Buffalo Gap Campground

      We are always looking for somewhere new to boondock along our routes, especially from Michigan to Washington.  When it came to our excursions across Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana it got a little dicey at times.  If your are looking for a regular full service RV park in this area the pickings are slim.  We used to stay at an RV park just across the border in Glendive, MT, but it has since been replaced by a hotel.  For several years we overnighted at the Pilot Truck Stop just across the North Dakota side of the border, but the last time we were awoken middle of the night saying we couldn't park our RV when semis needed the room.  There is however, another small campground just east of Beach, ND.  This is a USFS National Grasslands Park called Buffalo Gap.  www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dpg/recreation/recarea/?recid=79452&actid=50

      It is located at exit 18 and a 1/4 mile north of the interstate.  This campground is open all year, but limited services in the winter and I can only assume this means the water is turned off.  We have stayed here before, but in the last 7-8 years it has been closed to maintenance issues and no available funds from the Department of the Interior to fix things.
      This is a 'dry camping' arrangement, BUT with some facilities.  The camping fee is ONLY $6, but with our Golden Access Pass this becomes $3 per night.  Either way it is good deal.  There are flush toilets with hot showers for a small fee.   The entire park is paved and each site has a fire ring.  For RVs, sites are not always level and will require some 'adjusting'.  The issue of dry camping is easily solved.  Remember the evil Pilot Truck Stop?  They have a place for RVs to dump and water up for free.  So, when we're eastbound we usually gas up there, water up, and proceed to Buffalo Gap.   There are 11 water spigots with potable water around the campground, but not threaded, making it suitable for water jugs and the like.  As there is no electricity we employ our boondocking protocol living off the battery bank for the evening.  Generator backup is always available.

Leveling this puppy was a challenge; uphill and tilted

       We use this as an overnight stay on our way further west to Great Falls or east to Fargo.  It is quite comfortable with BIG OPEN SKIES and stars.  The freeway noise is just across the hill, but we never mind.  If you do decide to stay longer, Medora is only 7 miles to the east. https://medora.com/ 

Medora, ND

      Explore this website as it details the incredible amount of entertainment, culture, and exploration available in the area, including the Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park.  www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

The Badlands......Theodore Roosevelt Nat'l Park, ND

      This is a relatively unexplored area of the country, but there is SO MUCH to discover and enjoy here.  It is the Great West, the Badlands.  For us it is a stopover in a convenient place, but it doesn't have to be just that.  Take the time to enjoy America.  She's always been here.  Joie de Vivre!  

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are"

Theodore Roosevelt

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