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Little Missouri National Grassland

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CAMPGROUND NAME: Bennett Camp

VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009

UPDATE DATE:  1/29/2014

STATE: North Dakota

REGION: Northern

RANGER DISTRICT: Mckenzie

NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City

RESERVATIONS: No

DIRECTIONS:
In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt. 23,
and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 south for 21.4 miles to Bennett
Camp sign.  Turn right after sign onto 6th St. NW (gravel) and go
3.9 miles to a "T" intersection.  Turn left at intersection and
go 1.5 miles into campground.

NOTE:  Access to campground is steep; there is a 400 foot change
in elevation in 1.5 miles.

GENERAL COMMENTS:
The elevation is 2,200 feet.

This pack it in/pack it out campground is a large loop across a
flat area covered with trimmed grass and sagebrush.  There are a
few trees but none provide shade to the campsites.  The
campground is surrounded by the Badlands' sculpted multi-colored
landscape.  The campsites are open and spacious and separation
rather then vegetation provides fair privacy.  Horses are
welcomed in the campground.  Some sites have hitching rails. 
Although no other equestrian facilities are offered, there is
ample space for portable corrals.

SEASONS
Open Seasonal: Yes
Open All Year: Yes

Seasonal Comment:
Services provided mid-May through mid-November.

RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED
Rate: $6 per day
Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14

CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION
No. RV Sites: 0
No. Tent Sites: 0
No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 13
   
   Total Sites: 13

Tent Pads: No
Open Sites: Yes
Wooded Sites: No

No. Tables on Sites: 13
No. Grilles on Sites: 13
Equestrian Camping:  Yes

RV INFORMATION
Hookups: No
No. RV Pull Throughs: 0
Waste Station: No 
Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments

Comments:
The parking aprons are gravel and accommodate any size RV.

FACILITIES
Vaults: Yes
Flush Toilets: No
Hot Showers: No
Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes

Public Phone: No
Playground: No
No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1
  No. Threaded: 0

WATER SPORTS - None

HIKING
Bennett Creek Trail #8008 (foot, horse, and mountain bike) - 10
miles
     connects to Maah Daah Hey Trail #7001 (foot, horse,          
     and mountain bike) - 97 miles

FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Buffalo Gap VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009 UPDATE DATE: 7/31/2017 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Medora NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take I-94 east 16.5 miles to Buffalo Gap/ Exit 18 signs. Take Exit 18 to stop sign and turn left. Go 0.1 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.5 miles into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,600 feet. The South Section entrance into the Theodore Roosevelt National Park via [Exit 24, I-94] and Medora, ND, is about eight miles east of the campground. The campground has two loops called Mandan Camp and Hidatsa Camp, separated by a tall grassy hill. Most sites in both loops enjoy some shade provided by an assortment of vegetation, including ash and cottonwood trees and native shrubs and grasses. Wild plum trees as well as Chokecherry and Buffalo berry bushes abound. This vegetation provides good privacy between campsites. Grass is trimmed providing spacious space in the campsites. Hidatsa Camp loop is closest to I-94. Although the highway is not seen from most campsites in this loop, they are subject to more traffic noise. Mandan Camp loop, set farther back from I-94, has the campground's shower building, and a fewer number of double-wide parking aprons. With easy on/off access to I 94, this campground, with its manicured appearance, is great for an overnight stay. However, with so much in the area to do, such as the nearby South Section of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the community of Medora, the Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch, and the campground's peaceful nature, it is also good for a long stay. Possible day trips are Medora, ND with its many attractions, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Custer Trail Auto Tour, and nearby Buffalo Gap Guest Ranch for a cook's night out and other activities. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 35 Total Sites: 35 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 35 No. Grilles on Sites: 35 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups; No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: Yes Potable Water at Waste Station: Yes Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments Comments: The parking aprons are paved and will accommodate any size RV. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available at Flying J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: Yes Hot Showers: Yes Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 9 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The showers are wheelchair friendly and coin operated. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Buffalo Gap Nature trail#7005 (foot and mountain bike) - 2 miles Buffalo Gap Loop trail (foot, horse, and mountain bike) connects to Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot, horse, and mountain bike) - 142 miles FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: CCC VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009 UPDATE DATE: 1/29/2014 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: McKenzie NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US 85, State Rt. 23, and State Rt. 200, take US 85 south and go 14.9 miles to Long X Rd. (at south end of Little Missouri River bridge) Turn right onto Long X Rd., immediately after bridge, (gravel) and go 1.1 miles into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation 2,000-feet. This pack it in/pack it out campground has three loops (A, B, & C) on the south side of the Little Missouri River. Although the river cannot be seen or heard from the campsites, each site has a great view of the surrounding multi-colored North Dakota Badlands' landscape. Two loops A and C permit horses but no horse facilities other than communal "horse hitch rails" are provided. The campsites in Loops A and C are spacious with trimmed grass that will accommodate portable corrals. Loop C has two-unit pull through campsites while the other loops have back- in parking aprons. Loop B does not permit horses but also has spacious campsites with great views. The campground is convenient to both Maah Daah Hey and Long X trails. Possible day trips are Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit, Lake Skakawea and Watford City. The latter offers a cook's night out and other planned activities such as Homefest, which is a gathering of families. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 31 Total Sites: 31 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: No No. Tables on Sites: 31 No. Grilles on Sites: 31 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: None No. RV Pull Throughs: 1 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: See Comments Comments: The parking aprons are gravel and accommodate any size RV. There are two RV waste stations outside the grassland. One, with potable water, is available in Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit. Another, with no potable water, is in Watford City Park. From Main St. in Watford City and 4th Ave NE (State Rt. 23), take 4th Ave east 0.7 miles to the Watford City Park. The Loop C (equestrian loop) sites are all two-site pull throughs. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a handpump. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Long X trail (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 5.8 miles Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Coal Vien VISIT DATE: 07/28/2017 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Medora NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Medora RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Medora, ND, at the intersection of I-94 Business (Pacific Ave) and E River Rd, take E River Rd south for 4 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn right onto E. River Rd SW (gravel) and go 7.5 miles to a Coal Creek MDHT Trailhead sign. Turn right after sign into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: Elevation is 2,700 ft. The campground has two unnamed sections. The lower section is smaller with the campground's only pull-thrus. The upper section is on top of a hill which provides the campsites with nice views of the surrounding badlands. Although the campground has many good size Juniper trees, few offer shade to any of the campsites. It is the separation between campsites, rather than vegetation, that give campsites good privacy. Close to the 142-mile Maah Daah Hay trail and with a drinking water well, this campground is well-suited to use by hikers and their support team. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: No charge Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 10 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: No No. Tables on Sites: 10 No. Grilles on Sites: 10 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 3 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: any size RV Comments: An RV dump station with potable water is available, for a fee, at the Sully Creek State Park (N46 53.3883, W103 32.2305). FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 1 Comments: Hot showers are available at Sully Creek State Park (N46 56.3883; W103 32.2305). Solar-powered water spigot available at campground entrance. WATER SPORTS None HIKING Coal Creek trail #7017 (foot, horse, & mountain bike) - 3/4 mile Coal Creek Spur trail #7019 (foot, horse & mountain bike) - 1 mile both trails connect to the Maah Daah Hay trail FISHING No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Elkhorn Camp VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009 UPDATE Date: 1/29/2014 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Medora NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take Rt. 16 north 29.5 miles to Blacktail Rd. Turn right onto Blacktail Rd. (gravel) and go 15 miles to campground sign. Turn left after campground sign and go 0.9 miles to campground on left. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,300-feet. This horse-friendly, pack it in/pack it out campground stretches up a little valley or draw in the Badlands with sites spacious enough for a portable horse corral. The north side of the valley has the exposed layers of the Badlands geology while the south side has a dense growth of cottonwoods, juniper, assorted shrubs and wildflowers. Most of the campsites are tucked into more riparian-like area providing shade to tables and grilles for most of the day. Separation not vegetation provides good privacy between sites. This remote campground with its scenic access, provides a true grassland camping experience. The only horse facilities are a couple of hitching rails but there are large open grassy areas at each site. A possible day trip is the Roosevelt Elkhorn Ranch in the Roosevelt National Park. To get there, take the Elkhorn Trail to the Maah Daah Hey Trail for 2 miles to the Ranch's location and remaining foundations. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 10 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 10 No. Grilles on Sites: 10 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 18' X 61' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel and all about the same size. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available at the Flying J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a handpump. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Elkhorn trail #7008 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.5 mile connects to Maah Daah Hey (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles FISHING No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Magpie Camp VISIT DATE: 07/03/2009 UPDATE DATE: 1/29/2014 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Medora NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Watford City, ND, at intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt. 23, and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 south 43.1 miles to Magpie Road sign. Turn right after sign onto Magpie Rd. (gravel) and go 15.6 miles to campground sign. Turn right after sign and go 0.2 miles into campground. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,200 ft. This pack it in/pack it out campground stretches across a bluff above the little Magpie Creek. The steep face of a small butte along one side of the campground helps to reduce the steady blowing wind. Most sites have a pleasant mixture of grass and shrubs with enough ash and juniper to provide not only good privacy but also shade to the provided tables and grilles. Some sites have a panoramic view of the surrounding multi-colored Badlands' buttes. Some sites have hitching rails and horses are welcomed in the campground. Convenient to the Maah Daah Hey Trail, this campground may be considered remote but it is worth the long and scenic drive for the experience of enjoying a peaceful grassland camping experience. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 10 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: Yes No. Tables on Sites: 10 No. Grilles on Sites: 10 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 17' X 43' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a handpump. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Magpie trail #7009 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.3 miles Connects to the Maah Daah Hey trail #7001 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles FISHING - No

