
Juniper Campground
A serene campground in Theodore Roosevelt NP's North Unit, offering close wildlife encounters and peaceful riverside camping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime wildlife viewing

Juniper Campground
Best Time
Prime wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene campground in Theodore Roosevelt NP's North Unit, offering close wildlife encounters and peaceful riverside camping.
"Juniper Campground is a hidden gem for campers seeking a peaceful yet scenic retreat with abundant wildlife."

🚗 Wildlife Etiquette
Keep a safe distance from bison & wildlife. Never feed them! They roam freely through camp.
💧 Potable Water Available
Clean drinking water is available. Bring your own container or bottle to refill.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bison Roaming Free
Throughout the campground
Witness majestic bison casually strolling through campsites. A truly wild and unforgettable experience.

Riverside Campsites
Along the Little Missouri River
Enjoy serene views of the Little Missouri River from your campsite. Perfect for peaceful mornings and stunning sunsets.

Scenic Road Biking
Scenic Drive
Bike the scenic road to overlooks for breathtaking vistas. Less crowded than driving, offering a more immersive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Encounters
Beat the Heat and Secure Your Spot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Wildlife Etiquette
Keep a safe distance from bison & wildlife. Never feed them! They roam freely through camp.
💧 Potable Water Available
Clean drinking water is available. Bring your own container or bottle to refill.
🛶 Kayak/Canoe Launch
The Little Missouri River is right there! Bring your kayak or canoe for a paddle.
💰 Affordable Stays
Just $14/night, or $7 with a senior pass. Great value for the experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Wildlife Etiquette
Keep a safe distance from bison & wildlife. Never feed them! They roam freely through camp.
💧 Potable Water Available
Clean drinking water is available. Bring your own container or bottle to refill.
🛶 Kayak/Canoe Launch
The Little Missouri River is right there! Bring your kayak or canoe for a paddle.
💰 Affordable Stays
Just $14/night, or $7 with a senior pass. Great value for the experience!
☀️ Beat the Heat
May can be surprisingly hot. Pack sun protection and stay hydrated.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Juniper Campground is a highly-rated gem in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit, praised for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife, especially bison. Campers appreciate the easy access, riverside sites, and basic amenities like flush toilets. Some note the lack of showers and the potential for hot weather in certain months.
"Freaky hot in May, our bad luck . Lovely quiet wide open campground. Some spots for big rigs. Buffalo walking all over this park! Lots of trails to walk on, pretty views. Scenic Rd wasn't too busy at all, so we biked to the overlook. Saw a huge bull nosed snake on the road!!"
Alice Feeney
"If you can get a spot, definitely worth camping here. We just stayed 1 night and got to explore the area and even had several bison walk through camp :-)"
Chip Edwards
"Juniper Campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit is a hidden gem for campers looking for a peaceful yet scenic retreat. Based on our experience, one of the standout benefits of this campground is the ease of access—no long wait times or difficult reservation systems to deal with, even in 2024. We were able to pull in and secure a stunning riverside campsite without a reservation, which added to the spontaneous charm of the trip.
The location offers spectacular views and is surrounded by the natural beauty of the park, with wildlife sightings being a regular occurrence. Bison, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs roam nearby, bringing you up close to nature without ever leaving the campground. As a bonus, the campground is a perfect starting point for various hikes, including trails that begin right from the campground itself.
Our riverside spot was serene, with views of the Little Missouri River and a beautiful sunset to cap off each day. The campground itself offers simple but sufficient amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and a peaceful environment perfect for those who want to connect with nature.
If you're looking for a camping experience where you can immerse yourself in the park's beauty without the hassle of reservations or overcrowding, Juniper Campground is ideal. The combination of wildlife, hiking opportunities, and river views makes it a must-visit destination in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Highly recommend for nature lovers and anyone looking to explore the North Unit in its full glory!"
DLM-Distribution Campervans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Juniper Campground is located in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Access is via the park's main scenic drive. The roads within the campground are paved, making it accessible for most vehicles.
Yes, it's generally easy to find within the North Unit. Follow the signs for Juniper Campground once you enter the park. Many visitors report smooth arrivals without long waits.
Absolutely! The campground has spots suitable for big rigs, and the paved roads make maneuvering easier. Some sites offer ample space for larger setups.
If arriving late, be extra cautious as wildlife, especially bison, may be present. Set up your tent in the dark if necessary, but always be aware of your surroundings.
The North Unit is accessed from US-85, north of Watford City, North Dakota. Follow signs for the Theodore Roosevelt National Park North Unit entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are not always required, and many visitors have successfully secured spots by simply arriving. However, for peak times or weekends, arriving early is recommended.
