Juniper Campground Group Site
4.5452 reviewsPO Box 7, Medora, ND, 58645
Juniper Campground Group Site
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group standard area nonelectric sites cost $60 per night during peak season from May 15 to September 30 annually. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, Juniper Campground Group Site beckons adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts to gather beneath the vast Dakota sky. This exceptional group camping destination serves as your gateway to miles of winding trails that traverse the dramatic badlands landscape, where ancient geological formations tell stories millions of years in the making. The moderately forested setting provides a perfect balance of shade and open spaces, creating an ideal basecamp for groups exploring one of America's most rugged and inspiring national parks.
Juniper Campground Group Site caters to group camping and accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs. It is designed to host groups ranging from seven to 60 people, with a maximum of 20 passenger vehicles.
Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of the 26th President of the United States, where Theodore Roosevelt found solace and inspiration following personal tragedy. These very badlands, with their stark beauty and unforgiving terrain, transformed a young New York politician into America's greatest conservation president. The landscape you'll explore shaped Roosevelt's revolutionary understanding that wilderness must be preserved for future generations. His ranching and hunting experiences in this rugged country laid the foundation for our modern national park system, making every sunset viewed from your campsite a connection to this pivotal chapter in American conservation history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of the Northern Plains, where summer days bring warm sunshine that invites you to seek refreshment in the cool waters of the Little Missouri River flowing nearby. As autumn arrives, prepare for crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons perfect for hiking. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though visitors should note that the campground closes during the coldest months. Spring and fall visitors should check ahead, as water facilities may be temporarily unavailable during infrastructure improvements designed to enhance your future camping experiences.
ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements await documentation, visitors will experience the gentle rise and fall of the badlands terrain, where the campground sits comfortably within the park's varied topography, offering both accessibility and immersion in the natural landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine awakening to the rustle of cottonwood leaves overhead, their canopy providing natural shelter and transforming into a golden cathedral each autumn. The campground's strategic location offers front-row seats to nature's grand theater, where the Little Missouri River carves its ancient path through layers of colorful sedimentary rock. Morning mists rise from the river valley while evening light paints the badlands in shades of amber and rose. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound – majestic bison may graze within sight of your tent, while the park's famous longhorn cattle, descendants of Roosevelt's ranching era, roam the grasslands like living pieces of Western history.
Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent Northern Great Plains, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth. The campground sits at the intersection of prairie and badlands, where hardy cottonwoods line the Little Missouri River's meandering course through carved canyons and eroded buttes. This unique ecosystem supports an incredible diversity of life, from delicate wildflowers that carpet the prairie in spring to the hardy juniper trees that lend the campground its name. The rugged badlands topography creates a natural amphitheater of striped cliffs and sculptured formations, each layer revealing chapters from Earth's ancient past.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes paved roads and picnic tables. Restrooms with running water and flush toilets offer basic accessibility for visitors.
Sites SizeThe sites accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs, including larger rigs like 33-foot travel trailers. Parking pads are paved, and layouts vary in size and shade availability.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer a mix of privacy levels, with some areas more secluded while others are closer to shared spaces. Walk-in sites provide additional shade and distance from the main camping zones.
Total Campsites60 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded walk-in sites for privacy and cooler conditions. Riverfront sites are ideal for views. Site 42 is noted as spacious and suitable for solar-powered equipment.
Best CampsitesRiverfront spots are particularly recommended for their views and proximity to the Little Missouri River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 noon
Check-out
12:00 noon
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights during a visit. Maximum of 30 days total per calendar year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The group site can accommodate up to 60 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates seven to 60 people with parking space for up to 20 passenger vehicles. It provides privacy and multiple tent setup areas, making it suitable for larger gatherings.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are paved with picnic tables and charcoal grills. The layout includes pull-through and walk-in sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 15 to September 30. Closed for reservations from October to April.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available on a first-come-first-served basis outside of reservation season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. Refunds are issued minus a $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fees. Late cancellation penalties apply starting 14 days before check-in, subtracting the first night's recreation use fee from the refund.
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
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Juniper Campground offers access to several recreational activities including hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, and canoeing/kayaking on the Little Missouri River. The site provides direct access to trails like the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail.
