Entrance Fee
$30.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
All Day
North Unit Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.
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What to See & Do
Hike the Petrified Forest
The petrified forest trail is a remote and beautiful hike, leading to a dramatic landscape of petrified stumps and layered buttes.
Hike Skyline Vista Trail
Skyline Vista Trail is a great accessible introduction to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Birding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
The badlands of North Dakota are home to more than 180 species of birds. Take a moment and see which ones you can spot!
Wildlife Viewing - South Unit
Explore the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Wildlife Viewing - North Unit
Explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and see the wide variety of wildlife that lives there.
Visit the Elkhorn Ranch Unit
Visit the location of Theodore Roosevelt's home ranch, the Elkhorn, and experience the solitude of the North Dakota badlands.
Self-Guided Tours
South Unit Scenic Loop Drive
This self-guided audio tour leads you along the scenic loop through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Along the way you will be introduced to the wildlife, stories, and forces that shape this park.
North Unit Scenic Drive Tour
This self-guided audio tour takes you on the scenic road through the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Painted Canyon Rim Tour
This is a short walking tour that takes you around the rim overlooking Painted Canyon and introduces you the area. Take in the views at this stunning overlook and learn about the environment and geologic history that shape this place.
Visitor Centers
North Unit Visitor Center
A small visitor center is located at the park entrance for visitors to the North Unit. Speak with a ranger, receive assistance with any trip planning needs, obtain a backcountry permit, purchase a souvenir at the bookstore, or watch the park film, Refuge of the American Spirit. Restrooms are available at this location.
South Unit Visitor Center
Rangers staff the desk, assist visitors with trip planning, and issue backcountry permits. Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, located just outside, is open for self-guided tours year-round. Ranger-led cabin tours are offered in the summer. The park film, Refuge of the American Spirit, shows in the theater. A bookstore sells books, postcards, and more. A museum houses artifacts from Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and time in the badlands.
Painted Canyon Visitor Center
Features: Panoramic views, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, staffed information desk, exhibits and displays, gift shop, picnic shelters, drinking fountain, vending machines, public telephone, and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Where to Stay
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are by reservation at recreation.gov. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September.
Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground is 5 miles from Hwy 85 and is the only campground in the park's North Unit. All sites are open to tent camping and most can also be used by vehicles/RVs (no hookups). Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are only available by reservation at recreation.gov. Due to limited cell service in the North Unit, it is recommended to make reservations before arriving at the park. See the RESERVATIONS section below.
Roundup Group Horse Camp
Roundup is the park's only camping facility in which horses are permitted. This private campsite is located 12 miles from Medora, ND in the park's South Unit. It is reserved by one group at a time; space is not be shared among different parties. Reservations for Roundup begin each season on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. See the RESERVATIONS section below. Roundup can accommodate up to 20 people and 20 horses or 30 people if camping without horses.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Theodore Roosevelt National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$50.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$60.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$150.00Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$55.00The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).
Operating Hours
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
A muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttes
two bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominance
the swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Theodore Roosevelt
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