Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit
Watford City, ND
The quieter half of the park, with a scenic drive to the Oxbow Overlook above the Little Missouri River. Watch for bison and longhorn cattle on the road.
The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies on US 85, about 24 km (15 miles) south of Watford City and roughly 110 km (68 miles) north of the South Unit. It is less crowded than the southern part. The Scenic Drive is 22 km (14 miles) long, 45 km (28 miles) round trip, mostly paved and suitable for RVs. The River Bend Overlook is about halfway along, and the road ends at the Oxbow Overlook, with views of the badlands and a sharp bend in the Little Missouri River. Round cannonball concretions can be seen at mile 5.
Allow half a day for the drive with stops. Bison and mule deer are most often seen in the morning and evening, and Longhorn cattle also live in the park. Caprock Coulee has hiking trails from 2.6 to 6.6 km (1.6 to 4.1 miles). There is no lodging or food in the park. According to the National Park Service, the basic Juniper Campground, which has no hookups, requires a reservation (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Watford City, ND
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.5964, -103.2626
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- CCC CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 25 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Juniper CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 41 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Summit CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 5 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Bennett CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 13 pitches
- Cherry Creek CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 30 pitchesElectricity
- Little Missouri SP - Main CGCampsite25 mi from Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit · 8 pitchesShowersToilets
All campsites in North Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit is in Watford City, ND, at GPS 47.5964, -103.2626. It is about 8 mi from Theodore Roosevelt NP North Unit.
Can you camp near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is CCC Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: North Dakota badlands and the Enchanted Highway.
What is there to see near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (46 mi), Chateau de Mores State Historic Site (49 mi), Medora (49 mi) and Painted Canyon Overlook (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Unit?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)