Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Little Missouri National Grassland
Write a Review West River Rd. Medora, ND 58645 701-227-7800 Official WebsiteGPS: 46.9454, -103.5886
Overview of Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
Please do not create new campsites, but utilize areas previously camped at.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Steven-Paula on 10/23/2024
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet
Reported by LibbysOnTheLoose on 8/14/2017
Pad Type dirt
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 2,591 ft / 789 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 701-227-7800
camper-831032 asked on 6/9/2023
Would it be safe to drive in late at night in a 4WD CRV? It wouldn't be towing anything.
Reviews of Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping 94 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 44 Users
Last reported 10/8/2024
Confirmed by 28 Users
Last reported 8/13/2024
Confirmed by 15 Users
Last reported 10/8/2024
“A real gem!”
Reviewed 10/23/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
We were not sure at first if this was a good idea as the road leading up and into the area did not give any indication that once up and over the first hill, could you turn around and get out. Rest easy. There are quite a few spots to park your rig and lots of room to turn around. The views are simply awesome. I took many pictures... more
We were not sure at first if this was a good idea as the road leading up and into the area did not give any indication that once up and over the first hill, could you turn around and get out. Rest easy. There are quite a few spots to park your rig and lots of room to turn around.
The views are simply awesome. I took many pictures and submitted a few here.
Steven-Paula would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfect Spot to Visit Many Sights”
Reviewed 10/8/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
Overall Rating
We stayed here six nights. We had a view down a canyon and space for the dogs to wander, perfect for us. When we arrived, we had checked the weather forecast. Two days after arriving we knew we were in for some hefty winds, sustained 30+mph with gusts to 60 mph, so we positioned our rig in what we hoped would not take the brunt of t... more
We stayed here six nights. We had a view down a canyon and space for the dogs to wander, perfect for us. When we arrived, we had checked the weather forecast. Two days after arriving we knew we were in for some hefty winds, sustained 30+mph with gusts to 60 mph, so we positioned our rig in what we hoped would not take the brunt of the wind on the side of our trailer. We did ok. There was one spot we could have taken further up from us that would have blocked some of the winds, but we wouldn't have had a view . . . we wanted the view.
Note that while Campendium calls this place "Scoria Pit Dispersed Camping" (not sure why), Google maps calls it "Grassland Boondocking", so we plugged in Grassland Boondocking into Google Maps to get here. When you make the final turn onto the road that you will camp along, you first climb a short steep hill. At the top of the hill there is a large open space to your left, continuing on you can perch (if in a van) on top of a small hill on your left, then there is a large (fairly flat) next to the road still on your left that a large Class A motorhome was in when we arrived. The road continues on, but the next turn off, right, will take you up to at least four more sites, you can also reach them from the next turn if you miss the first. Continuing on from there, there is another site (before the big climb) on your right that is probably the most protected from the wind. After that you start climbing a very steep narrow road to the top of the mesa, on the way up there is a spot for a van to camp. Once on top there are several more sites to choose from, ending at a fenced off tower. At the fence is the last camping spot and space to turn around assuming someone hasn't completely blocked it. We could have made it to the top with our rig, but were glad we didn't need to, we would have been in 4-wheel drive and hoping no one was coming down because there would not have been room to pass. The six days we were here, we only saw vans and campers camping on top of the mesa.
Also the road appears to have just been newly graveled and improvement. No one should have any problem driving in to the lower camping area and the road is just as improvement clear to the top of the high mesa, it’s just that it’s a steep climb and some may not be comfortable towing their rig that far or high.
From this location we visited the South Unit, Painted Canyon, Petrified Forest and Elkhorn Ranch, all part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We drove the Enchanted Hwy with all the metal sculptures (very interesting, though the town of Regent is . . . nah), mountain biked the Maah Daah Hey trail and relaxed.
The most exciting part was one night the Northern Lights were spectacular. The last time we had seen the Lights were when we lived in Alaska.
We were here in October, so all the water was turned off almost everywhere. We were told by another camper that if we wanted to dump and fill with water, that we could go into Sully Creek State Park and pay $10. When we went in there to double-check before bringing our rig in, we were told that the dump had had a malfunction (have no idea what that meant) and we could not dump, but if we wanted water it was $7. We opted to find it elsewhere on our continuing trip. Other people have mentioned the Medora Convenience Store and Gas station for water, personally we would not recommend. One clerk said no problem and it's potable, another said no can't use and yet a third clerk said it was NOT potable. Bottomline, they have a nasty look hose attached to the spigot, so we opted not to use. It is located right next to the gas pumps on the west end.
If looking for a place to eat in Medora, we recommend Boots Bar & Grill, service was quick and friendly. We went there one afternoon on a recommendation from someone hunting and camping near us. One item we had was there Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip . . . yummy! Also, if you need to pack a lunch for the day, the Medora Convenience Store (which also sells fuel) has a build your own sandwich bar which was reasonably priced.
