Ccc Campground (Nd)
4.6726 reviews1905 S Main St, Watford City, ND 58854
Ccc Campground (Nd)
$5.00 - $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$10.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
CCC Campground charges $10 per night for standard sites. Discounts apply for America The Beautiful - Senior Annual, Senior Lifetime, and Access Pass holders, reducing the nightly fee to $5.
About this campground
Nestled within North Dakota's rugged Badlands, CCC Campground beckons adventurers with its breathtaking canvas of endless prairies and brilliantly colored buttes that seem to glow at sunset. This peaceful retreat offers 32 thoughtfully placed campsites spread across three distinct loops, with five sites available for advance reservation. While embracing a back-to-nature experience with primitive camping facilities, the campground provides essential amenities including vault toilets and seasonal hand-pump water access from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Equestrian enthusiasts will delight in the specially designated horse-friendly sites, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness on horseback.
CCC Campground accommodates both primitive camping and equestrian camping. It offers a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served sites, making it suitable for a broad range of campers.
Historical SignificanceThe story of this land remains untold in our current records, though the very landscape whispers tales of ancient seas, prehistoric creatures, and the enduring spirit of the prairie. Future discoveries may reveal the cultural heritage that shaped this remarkable place.
Weather and SeasonsLate spring through early summer unveils the campground at its finest, when moderate temperatures and clear skies create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. These golden weeks offer comfortable days for hiking and cool evenings around the campfire. As summer progresses, the prairie sun intensifies, bringing warm to hot days that highlight the importance of bringing your own shade, as the open landscape offers little natural cover. The dry climate typical of the Badlands means rain rarely interrupts camping plans during peak season.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await documentation, visitors will experience the unique topography of the Badlands, where the land rises and falls in dramatic formations carved by millions of years of natural forces.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by a landscape that defies expectations – where vibrant bands of red, orange, and gray sediments paint the buttes in nature's own masterpiece. The winding Little Missouri River carves through this ancient terrain, creating ribbons of green that contrast beautifully with the surrounding badlands. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with frequent sightings of graceful pronghorn bounding across the prairie, mule deer browsing in the early morning light, and whitetail deer emerging at dusk. Lucky visitors might even spot the majestic bighorn sheep navigating the rugged terrain. During spring and summer, the campground transforms into a haven for birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts, as the prairie comes alive with chirping meadowlarks and carpets of colorful blooms.
Geological RegionThe campground sits at the heart of North Dakota's legendary Badlands, a geological wonderland where millions of years of erosion have sculpted a dramatic landscape of multicolored buttes, deep ravines, and rolling prairies. This unique terrain, carved by the persistent flow of the Little Missouri River and shaped by wind and weather, offers visitors a front-row seat to one of nature's most spectacular geological theaters. Each layer of exposed rock tells a story of ancient environments, from tropical swamps to inland seas, creating a living museum of Earth's history.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible campsites, parking, picnic shelters, and pit toilets. Sites are largely level and grassy, making them easier to navigate.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with parking pads up to 60 feet in length, and can accommodate large RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are adequately spaced, providing moderate privacy. Some are close to the Little Missouri River, offering scenic views.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 26 (Loop C) is recommended for its level terrain and convenient access to trailheads. Site 17 is noted for its quiet location and spacious layout.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites noted in reviews as highly rated include Site 10 (Loop A) for its proximity to amenities and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No explicit check-in time stated.
Check-out
No explicit check-out time stated.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned in authoritative content.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided regarding guest limits per site.
Groups
Group sites accommodate equestrian camping and are equipped with electric hookups. Details about the maximum number of guests or vehicles per group site are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree loops with 32 sites in total. Sites include grass pads and some equestrian-specific options.
Open and Closed SeasonSeason opens May 27, 2025, and closes September 9, 2025, for reservations. First-come, first-served availability starts June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov; Scan & Pay also available onsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis during specific dates (June 20, 2025 - June 21, 2025).
Cancellation PolicyStandard cancellation fees apply: $10 per cancellation plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations. No refunds for Scan & Pay transactions.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
CCC Campground provides access to a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The Maah Daah Hey Trail offers a 150-mile route connecting to other trails like the Long X Trail for shorter loops. The Little Missouri River and dramatic badlands offer scenic exploration opportunities.
Hiking
The campground is directly connected to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which spans 150 miles. Shorter options include the two-mile Sunset Loop and an 11-mile loop that combines the Maah Daah Hey Trail and the Long X Trail. Trails feature dramatic badlands views.Biking
Mountain biking is supported along the trails, including the Maah Daah Hey Trail, which is accessible directly from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife frequently observed includes pronghorns, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and occasional bighorn sheep. The area is also popular among bird enthusiasts.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are detailed, though the campground remains accessible for year-round outdoor recreation.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported within the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in fire rings provided at each site. Follow pack-in, pack-out policies for firewood.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include muddy access roads during rainy weather and broken glass/trash left by previous campers, as noted by user reviews.
Active alertsNo current active alerts noted.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.8 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
The nearest emergency services are located in Watford City, 15 minutes away, including medical facilities and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 27, 2025 - September 9, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. Campers are required to pack out all waste and trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe Little Missouri River runs along the northern edge of the campground.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of trash service, muddy roads during rainy conditions, and broken picnic tables at some sites.
HostReviewers consistently mention the campground host's friendliness and helpfulness. Example: 'Brian the camp host was very friendly.'
Campground Map
1905 S Main St, Watford City, ND 58854
Driving directionsThe CCC Campground is located off HWY 85. Ensure you follow signage, as the route includes a well-maintained dirt road. Reviewers recommend caution on rainy days due to potential mud challenges.
The road leading to CCC Campground is a well-maintained dirt road but can be dusty during dry conditions and muddy during rain. One review notes, 'The access road is dusty but it's in good shape besides the cattle guards. One is missing a bar so it's a big bump.' Large RVs may face challenges during wet conditions.Nearby places
Watford City (15-minute drive north on HWY 85), Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit (approximately 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Watford City, a 15-minute drive, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
4.7
26 reviews
Ccc Campground (Nd) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Guests frequently describe CCC Campground as clean, quiet, and affordable, with large, level sites and excellent access to nearby trails and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. However, some users highlight challenges with road access, limited shade, and occasional trash left by previous campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and scenic views. Many reviewers appreciate the proximity to trails and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Verizon cell service...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticism centers on the dusty or muddy access road, lack of trash facilities, and limited shade at campsites. Some visitors mentioned issues like broken picnic tables or occasional litter.
Based on 26 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest bringing plenty of water, shade structures, and being prepared for the self-pay system. Campers with large RVs are advised to avoid rainy days due to access road conditions. The Maah...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during the spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate. Summer reviews highlight the lack of shade and high temperatures, while winter reviews are absent,...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This is a must stay. Great little park for minimal dollars." - Tunis Cooper; "Nice primitive campground. Sites are large and level." - Sandra Peterson; "Great location for trails and North Unit of...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 17 is noted as spacious and quiet. Sites in Loop A, such as site 10, are highlighted as close to vault toilets and suitable for star gazing. Loop C, particularly site 26, is praised for its...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility features, but the campground's level sites and accessible vault toilets are indirectly praised.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed and highlighted by some as a benefit since nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park restricts dogs on trails.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025