CAMPGROUND NAME: Sather Lake Recration Area VISIT DATE: 07/02/2009 UPDATE DATE: 1/29/2014 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: McKenzie NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Watford City RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Watford City, ND, at the intersection of US Rt. 85, State Rt. 23, and State Rt. 200, take Rt. 85 north 16.9 miles to State Rt. 68/Sidney signs. Turn left after sign onto Rt. 68 and go 16.3 miles to Sather Lake Recreation Area's Bass Loop. Turn left at boat ramp sign into Bass Loop or continue on for another 0.3 miles to Sather Lake/State Rt. 16 signs. Turn left onto Rt 16 south and go 0.4 miles to Trout loop or 0.6 miles to Perch loop. Both Loops are on the east/left side of Rt. 16. GENERAL COMMENTS: This pack it in/pack it out campground on the banks of Sather Lake has four loops. Bass Loop, the only part of the campground on Sather Lake's east shore, has a boat ramp and campsites. Along the Lake's west shore is Bluegill Loop, which is for day use only and has the campground's only drinking water source. Perch and Trout loops, also on the west shore, have spacious, sunny campsites with views of the surrounding rolling hills. Separation rather than vegetation provides good privacy. The irregular curving shoreline of Sather Lake suggests it would be an interesting place to explore with a canoe or kayak. None of the loops with campsites have a source for drinking water. NOTE: The Forest Service has posted the following notice: "Potable water has higher than recommended levels of fluoride -- alternate water is suggested for children 9 years old and younger." Possible day trips are Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit, Lake Skakawea and Watford City. The latter offers a cook's night out and other planned activities such as Homefest, which is a gathering of families. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 18 Total Sites: 18 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: No No. Tables on Sites: 18 No. Grilles on Sites: 18 Equestrian Camping: No RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 16' X 49' Comments: The parking aprons are gravel and all about the same size. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a handpump. WATER SPORTS Lake: Yes Swimming (provided): No Sailing: No Boat Ramp: Yes Boat Carry Down Access: Yes Power Boating: Yes Boating (no power): Yes Water Skiing: No Rafting (whitewater): No Kayaking (whitewater): No Comments: Sather Lake is 23 acres and permits boats with electric motors. The boat ramp is in Bass Loop. HIKING - No FISHING Fishing: Yes Comments: Rainbow trout, Largemouth bass, and Bluegill. A fishing pier is available in Trout Loop.

CAMPGROUND NAME: Wannagan VISIT DATE: 07/08/2009 UPDATE DATE: 1/29/2014 STATE: North Dakota REGION: Northern RANGER DISTRICT: Medora NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Beach RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Beach, ND, at intersection of I-94 and State Rt. 16, take I-94 east 8.6 miles to Sentinel Butte/Camel Hump Lake signs (Exit 10). Take Exit 10 to stop sign. Turn left at stop sign and go 0.3 miles to Camel Hump Rd. Turn right onto Camel Hump Rd. and go 0.5 miles to an intersection. Continue straight onto 160 Ave SW and go 2.5 miles to where the road's designation changes to 30 St SW. Continue on 30 St SW and go 4.1 miles to Wannagan Cr. Rd. Turn left at sign onto Wannagan Rd. and go 9.1 miles to Wannagan Camp sign. Turn right after the sign and go 0.8 miles to another campground sign. Turn left at sign and go 0.2 miles into campground. NOTE: Starting with the exit off I-94, the first 0.1 miles are paved. The remaining distance is on a native dirt and gravel road (Caution! can be very slippery when wet) that starts as a wide single lane and the last half-mile is narrow, rough single lane. GENERAL COMMENTS: The elevation is 2,400 feet. This pack it in/pack it out campground is a single spur up a draw into a natural amphitheater in the Badlands' landscape. Sites are open, sunny, and ample for portable corrals. Equestrian (horse) facilities are limited to a couple of hitching rails. Separation, not vegetation, provides fair privacy between sites. This remote campground, with its scenic access provides a real grassland camping experience. SEASONS Open Seasonal: Yes Open All Year: Yes Seasonal Comment: Services provided mid-May through mid-November. RATE AND MAXIMUM STAY PERMITTED Rate: $6 per day Maximum Stay Permitted (days): 14 CAMPGROUND SITE CONFIGURATION No. RV Sites: 0 No. Tent Sites: 0 No. Combined Sites (Tent or RV): 10 Total Sites: 10 Tent Pads: No Open Sites: Yes Wooded Sites: No No. Tables on Sites: 10 No. Grilles on Sites: 10 Equestrian Camping: Yes RV INFORMATION Hookups: No No. RV Pull Throughs: 0 Waste Station: No Average Parking Apron Size: 16' X 49' Comments: Parking aprons are gravel and grass and all about the same size. An RV waste station, with no potable water, is available at the Flying J Truck Stop in Beach, ND at Exit 1 on I-94. FACILITIES Vaults: Yes Flush Toilets: No Hot Showers: No Wheelchair Friendly Toilets: Yes Public Phone: No Playground: No No. Water Spigots (non-site): 1 No. Threaded: 0 Comments: The water spigot is a handpump. WATER SPORTS - None HIKING Wannagan Trail #7006 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 0.2 miles Connects to Maah Daah Hey Trail #7001 (foot, horse, mountain bike) - 97 miles FISHING - No




Fred and Suzi Dow