Rough Rider State Park

Call Directions Website

Rough Rider State Park Located in the heart of the North Dakota badlands, the park is on the Maah Daah Hey Trail and located just minutes away from historic Medora.

Formerly known as Sully Creek State Park. Located in the heart of the North Dakota badlands, Sully Creek is just minutes away from the historic town of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This seasonal park is open from April 1 to November 30. In the early spring or during high flows, canoeing the 274-mile long Little Missouri River offers a unique perspective of the badlands from North Dakota's only State Scenic River. Corrals are available for those bringing in their own horses. This primitive park also has a small campground with vault toilets. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers have access to the 120-mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail, which traverses the Little Missouri National Grassland. Use of certified weed-free hay is required by those bringing in livestock. Weed-free hay may be available for sale at the park (contact the park for availability). Those using the trail should carry adequate potable water for drinking.

Did you know Rough Rider State Park offers camping year-round? Starting November 1, select campsites will be available f...
10/16/2026

Did you know Rough Rider State Park offers camping year-round? Starting November 1, select campsites will be available for fall and winter stays, so you can keep exploring even when the temperatures drop.

Here’s what to know before you visit:
- Select sites in Rancher and Wrangler loops will be open for reservations.
- Limited single-unit sites and two-unit group sites will be available with 20/30/50-amp electricity.
- Vault toilets will remain open, but water access/dump station will not be available after Oct. 19.
- Equestrian corrals will be available with select Wrangler campsites.
- Rustler Loop (primitive) will be closed for camping until spring 2027.

Vehicle permits, equestrian permits (if applicable) and camping reservations are required. Plan your stay at reserveNDparks.com.

North Dakota’s outdoors are worth exploring in every season!

Changing Amenities ‼️ Starting Tuesday, October 20th:Water will be turned off.The following locations will also be close...
10/15/2026

Changing Amenities ‼️

Starting Tuesday, October 20th:

Water will be turned off.

The following locations will also be closed for the year:
Dump Station.
Comfort Station.

You can still enjoy the trail head and make camping reservations!

Fall colors are here! You, your tent and this beautiful scenery.Pickup the phone and make a reservation today.1(800)807-...
09/29/2026

Fall colors are here!

You, your tent and this beautiful scenery.
Pickup the phone and make a reservation today.
1(800)807-4723

A Water hydrant is available for potable water refill in the Rustler camping loop.

Comfort station and water are still operating.

Primitive campsites are $15.00 a night.
Vehicle permits are required and can be purchased with campsites online.
Annual permit $35.
Daily permit $7.

It is Hot Air Balloon Rally weekend in Medora! Thank you to our Camp Host Earl for capturing and sharing this amazing vi...
09/12/2026

It is Hot Air Balloon Rally weekend in Medora! Thank you to our Camp Host Earl for capturing and sharing this amazing view.

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Rough Rider State Park, and there’s more happening in Medora than you might think! If ...
09/11/2026

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Rough Rider State Park, and there’s more happening in Medora than you might think! If you didn’t make it our way earlier this season, there’s still time for a western North Dakota getaway.

Step away from the full schedules, slow down and fill your lungs with that fresh badlands air. This is the year you make fall camping happen!

09/06/2026

Comfort Station

We've had many inquiries about the comfort station at Rough Rider State Park. We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest towards our most recent park addition. The project is nearing the end to completion, with that being said, we still have some finishing touches in the interior of the building to address. The building will not be open for use until we have completed these interior details. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

-Park Manager Micaela

Campers, we’re excited to welcome you to the park! Please note that the following burn restrictions are in effect as of ...
07/31/2026

Campers, we’re excited to welcome you to the park! Please note that the following burn restrictions are in effect as of July 31:

🚫 No campfires or outdoor smoking
🚫 No charcoal, pellet or wood-fired grills or smokers
✅ Propane grills are allowed. Please keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby while cooking.

The park follows Billings County burn regulations, which may change as conditions fluctuate. Please check NDresponse.gov before you visit or contact us at 701-623-2024.

Thank you for helping us keep the park and surrounding area safe! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to our team members at North Dakota Parks and Recreation.
07/31/2026

Thank you to our team members at North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

New Items by the Park Office!We now have Yard Yatzee "Yardzee" and Connect 4 available to our visitors. Games are availa...
07/25/2026

New Items by the Park Office!

We now have Yard Yatzee "Yardzee" and Connect 4 available to our visitors.

Games are available to all visitors (campers and day use). Have fun in the shade!

We are still seeking 2 team members.Groundskeeper Customer Service Associate Apply online today!
07/17/2026

We are still seeking 2 team members.
Groundskeeper
Customer Service Associate
Apply online today!

Join the team at Rough Rider State Park for a historic summer in Medora! Did you know we offer employee housing? With limited housing available in the area, we're making it easier to live and work in one of North Dakota’s most iconic places.

We’re hiring groundskeepers, customer service associates, and park rangers as our newly redesigned campground reopens on July 7. Help create memorable experiences for visitors from across the country.

Spots are limited, so apply today! bit.ly/NDParksJobs

Address

Medora, ND
58645

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rough Rider State Park posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Category