Bennett Campground / Bennett Trail
ND · Grassy Butte / Maah Daah Hey Country
6th St NW & Bennett Creek Road
Bennett Campground is another excellent federal option for riders who want to be in Maah Daah Hey country without relying solely on the better-known state parks. What makes Bennett stand out is how practical it feels for horse travelers: generous trailer parking, a day-use lot, and direct access to multiple trail opportunities tied into the broader badlands network. The scenery is quintessential western North Dakota, but the campground’s function is what earns it a real place in the workbook. For riders who like a destination that works hard behind the scenes while still delivering the landscape they came for, Bennett is a smart inclusion.
Riding guide
Highlights
A horse-friendly badlands campground with generous trailer space and direct access to one of North Dakota’s signature trail corridors.
Riding
The trail appeal here comes from connection and character. Bennett provides access toward the Maah Daah Hey as well as nearby routes like Bennett Creek and Cottonwood Creek, putting riders in striking badlands terrain with room to shape the day around conditions and appetite. The ride style is western, open, and scenic, with the kind of broad-country feeling that makes North Dakota memorable for equestrians.
Trailer parking
Parking pads up to 60 feet long and a separate day-use lot west of the campground make Bennett especially useful for riders hauling larger rigs into Maah Daah Hey country.
Horse regulations
Horse riding and camping are allowed, but standard federal-site expectations apply. Use weed-free feed, observe any fire restrictions, and keep an eye on current conditions before heading out. Because the surrounding country can feel remote quickly, riders should also plan conservatively on water, weather, and turnaround time.
Getting here
Approach south from Watford City and use the campground or day-use lot depending on whether you are camping overnight or staging for the day. Parking pads can handle rigs up to 60 feet long, which immediately lowers the stress level for horse trailers and larger combinations. That practical advantage can make Bennett more appealing than prettier places that are harder to work in once you actually arrive.
Planning your visit
Bennett is a great choice for riders who want a useful, horse-friendly base in classic badlands terrain. The campground’s trailer-friendly parking is one of its quiet strengths, so take advantage of that and build the trip around the trail system. It is a practical destination, but in the best sense: one that helps the whole ride come together.
Where to stay
Bennett is a first-come, first-served federal campground, so the overnight experience is simpler and more independent than a reservable full-service horse park. That said, it supports horse travel well through layout, trail access, and practical staging. Horses are not provided, and riders should plan to bring their own full setup, including the mindset that self-reliance is part of the destination’s appeal.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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