Rough Rider State Park

09/12/2026

It is Hot Air Balloon Rally weekend in Medora! Thank you to our Camp Host Earl for capturing and sharing this amazing view.

09/11/2026

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Rough Rider State Park, and there’s more happening in Medora than you might think! If you didn’t make it our way earlier this season, there’s still time for a western North Dakota getaway.

Step away from the full schedules, slow down and fill your lungs with that fresh badlands air. This is the year you make fall camping happen!

09/06/2026

Comfort Station

We've had many inquiries about the comfort station at Rough Rider State Park. We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest towards our most recent park addition. The project is nearing the end to completion, with that being said, we still have some finishing touches in the interior of the building to address. The building will not be open for use until we have completed these interior details. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

-Park Manager Micaela

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.

07/31/2026

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

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!

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

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!

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.