Buffalo Gap Campground
Buffalo Gap Campground offers a rustic camping experience with easy access to the Buffalo Gap Trail. The campground features 35 paved campsites with picnic tables, and fire rings. A group pavilion picnic area is near the front entrance. The site also features two comfort stations with sinks, flush toilets, three showers (mid-May to mid-October), and one vault toilet.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Make Reservations HereThe Buffalo Gap Campground offers 36 campsites. Five sites are available for reservations on Recreation.gov.
General Information
The Buffalo Gap Viewpoint near the campground entrance road leads to the 600-foot hike up a steep scoria hill to an overlook that provides a spectacular view of the area in every direction. A set of interpretive panels on the area's geologic history.
- A seasonal campground host is on-site from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Pack-in, Pack-out rules apply. If you bring it in with you, please take it out. Please do not put any trash in the vault toilets.
- Horses not allowed within campground boundary – trailhead day-use parking available at main road entrance for access to Buffalo Gap Trail
- Tent camping and trailer camping spots available. No RV hookups. Some campsites accommodate up to 60’ on paved parking pads.
- Currently the RV dump station and adjacent vault toilets are unavailable pending repairs.
- Campground rules and information posted on kiosks located at main entrance.
For specific questions, contact the Medora Ranger District Office.
All year (limited services in winter)
Open 24 hours/day
The Senior Pass and the Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount on camping fees per night. Discounts apply only to the site the pass holder occupies only (not for additional guest sites).
Visit the Passes page for more information about the America the Beautiful National Park Passes.
- Fire Restrictions may be in effect. Visitors are responsible for monitoring current conditions on the Alerts and Fire Danger Status page and NDResponse.gov
- Stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
- All trails are intended for non-motorized travel only. Therefore, all motorized vehicles, including E-bikes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles are prohibited.
- Horses not allowed within campground boundary – trailhead day-use parking available at main road entrance for access to Buffalo Gap Trail.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $20 per night
Payments may be made in one of two ways:
- Via the Fee Tube with fee envelopes (located at the campground entrance near the kiosk pictured in the photo gallery above).
- Via the Scan & Pay feature. Directions for this payment method are available here: Scan & Pay Information and Instructions. Note to use this feature for the First-Come, First-Served campsites, you must be physically present; therefore, the QR code is only available at the kiosk.
Pets are allowed but must remain leashed within the campground at all times. Keep our campgrounds clean. Please clean up after your animals.
Contact Name: Medora Ranger District office
Contact Phone: 701-227-7800
Address: 99 23rd Ave. W. Suite B, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 227-7800
Hours: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 46.95388889
Longitude: -103.6744444
Directions
Approximately six miles west of Medora, ND on I-94 at exit 18 just off of Forest Road 726A in Golden Valley County.
Parking
Trailhead day-use parking available at main road entrance for access to Buffalo Gap Trail.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Accessible shower facilities, bathrooms, vault toilets, and picnic shelter.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Running water (showers, water spigots, restrooms) available from spring to fall seasons (turned off during winter).
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Other Amenities
Closest Amenities:
- Medora, ND – Gas station, hotels, restaurants.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Horseback Riding Info
Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse that causes damage to live trees, soil, or water is prohibited.
Biking - Mountain Info
The USDA Forest Service considers E-bikes as motorized vehicles, restricted to established and paved roads, and prohibited on trails unless otherwise authorized. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available on the Visitor Maps and Guides page.