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Verizon 4G
T-Mobile 4G
Lori would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Spot By Theodore Rosevelt NP”
Reviewed 10/7/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 1 |
Overall Rating
This was a surprisingly great spot. We grabbed the first spot on the left as you come up the small hill. Easy to level our 25 ft class C. Plenty of room for the post run and play. We drove up the road after to see what else was there. There are 2-3 good spots for larger rigs (up to. 28’ or so) a little past our on the right but further... more
This was a surprisingly great spot. We grabbed the first spot on the left as you come up the small hill. Easy to level our 25 ft class C. Plenty of room for the post run and play. We drove up the road after to see what else was there. There are 2-3 good spots for larger rigs (up to. 28’ or so) a little past our on the right but further up the hill the access is more for smaller vans and such. Top has great views but windy. Great sunsets.
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Verizon 5G
camper-899790 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Site Near NP”
Reviewed 9/27/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
We got here right at sunset in late Sept. had no issues finding a site. Beautiful views at sunset, night and sunrise. Sad to only spend on night here.
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T-Mobile 5G
roadtrippers-tabhanson3 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Spot”
Reviewed 9/6/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Overall Rating
There is so much space here!! You can be anywhere from up on the top hill to right at the entrance. I will say I’d recommend getting here before dark as it’ll be easier to see the spots :) have fun!
camper-878716 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A Beautiful Treat”
Reviewed 9/3/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Overall Rating
We arrived at night and were able to easily find a spots. The roads were dirt but there weren’t any holes so it was easy to drive. It starts to go up a hill. If you feel comfortable I’d go up on it because there are some seriously 360 beautiful views of the grasslands. Lastly, the service is great, 2-4bars 5G
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Verizon 5G
camper-934974 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful Excellent Stop”
Reviewed 8/28/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
I arrived on a Tuesday night around 7 o’clock. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but traveling down a gravel road and then a dirt road winding through the hills higher and higher it took me. Towards the top I see people with big rigs apparently camping up there, so I figured there was no problem for me in an all-wheel-drive sienna. ... more
I arrived on a Tuesday night around 7 o’clock. I didn’t know exactly what to expect but traveling down a gravel road and then a dirt road winding through the hills higher and higher it took me. Towards the top I see people with big rigs apparently camping up there, so I figured there was no problem for me in an all-wheel-drive sienna. There were some potholes the further along you went, but it was exhilarating. It’s beautiful. It’s free. It’s clean. People seem to take out what they brought in something. I really appreciate.
Verizon 5G
camper-730250 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Good place close to the NP”
Reviewed 8/13/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
Stayed here for two nights in a tent. We didn’t go all the way up to the top because we wanted some wind cover from the trees. Great spot, lots of people in tents, campers and RVs along the whole road. People kept space and stayed respectful. Close to the national park, road might get bad during a lot of rain fall. We did good in a sma... more
Stayed here for two nights in a tent. We didn’t go all the way up to the top because we wanted some wind cover from the trees. Great spot, lots of people in tents, campers and RVs along the whole road. People kept space and stayed respectful. Close to the national park, road might get bad during a lot of rain fall. We did good in a small Mazda 3 because it was dry, but might need 4-wheel and high clearance if the weather is worse. You could hear the high way a little bit but not enough to bother. Would stay again.
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AT&T 5G
roadtrippers-amandacullberg would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Close To Theodore Roosevelt NP ”
Reviewed 8/2/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
GPS directions were perfect. Location is just a short way out of Medora (exit 23 off I-94). Several sites available for 5-wheels and large motor homes as well as tent or travel trailer. Road is gravel with only a few large potholes but going slow helps. We were perched atop a grassy knoll with a wide view of the area. Gorgeous. Night s... more
GPS directions were perfect. Location is just a short way out of Medora (exit 23 off I-94). Several sites available for 5-wheels and large motor homes as well as tent or travel trailer. Road is gravel with only a few large potholes but going slow helps. We were perched atop a grassy knoll with a wide view of the area. Gorgeous. Night sky was spectacular. There are no amenities so come prepared but the views are worth it.
Local campground had potable water ($5) and RV dump ($5) for non-guests. Lots of wildlife in the national park and we’ll worth the visit.
camper-778328 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing Views, Quiet Stay”
Reviewed 7/28/2024
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
Arrived the afternoon 07/27/24 and had no issues finding a spot. Went past where Google maps took us and up the hill to sit atop on the peaks for some amazing views! No amenities, but the location and quietness around us was very much worth it. Good location a little off the highway near Theodore Roosevelt NP. Verizon phone internet di... more
Arrived the afternoon 07/27/24 and had no issues finding a spot. Went past where Google maps took us and up the hill to sit atop on the peaks for some amazing views! No amenities, but the location and quietness around us was very much worth it. Good location a little off the highway near Theodore Roosevelt NP. Verizon phone internet did very well too.
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Verizon 5G
thedrivingdeveros would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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