CCC Campground Reopens on Little Missouri National Grassland
Travis Bateman
Farmer Staff Writer
A longtime favorite among campers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers in western North Dakota has emerged from a major renovation project with expanded amenities and a refreshed look. The U.S. Forest Service’s CCC Campground, located on the Little Missouri National Grassland south of the entrance to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, has officially reopened following a significant reconstruction effort that began in 2024.
The campground, administered by the United States Forest Service, underwent an extensive modernization project designed to improve camping facilities while preserving its role as one of the premier recreation hubs on the Little Missouri National Grassland. Construction activities prompted a lengthy closure that was extended through the winter of 2024-2025 before reopening to the public this season.
Expanded Facilities and
Recreation Opportunities
The renovated campground now offers facilities for a wide range of outdoor users. According to the Forest Service and tourism information, the campground includes three loops designed for RV camping, tent camping, and equestrian use. Amenities include electrical hookups, potable water, vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, horse corrals, hitch rails, highlines, a large picnic pavilion, and a bike wash station.
The campground contains 22 individual campsites and three group campsites, making it one of the largest developed camping facilities on the Little Missouri National Grassland.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts will find direct access to some of North Dakota’s most popular trail systems. The campground serves as a trailhead for portions of the renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail as well as the Long X and Sunset Trails. An equestrian-specific trailhead provides access for horseback riders exploring the rugged badlands landscape.
Social Media Highlights
Renovation Success
The Dakota Prairie Grasslands and regional tourism partners have been actively promoting the newly renovated facility on social media. Recent posts describe the campground as offering an enhanced recreation experience with improved opportunities for visitors exploring western North Dakota. The Forest Service has also highlighted the campground’s connection to nearby trail systems and recreation opportunities along the Little Missouri River corridor.
Camping-focused travel sites have noted that the campground has been expanded and renovated to better accommodate modern RVs while maintaining space for traditional tent camping and equestrian users.
Economic and Tourism
Importance
The campground sits in a strategic location for tourism in McKenzie County. Positioned along U.S. Highway 85 and near the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it serves as a gateway for visitors exploring the badlands region. The facility is also within walking distance of the Little Missouri River, offering access to fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and backcountry recreation opportunities.
The improvements come as visitation to public lands across western North Dakota continues to grow, particularly among mountain bikers, trail runners, equestrians, and travelers seeking alternatives to more crowded national park campgrounds.
Future Considerations
With the renovation complete, the Forest Service is also evaluating recreation fee adjustments for the campground. Proposed changes announced in 2025 include increasing electrical hookup campsite fees and establishing fees for group camping facilities. Forest Service officials have stated that revenue generated would be used to maintain facilities, support campground hosts, purchase equipment, and provide seasonal recreation staffing.
Visitors planning trips this summer should also be aware of ongoing Highway 85 construction projects near the campground. While access to CCC Campground will remain open, travelers may encounter periodic delays in construction zones. Forest Service officials report that impacts to the campground entrance itself are expected to be minimal during the 2026 construction season.
For McKenzie County residents and visitors alike, the reopening of the renovated CCC Campground represents a significant investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure and further strengthens the Little Missouri National Grassland’s reputation as one of North Dakota’s premier destinations for camping, hiking, horseback riding, and adventure tourism.