Roundup Group Horse Camp
3.907 reviews315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
Roundup Group Horse Camp
$70.00 - $70.00 / 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$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly fee for the group equestrian site is $70, applicable during the peak season from May 1 to October 31. This does not include fees for park entrance or additional services.
About this campground
Where the spirit of the Old West meets modern adventure, Roundup Group Horse Camp welcomes both equestrian enthusiasts and traditional campers to experience Theodore Roosevelt National Park's dramatic South Unit. This unique group campground serves as your basecamp for exploring the painted badlands, whether you arrive on horseback or by vehicle. Here, the echoes of hoofbeats blend with the whispers of prairie wind, creating an authentic Western experience that connects you to the rugged landscape that shaped a president's conservation legacy.
Roundup Group Horse Camp is designed primarily for group camping and equestrian activities. It can accommodate tents, RVs, and horse trailers.
Historical SignificanceStep into the very landscape that transformed a young Theodore Roosevelt from an Eastern aristocrat into America's greatest conservation president. In the 1880s, these badlands witnessed Roosevelt's transformation as he ranched, hunted, and fell deeply in love with the raw beauty of the Dakota Territory. The same rugged terrain that tested his mettle and inspired his groundbreaking conservation philosophy now offers modern adventurers a chance to connect with this pivotal chapter in American history, where every sunset echoes the birth of our national park system.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this badlands sanctuary into a sun-drenched adventure zone, where hot, dry days invite early morning rides and twilight explorations. The shoulder seasons of May and October bring their own charm, though water availability can dance with the whims of prairie weather during these transitional months. To ensure comfort during temperature extremes, generators hum to life between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, providing modern conveniences while preserving the peaceful ambiance of evening campfire conversations under star-filled skies.
ElevationNestled within the undulating terrain of the badlands, the campground rests at the perfect vantage point to experience the dramatic topography of the Northern Great Plains, where ancient geological forces have carved a masterpiece of ridges, valleys, and painted canyons.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that defies expectations, where the rugged badlands of the Northern Great Plains create a natural amphitheater of geological wonder. Majestic cottonwood trees stand sentinel around the campground, their leaves rustling with prairie songs and transforming into a golden canopy each fall. This is where the West reveals its true character through sculpted buttes, painted canyon walls, and endless skies that stretch beyond imagination.
Geological RegionPositioned at the crossroads of the Northern Great Plains and the American West, this campground occupies one of North America's most dramatic geological showcases. The badlands' rugged topography tells a story written in stone, where millions of years of erosion have exposed colorful rock layers in a natural gallery. The Little Missouri River, winding through this ancient landscape like a ribbon of life, serves as the region's beating heart, nurturing unique flora and fauna that have adapted to thrive in this challenging yet beautiful environment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessibility features such as horse hitching posts and corrals. However, there is no detailed information about ADA compliance for the facilities.
Sites SizeAmple space is provided to accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The group site has a capacity of up to 20 people with 20 horses or 30 people without horses.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a quiet and secluded environment. One review highlights the privacy, stating, "If you love rugged riding with beautiful scenery, wildlife, and privacy this is the best place to be."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe site is ideal for groups with horses, boasting horse stalls and a large area for trucks and trailers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 noon
Check-out
12:00 noon
Stay Limit
Campers may stay up to 5 consecutive nights during a visit, with a maximum of 5 nights total in a year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The site accommodates up to 20 people with 20 horses, or 30 people without horses.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 20 people with 20 horses or 30 people without horses. There is ample space for RVs and trailers.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features one large group site designed for equestrian use, with areas for trucks, trailers, and a shelter with picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 31. Reservations can be made on a 12-month rolling basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground does not accept walk-up reservations; all bookings must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online or via call center before the arrival date. A $10 fee applies for cancellations, with additional penalties for late cancellations (14 days or fewer before arrival). Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Roundup Group Horse Camp can engage in hiking, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing, and birding. The surrounding 70-mile trail network provides ample recreational opportunities. Some reviews highlight the abundance of bison and wild horses as a unique aspect of the experience. Nighttime activities include quiet stargazing due to the remote and less-visited location.
Hiking
An estimated 70 miles of trails are accessible from the campground. These trails offer a mix of rugged and scenic routes suitable for hikers of varying skill levels. The trails allow visitors to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of the campground, with bison and wild horses frequently roaming through the camp. A reviewer noted, "Buffalo came through camp every morning. Wild horses came to visit camp as well."Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not applicable as the campground operates seasonally from May 1 to October 31.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but restrictions may apply during summer due to dry conditions. Gathering of fallen firewood is permitted on-site.
- Quiet hours are Generator hours are restricted to 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is home to wildlife such as bison and wild horses. Campers should exercise caution when these animals approach the site. Additionally, overhanging tree branches may pose a risk to vehicles taller than 13 feet.
Active alertsFire restrictions are common during hot, dry summer months, potentially prohibiting campfires and charcoal fires.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.4 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 in Medora, which is 12 miles from the campground. The Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND are additional resources.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - October 31
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, but maintenance can be inconsistent. According to user reviews, garbage cans have been "overflowing" at times, indicating a lapse in trash pickup.
Proximity to water featuresThe Little Missouri River serves as a focal point of the surrounding area. No direct water access is provided at the campground.
Common complaintsUser reviews cite issues like unemptied garbage cans, unclean horse stalls, and lack of mowing. However, other users praise the clean latrines and scenic beauty.
HostFriendly rangers have been noted to stop by the campsite. However, there is no full-time host on-site.
Campground Map
315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645
Driving directionsThe South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND. Medora is accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota. Note exit 27 is westbound exit only. Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line.
Good access via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27. Exit 27 is westbound only. Roads are paved up to the campground.Nearby places
Medora - 12 miles, Bismarck - 133 miles, Montana state line - 27 miles
Nearby supplies
Medora offers groceries, fuel, and other essential supplies approximately 12 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.9
7 reviews
Roundup Group Horse Camp has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Roundup Group Horse Camp highlight its unique appeal to horseback riders and nature enthusiasts. The presence of wildlife such as bison and wild horses is frequently mentioned as a memorable experience. While some users praise the cleanliness of the facilities, others note issues such as overflowing trash and unmaintained grounds.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's spacious design, clean latrines, and proximity to hiking and riding trails are commonly praised. Wildlife encounters, including bison and wild horses, add to the appeal. One reviewer...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Maintenance issues such as unemptied trash cans, unmown grounds, and dirty horse stalls were noted by some users. One review stated, "The stalls were very messy when we got there, and we ran out of...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Consider bringing a hammock to enjoy the shade offered by the shelter area. Be prepared for unpredictable water availability in May and October. For equestrian users, one recommendation is to ensure...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular during its open season from May to October, with notable wildlife sightings being more frequent in the warmer months. Fall offers colorful foliage from the surrounding...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Buffalo came through camp every morning. Wild horses came to visit camp as well." - Billie H; "Latrines are clean and smell good! The shelter with picnic tables is a nice respite from the sun and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Several reviews focus on Horse Camp in the South Unit, describing it as spacious and well-suited for group camping. Maintenance issues appear to be site-specific, with some sites being cleaner than...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Reviews do not specifically address accessibility for users with disabilities. However, the horse stalls and corrals are appreciated by equestrian users.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific user feedback regarding pet policies or experiences was found.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025