose of garbage in the vault toilets.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground has a water source near the trailhead with a hand pump.
Common complaintsTicks are a major concern during summer months. Limited shade at campsites is another common complaint.
Campground Map
Seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles
Driving directionsLocated seven and a half miles north of Grassy Butte, ND, on Highway 85, then west four miles. Turn south on road #824 across the green cattle guard and approximately one mile south and west to the camp.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Highway 85. Road conditions are suitable for most vehicles, but visitors should exercise caution crossing the green cattle guard.Nearby places
Grassy Butte, ND (approximately 7.5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be acquired in Watford City, ND, 22 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
Bennett Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bennett Campground highlight its peaceful and secluded environment, making it an excellent choice for those looking to connect with nature. Positive aspects include large campsites, cell phone reception at higher sites, and clean vault toilets. Some users reported seasonal issues with ticks.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the peaceful and secluded nature of the campground, the spaciousness of campsites, and easy trail access. "Beautiful area, peaceful, quiet. A great base for visiting the nearby...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Seasonal ticks were cited as a major issue by some reviewers. "Ticks make this area almost unbearable." Limited shade at most campsites was also noted. "The only negative thing about this campground...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure shaded sites and treating pets for ticks during tick season. "Only 2 of the 13 sites had any shade, and we took those of course." Bring cash or checks for...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Tick-related issues are prominent during the summer months, while users enjoy solitude and better trail conditions in cooler seasons. "Avoid tick season or just have a good plan for dealing with...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Pretty cool campground with good views. In the upper campsites there is cell phone service which is handy." "Campground great but ticks make this area almost unbearable while we were there in June."...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Upper campsites are noted for better cell reception. "In the upper campsites there is cell phone service." Sites with shade are limited and recommended. "Only 2 of the 13 sites had any shade, and we...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The vault toilet is described as accessible, but there are no detailed reviews from users on other accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users warn about ticks during summer months: "Dont even think about bringing a pet unless its been treated."
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025