Theodore Roosevelt National Park

About Theodore Roosevelt

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

Park annual pass

The Theodore Roosevelt National Park Annual Park Pass is valid for one year from month of purchase. The pass admits the purchaser and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle, or the pass holder and his/her immediate family (spouse, children, parents) when entry is by other means (foot, bicycle).

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.

Hours

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.

Getting there

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.

Campgrounds

• Cottonwood CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Juniper CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Roundup Group Horse CampBook on Recreation.gov

Visitor centers

• North Unit Visitor Center
• South Unit Visitor Center
• Painted Canyon Visitor Center

Alerts

• Information: Theodore Roosevelt National Park moves to cashless fee collection
• Information: South Unit Address for Mobile Maps – Theodore Roosevelt NP
• Information: Petrified Forest Trailhead Access Update: Use Approved Route

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Theodore Roosevelt National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.