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A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
NPS Photo / Mark Meyers

Information

Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection

Starting May 1, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will accept only credit cards, debit cards, or digital payments for entrance fees, campground fees, and Interagency Passes. Cash and check payments will no longer be accepted.

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Information

South Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP

On all maps used on mobile devices, use the following address to reach the South Unit Visitor Center and Entrance Station 201 East River Road N. Medora, ND 58645

Information

Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route

Directions to the Petrified Forest trailhead have changed. Please use the approved legal route from I-94, Exit 10 toward Camels Hump Lake and follow the clearly marked posts. This update helps maintain good cooperation with neighbors and respect park boundaries. For precise directions, use the link provided.

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National ParkHorse camping availableHorse trails

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

ND · Belfield

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.

Riding guide

Highlights

Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects one of the most striking landscapes of the northern Great Plains, where colorful…

Riding

Rideable terrain here is noted as 100 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, the park offers a classic Great Plains riding experience, where open landscapes and expansive views make it possible to explore wide horizons and dramatic Badlands formations from horseback. Riders travel through rolling prairie, clay buttes, and winding draws carved by the Little Missouri River, often encountering wildlife such as bison, wild horses, prairie dogs, and mule deer along the way.

Rideable terrain

100 miles

Trailer parking

Peaceful Valley Ranch (South Unit) This is one of the most commonly used staging areas for riders. Why it works well Large parking area suitable for trailers Direct access to several backcountry riding routes Close to trails such as the Lower Paddock Creek and Paddock Creek routes This area is also near some of the park’s most scenic Badlands terrain. Lower Jones Creek Trailhead (South Unit) Another recommended trailer staging location. Features Trailhead parking that can accommodate larger rigs Access to backcountry routes through prairie and Badlands formations Less crowded than some other trailheads Painted Canyon Visitor Center (South Unit) A convenient and accessible staging point. Benefits Large paved parking area with room for trailers Easy highway access from I-94 Access to nearby Badlands trails and scenic overlooks Cannonball Concretions Pullout (North Unit) One of the better staging areas in the North Unit. Features Roadside parking area large enough for trailers Access to trails exploring the unique geological formations in this unit Oxbow Overlook Area (North Unit) Another North Unit option. Why riders use it Larger parking turnout compared to other overlooks Access to backcountry riding routes

Horse regulations

Horse Use Regulations Horseback riding is permitted in designated areas of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, primarily within the park’s backcountry trail system. Riders must follow regulations intended to protect the Badlands ecosystem, wildlife, and fragile prairie soils. Riding Areas Horses are allowed on designated trails and backcountry routes in both the North Unit and South Unit of the park. Most horseback riding occurs in the South Unit, where the majority of the park’s horse-accessible trails are located. Riders must remain on established routes where stock use is permitted. Stock Definition For park regulations, stock animals include: Horses Mules Burros Other animals are not permitted for stock travel in the park. Feed Requirements To prevent the spread of invasive plant species, riders are required to use: Certified weed-free hay or feed Trailers, tack, and animals should also be cleaned before entering the park to minimize the introduction of non-native seeds. Group Size Groups traveling with horses are generally limited to a reasonable size to reduce environmental impact. Riders should confirm current group limits with park staff before visiting, especially for larger riding parties. Stock Camping Overnight camping with horses is allowed only at designated equestrian campsites. The primary location is: Roundup Group Horse Camp in the South Unit This campground provides space for horse trailers and direct access to nearby riding trails. Protecting Park Resources To preserve the park’s fragile Badlands environment, riders must: Stay on designated trails Avoid riding during extremely muddy conditions Keep horses away from sensitive vegetation and water sources Properly dispose of manure and pack out trash These practices help protect prairie soils and native plant communities. Trail Courtesy On shared trails, riders should: Yield appropriately to hikers Slow to a walk when approaching other visitors Maintain control of horses around wildlife Wildlife encounters are common, including bison and wild horses, so riders should remain alert and give animals plenty of space.

Getting here

Use Exit 32, Belfield, North Dakota as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Peaceful Valley Ranch (South Unit) This is one of the most commonly used staging areas for riders. Why it works well Large parking area suitable for trailers Direct access to several backcountry riding routes Close to trails such as the Lower Paddock Creek and Paddock Creek routes This area is also near some of the park’s most scenic Badlands terrain. Lower Jones Creek Trailhead (South Unit) Another recommended trailer staging location. Features Trailhead parking that can accommodate larger rigs Access to backcountry routes through prairie and Badlands formations Less crowded than some other trailheads Painted Canyon Visitor Center (South Unit) A convenient and accessible staging point. Benefits Large paved parking area with room for trailers Easy highway access from I-94 Access to nearby Badlands trails and scenic overlooks Cannonball Concretions Pullout (North Unit) One of the better staging areas in the North Unit. Features Roadside parking area large enough for trailers Access to trails exploring the unique geological formations in this unit Oxbow Overlook Area (North Unit) Another North Unit option. Why riders use it Larger parking turnout compared to other overlooks Access to backcountry riding routes

Planning your visit

Most Riding Occurs in the South Unit While horses are allowed in both park units, the South Unit contains the largest network of horse-accessible trails and the park’s only dedicated horse campground. Most riders stage their trips from this area. The primary staging location is Roundup Group Horse Camp, which provides space for trailers and direct access to nearby trails. Badlands Terrain Can Be Challenging The park’s landscape is made up of clay buttes, steep draws, and rugged Badlands formations. Riders should expect: Narrow ridge trails Loose clay soils that become extremely slick when wet Steep hills and sharp terrain changes After rain, trails can become muddy and difficult to travel, sometimes requiring temporary closures. Weather and Exposure Unlike forested parks, Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers very little tree cover. Visitors should prepare for: Strong prairie winds Intense sun exposure Rapid weather changes Summer temperatures can be hot, while spring and fall may bring sudden storms. Wildlife Encounters Are Common The park supports large populations of wildlife that riders may encounter on the trail. Common animals include: Bison Wild horses Prairie dogs Mule deer Coyotes Bison in particular can be unpredictable, and riders should keep a safe distance and avoid approaching wildlife. Water Sources Are Limited Reliable water sources are not always available throughout the Badlands. Riders should plan ahead and may need to: Carry water for themselves and their horses Identify water access points along their route Avoid relying solely on natural sources Limited Services in the Backcountry Once riders leave developed areas, services become minimal. Travelers should prepare for: Primitive trail conditions Limited cell service Few facilities along trails Carrying navigation tools and emergency supplies is recommended for longer rides.

Where to stay

Painted Canyon Visitor Center is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Belfield before heading deeper into federal-land access points.

Entrance fees & passes

Park map

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

Points of interest

Things to do

Visitor centers

Hours of operation

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.

Mon

All Day

Tue

All Day

Wed

All Day

Thu

All Day

Fri

All Day

Sat

All Day

Sun

All Day

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingOff-Trail Permitted HikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Junior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Weather

In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.

Contact

Voice7016234466
Fax7016234840
Emailthro_interpretation@nps.gov

Photos

Stay near this park

No horse-friendly stays listed near Theodore Roosevelt National Park yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.

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Directions

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.

Get directionsOfficial directions

Source: nps.gov