Hiking
The Achenbach Trail, spanning 17.7 miles, offers a challenging hike through diverse landscapes, including river bottomland and Achenbach Hills. The trail also has a spur leading to Oxbow Overlook. Visitors should inquire about river crossing conditions beforehand. The Little Mo Trail is a self-guided 1.1-mile nature trail ideal for exploring woodland and badland ecosystems.Swimming
While there are no designated swimming areas, visitors can cool off in the Little Missouri River during summer months when temperatures peak.Biking
Juniper Campground provides cycling opportunities, with visitors mentioning scenic bike rides to overlooks and trails starting from the campground.Boating
Boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking are available on the Little Missouri River, which runs adjacent to the campground.Wildlife viewing
Visitors frequently observe wildlife including bison, longhorn cattle, deer, moose, and bird species. User reviews often praise the close encounters with wildlife, making it a highlight of the camping experience.Winter Activities
Reviews and authoritative sources do not mention specific winter activities at Juniper Campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are popular on the Little Missouri River, accessible directly from the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions are common during dry months. Gathering of dead and downed wood is allowed.
- Quiet hours are Generators allowed from 8 AM to 8 PM, implying quiet hours outside these times.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks are prevalent, and poison ivy is found near walk-in sites. Wildlife such as bison and longhorn cattle roam freely, which can be both an attraction and a potential hazard.
Active alertsFlush toilets and water facilities may not be available due to construction in certain years.
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: 6.3 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
Watford City, approximately 15 miles north, provides emergency services including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are conveniently available at each campsite. Recycling facilities are also available, as noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe Little Missouri River flows along the west side of the campground, providing opportunities for paddling and cooling off.
Common complaintsConstruction noise, lack of running water during certain months, and pests like flies and mosquitoes were noted by visitors.
HostCampground hosts are knowledgeable and helpful, as noted in multiple reviews.
Campground Map
PO Box 7, Medora, ND, 58645
Driving directionsThe North Unit entrance is along U.S. Highway 85, approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND and 50 miles north of Belfield, ND. The distance by road from Medora to the North Unit is approximately 70 miles. Interstate 94 travelers can access U.S. Highway 85 at Exit 42 in Belfield, ND.
The campground is accessed via paved roads, though the access road is noted to be bumpy. Seasonal closures might affect accessibility.Nearby places
Watford City - 15 miles, Belfield - 50 miles, Medora - 70 miles
Nearby supplies
Watford City, 15 miles away, offers shopping, restaurants, amenities, and fuel options.
Camper Reviews
4.5
52 reviews
Juniper Campground Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Juniper Campground is praised for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and spacious sites. Visitors appreciate its proximity to trails and the Little Missouri River, although some mention challenges like limited amenities and occasional disturbances such as construction noises.
Review Summaries
Based on 52 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive themes from reviews include wildlife encounters (e.g., bison roaming the campground), clean and well-maintained facilities, helpful campground hosts, and the peaceful, secluded environment....
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints involve the lack of shower facilities and sporadic construction disturbances. Some visitors also reported issues with bugs, ticks, and weather conditions like rain and heat.
Based on 52 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing bug repellent, charcoal for grilling, and being vigilant about poison ivy. Many suggest arriving on weekdays for better site availability and choosing shaded sites to...
Based on 52 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonally, summer reviews note the beauty of cottonwood trees and wildlife but highlight the prevalence of bugs and heat. Fall reviews emphasize the golden foliage and cooler temperatures. Spring...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'A herd of buffalo visited our campsite after supper and returned during the night for a 30-minute visit under a full moon. Magic.' - Tom Rogers
2. 'Stopped for 1 night at campsite and stayed 4...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews include mentions of Site 42, which is large enough for a 33-foot travel trailer and provides full sun for solar use. Site 9 is noted for its privacy and cleanliness. Sites...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are appreciated, such as paved roads and restrooms with running water. Some reviews mention the need to walk a short distance to restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
Based on 52 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcomed at Juniper Campground, and visitors often bring dogs. One review specifically mentioned keeping dogs cool using water stations during summer heat.
Based on 52 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025