Rough Rider State Park

Rough Rider State Park Located in the heart of the North Dakota badlands, the park is on the Maah Daah Hey Trail and located just minutes away from historic Medora.

Formerly known as Sully Creek State Park. Located in the heart of the North Dakota badlands, Sully Creek is just minutes away from the historic town of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This seasonal park is open from April 1 to November 30. In the early spring or during high flows, canoeing the 274-mile long Little Missouri River offers a unique perspective of the badlands from North D

akota's only State Scenic River. Corrals are available for those bringing in their own horses. This primitive park also has a small campground with vault toilets. Horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers have access to the 120-mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail, which traverses the Little Missouri National Grassland. Use of certified weed-free hay is required by those bringing in livestock. Weed-free hay may be available for sale at the park (contact the park for availability). Those using the trail should carry adequate potable water for drinking.

Campers, we’re excited to welcome you to the park! Please note that the following burn restrictions are in effect as of ...
07/31/2026

Campers, we’re excited to welcome you to the park! Please note that the following burn restrictions are in effect as of July 31:

🚫 No campfires or outdoor smoking
🚫 No charcoal, pellet or wood-fired grills or smokers
✅ Propane grills are allowed. Please keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby while cooking.

The park follows Billings County burn regulations, which may change as conditions fluctuate. Please check NDresponse.gov before you visit or contact us at 701-623-2024.

Thank you for helping us keep the park and surrounding area safe! We look forward to seeing you soon.

Thank you to our team members at North Dakota Parks and Recreation.
07/31/2026

Thank you to our team members at North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

New Items by the Park Office!We now have Yard Yatzee "Yardzee" and Connect 4 available to our visitors. Games are availa...
07/25/2026

New Items by the Park Office!

We now have Yard Yatzee "Yardzee" and Connect 4 available to our visitors.

Games are available to all visitors (campers and day use). Have fun in the shade!

We are still seeking 2 team members.Groundskeeper Customer Service Associate Apply online today!
07/17/2026

We are still seeking 2 team members.
Groundskeeper
Customer Service Associate
Apply online today!

Join the team at Rough Rider State Park for a historic summer in Medora! Did you know we offer employee housing? With limited housing available in the area, we're making it easier to live and work in one of North Dakota’s most iconic places.

We’re hiring groundskeepers, customer service associates, and park rangers as our newly redesigned campground reopens on July 7. Help create memorable experiences for visitors from across the country.

Spots are limited, so apply today! bit.ly/NDParksJobs

We can't wait to welcome more campers back to Rough Rider State Park this weekend!With hot temperatures in the forecast,...
07/09/2026

We can't wait to welcome more campers back to Rough Rider State Park this weekend!

With hot temperatures in the forecast, plan ahead if you're heading out on the trails. Drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing, and consider recreating during the cooler morning or evening hours. Keep an eye on kids and pets, too!

Have a safe weekend!

07/08/2026

The wait is over! Rough Rider State Park is officially back open with a newly redesigned campground, modern amenities and more campsites just south of Medora! We are so excited to give you another great place to stay while exploring western North Dakota.

The campground is equipped with vault toilets, a shower house, and an RV dump station. Some construction will continue this season as we complete the new comfort station.

It’s a historic summer in Medora and now is the time to visit!

Update: As of 8AM MST the MDHT is open.Construction at Rough Rider State Park is still going. Trail head access is open ...
07/05/2026

Update: As of 8AM MST the MDHT is open.

Construction at Rough Rider State Park is still going. Trail head access is open at day use parking are, located by park office.

All other area in the park are restricted. Shower House and campground remain closed! Do not go past cone barriers or trail barriers.

Heat and humidity are high this week. Be sure to carry enough water and wear appropriate clothing for heat and sun exposure.
Happy Trails!

Attention: Maah Daah Hey Trailhead Closed
Where: Rough Rider State Park
When: June 29-July 5

Due to ongoing construction and security for the America250 event in Medora, North Dakota, trail access starting at Rough Rider State Park and areas north of the park are closed to the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Parking on the roadway leading to Rough Rider State Park and in Rough Rider State Park is not available.

Access for day use will be available July 6 by 10 AM MST. Trail sections south of the park are open. For parking, please proceed to the next trail head, south of the park.

07/02/2026

The birds are chirping, the rabbits are munching, and the campground is waking up for another beautiful day.

Our wildlife have been enjoying the peace and quiet, but we can't wait to welcome our human campers back! Just 5 more days until the campground reopens. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Attention: Maah Daah Hey Trailhead ClosedWhere: Rough Rider State ParkWhen: June 29-July 5Due to ongoing construction an...
06/30/2026

Attention: Maah Daah Hey Trailhead Closed
Where: Rough Rider State Park
When: June 29-July 5

Due to ongoing construction and security for the America250 event in Medora, North Dakota, trail access starting at Rough Rider State Park and areas north of the park are closed to the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Parking on the roadway leading to Rough Rider State Park and in Rough Rider State Park is not available.

Access for day use will be available July 6 by 10 AM MST. Trail sections south of the park are open. For parking, please proceed to the next trail head, south of the park.

We still have openings for 2026 Campground Host! Starting as early as July 15 and going through the summer!
06/06/2026

We still have openings for 2026 Campground Host! Starting as early as July 15 and going through the summer!

Campground hosts are the friendly faces that help make our parks welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. If you love camping, meeting new people, and lending a helping hand, this could be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

North Dakota State Parks is looking for campground hosts for the upcoming season. Openings remain at the following parks:

- Fort Stevenson
- Icelandic
- Lake Metigoshe
- Lake Sakakawea
- Lewis & Clark
- Little Missouri
- Rough Rider
- Turtle River

Ready to trade your regular routine for park life? Learn more and apply today! bit.ly/CampHostND

Address

Medora, ND
58645

Telephone

+17016232024

Website

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