The standard fee is $14 per night. This is reduced to $7 per night with a senior pass or certain access passes.
The fee typically covers your campsite, access to picnic tables, fire pits, and the use of flush toilets and sinks. Potable water is also available.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The campground fee is separate from the park entrance fee. Check the official NPS website for current park entrance fees.
Campgrounds in national parks are generally open 24/7 for camping. However, park visitor centers and facilities have specific operating hours.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Juniper Campground offers picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and sinks. Potable water is also available. There are no showers currently, but this may change in the future.
Currently, there are no showers available at Juniper Campground. This is a common point of feedback, with hopes for future additions.
Expect to see bison roaming freely, often right through the campground. You might also spot longhorn cattle, prairie dogs, and various birds.
Yes, there are hiking trails that begin right from the campground itself, offering convenient access to explore the park's beauty.
Yes, the campground has spots that can accommodate big rigs, and the paved roads make it easier to navigate with larger vehicles.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Juniper Campground is a primitive camping area and does not have on-site restaurants or food services. You'll need to bring all your own food and cooking supplies.
The nearest town with dining options is Watford City, which is a drive away. It's best to plan for cooking at your campsite or packing meals.
Yes, fire pits are available at most campsites, allowing you to have campfires. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions that may be in place due to dry conditions.
You'll need to purchase groceries in Watford City or other nearby towns before heading to the campground, as there are no stores within the park.
While there are no bear boxes, keeping food properly sealed and stored in your vehicle is essential to prevent attracting wildlife like bison.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverside campsites offer beautiful shots of the Little Missouri River, especially at sunrise and sunset. Wildlife encounters, particularly bison, provide incredible photo opportunities.
Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours.' This is also when wildlife is most active.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance. Zoom lenses are highly recommended to capture wildlife without disturbing them. Never approach or feed animals for a photo.
You can capture the rugged badlands scenery, the winding Little Missouri River, and vast open skies. The changing light throughout the day creates dramatic effects.
The overlooks along the Scenic Drive, accessible by bike or car from the campground, offer panoramic views perfect for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no playgrounds, the open spaces and nearby hiking trails provide plenty of room for kids to explore safely. Remember to emphasize wildlife safety to children, teaching them to observe from a distance and never to approach or feed the animals. The availability of flush toilets and sinks adds a layer of convenience that can make camping with younger children more manageable. Packing plenty of snacks and planning simple campfire meals will enhance the family camping experience.
🚗 RV & Big Rig Campers
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
The campground's location within the North Unit means you're surrounded by stunning scenery. The Scenic Drive, which can be explored by bike or on foot, offers further opportunities for exploration and photography. The chance to witness bison and other wildlife up close adds an incredible dimension to the natural experience, making Juniper Campground a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic connection with the wild landscapes of North Dakota.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: A Photographer's Dream
Beyond bison, keep an eye out for other park inhabitants. You might spot longhorn cattle, prairie dogs popping out of their burrows, or various bird species native to the badlands. The campground's location along the Little Missouri River also attracts waterfowl and other riparian wildlife. The sheer abundance and proximity of these animals create a truly immersive natural experience that sets Juniper Campground apart.
Camping Comforts and River Access
The campground's prime location along the Little Missouri River is a significant draw. Many campsites offer direct river views, creating a serene atmosphere. This proximity also makes it an ideal spot for those who enjoy water activities. Bringing a canoe or kayak is highly recommended, as you can easily launch from the campground and explore the gentle currents of the river, enjoying the unique perspective of the badlands from the water.
Exploring the North Unit from Juniper Campground
For a broader exploration, the Scenic Drive winds through the North Unit, offering numerous pull-offs for breathtaking vistas. Visitors suggest biking this road, as it's often less crowded than driving, allowing for a more intimate experience with the scenery. This drive connects you to various points of interest, including overlooks and trailheads, making it easy to plan your days of exploration. The combination of accessible trails and the scenic drive ensures you can experience the full grandeur of the North Unit.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit