National park · United States
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Enter on the $35-per-vehicle pass (valid 7 days) and drive the South Unit loop from Medora; walk Wind Canyon and Buck Hill before 10:00, then Petrified Forest if you have a full day. The North Unit is 70 mi north and on Central Time — add it when you have 1.5–2 h for its scenic drive.Enter on the $35-per-vehicle pass (valid 7 days) and drive the South Unit loop from Medora; walk Wind Canyon and Buck Hill before 10:00 AM, then Petrified Forest if you have a full day. The North Unit is 70 mi north and on Central Time — add it when you have 1.5–2 h for its scenic drive.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
285 km² (110 sq mi)110 sq mi (285 km²)
approximate
Established
1949
Best months
May–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 285 km² (110 sq mi)110 sq mi (285 km²)
- 70,448 acres (28,509 ha) across three units; the North Unit is in the Central Time Zone, the South Unit in Mountain Time.
- Established
- 1949
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Theodore Roosevelt National Park protects 70,448 acres (28,509 ha) of North Dakota badlands, prairie and Little Missouri River bottomland in three separate units. The South Unit, reached from Medora, has the main scenic loop; the North Unit has a shorter drive through more rugged terrain; Elkhorn Ranch is a remote site reached by dirt roads. Bison, prairie dogs, feral horses and other wildlife live here. Theodore Roosevelt ranched in the area in the 1880s and later became a conservation advocate.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1949.
Size and age
285 km² (110 sq mi)110 sq mi (285 km²) · national park since 1949
70,448 acres (28,509 ha) across three units; the North Unit is in the Central Time Zone, the South Unit in Mountain Time.
Why go
- Drive the South Unit's 36 mi paved scenic loop, stopping for overlooks and short walks.
- Walk from the loop to Wind Canyon's river views or climb Buck Hill for a wide view over the badlands.
- Visit the Maltese Cross Cabin by the South Unit Visitor Center and see the landscape that shaped Roosevelt's interest in conservation.
- Add the North Unit for a second scenic drive, river overlooks and the Little Mo Nature Trail.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold; check road and facility status before travelling.
- FebCold; check road and facility status before travelling.
- MarConditions vary; check road status.
- AprCool shoulder-season conditions; check facilities and trail conditions.
- MayA good month for hiking and driving; check current campground availability.
- JunLong daylight for trails and scenic drives; prepare for warm weather.
- JulWarm to hot; start hikes early and expect more visitors.
- AugWarm to hot; start hikes early and expect more visitors.
- SepCooler hiking weather; check current conditions.
- OctCooler and quieter; check road and facility status.
- NovCold and shorter days; check road status.
- DecWinter conditions; check road status before setting out.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BisonAll year · Present year-round. Observe from a safe distance; check current NPS wildlife guidance. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Feral horsesApr–Oct · Found in the South Unit; sightings are not guaranteed. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Prairie dogsApr–Oct · Look for prairie dog towns near the South Unit scenic drive. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| ElkSep–Oct · Autumn bugling is possible; sightings are not guaranteed. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Bighorn sheepAll year · May be seen around North Unit cliffs; sightings are not guaranteed. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Medora
The South Unit entrance and visitor center are in town, reached from I-94 exits 23 and 27.
About 5 min
From Bismarck
Drive west on I-94 to Medora; the South Unit entrance is in town.
About 2–2.5 h
From Watford City
Drive south on US-85 to the North Unit entrance.
About 25 min
From Dickinson
Drive west on I-94 to Medora and the South Unit.
About 1 h
From Williston
Drive south on US-85 for the North Unit, or take I-94 east toward Medora for the South Unit.
Check route and travel time
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| South Unit | Badlands scenery, the 36 mi scenic loop, prairie dog towns and wildlife viewing. | Entrance fee; paved scenic loop. |
| North Unit | Rugged badlands, river overlooks and a 14 mi one-way scenic drive. | Entrance fee; allow about 1.5–2 h for the drive and stops. Central Time Zone. |
| Elkhorn Ranch Unit | Remote site of Roosevelt's second ranch; historic foundations remain. | Dirt-road access; check conditions with a ranger, especially after rain or in winter. Cell coverage is absent. |
| Painted Canyon | Interstate rest stop, overlook, visitor center and short walks east of Medora. | Overlook access is free; visitor-center seasonal dates and current access: check. |
Sketch map
- 1South Unit Visitor Center · Headquarters≈46.916, -103.526Map ↗
- 2Painted Canyon Visitor Center · Gate≈46.895, -103.382Map ↗
- 3Wind Canyon Trail · Trail≈46.989, -103.485Map ↗
- 4Buck Hill · Viewpoint≈46.927, -103.390Map ↗
- 5Petrified Forest trailhead · Trail≈46.996, -103.605Map ↗
- 6North Unit entrance · Gate≈47.603, -103.357Map ↗
- 7Oxbow Overlook · Viewpoint≈47.603, -103.442Map ↗
- 8Elkhorn Ranch Unit · Village≈47.234, -103.620Map ↗
- 9Medora · Town≈46.914, -103.524Map ↗
Take the points offline
9 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from NPS unit and trail coordinates, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$35 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; confirm the current NPS fee before visiting. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$30 | motorcycle | 2026 estimate; confirm the current NPS fee before visiting. |
| Entrance, visitor on foot or bicycle | US$20 | person | 2026 estimate; confirm the current NPS fee before visiting. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | year | 2026 estimate; check current pass terms. |
| Cottonwood or Juniper campground | US$10–20 | site per night | 2026 estimate; seasonal rates vary, check current campground details. |
| Roundup Group Horse Camp | US$40 | group site per night | 2026 estimate; check current rate and reservation details. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Backcountry overnight camping permit or guide
Roundup Group Horse Camp permit or guide
Drone use permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$35
- US$30
- US$20
- US$80
- US$10–20
- US$40
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Fees and passes before you go.
Park rules
- Wildlife
- Do not approach or feed wildlife. Observe from a safe distance and follow current NPS guidance.
- Drones
- Check current park rules and obtain required authorization before flying.check
- Backcountry camping
- A free permit is required for overnight backcountry camping; register at a visitor center before setting out.
- Pets
- Pet access varies by area; check current NPS rules before bringing a pet onto trails or into the backcountry.check
- Natural and cultural resources
- Leave fossils, rocks, plants and historic objects in place.
Where to stay
Near the park
Medora
Lodging near the South Unit entrance; check seasonal availability and book ahead when visiting in summer.
In the park
Cottonwood Campground
South Unit campground with 72 sites; some sites are reservable and services vary by season.
In the park
Juniper Campground
North Unit campground with 48 sites; check seasonal water and facility availability.
Near the park
Watford City
Lodging near the North Unit entrance; check current options and availability.
Safety
Heat and exposed trails medium
Wildlife near roads and trails high
Elkhorn Ranch access high
Severe weather medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The South Unit scenic loop is paved and offers a way to see the landscape from a vehicle.
- The Painted Canyon overlook and visitor-center facilities are described as wheelchair accessible; confirm current access before travelling.
- Trail surfaces and grades vary; check with the NPS for route-specific accessibility information.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out rubbish and use designated facilities.
- Stay on established trails, including around prairie dog towns.
- Keep wildlife at a distance and never feed or approach animals.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The supplied fee information lists a private-vehicle pass at $35, a motorcycle pass at $30, and entry on foot or by bicycle at $20 per person. Treat these as 2026 estimates and confirm current NPS fees before visiting.
What are the best hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
For a short outing, try the steep 0.3 mi Wind Canyon loop or the Little Mo Nature Trail (0.7–1.4 mi). For a longer hike, the Petrified Forest Loop is 10.4 mi; plan for several hours and exposed conditions.
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
May, June and September are good choices for hiking and scenic drives. Summer can be warm and busier; spring, autumn and winter conditions vary, so check road, trail and facility status before setting out.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
Check current NPS rules for entrance reservations. Campground and group-site booking arrangements differ, so confirm availability and requirements with the park before travelling.
How long do I need for the park?
Plan a full day for the South Unit scenic loop and nearby stops. Add the North Unit as a separate outing: its drive takes about 1.5–2 h before allowing for the journey from Medora and stops.
Can I see bison and feral horses?
Both live in the park, but sightings are not guaranteed. Watch from a safe distance and do not approach or feed them.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialNPS — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
- officialNPS — Fees and passes
- officialNPS — Cottonwood Campground
- officialNPS — Juniper Campground
- officialNPS — Petrified Forest hike
- officialNPS — Wind Canyon Trail
- officialNPS — Visitor centers
- secondaryWikivoyage: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, revision 5280219 (CC BY-SA 4.0)