Whitetail Flats Campground, located at 1465 36th St in Medora, North Dakota, is a camping ground that has drawn a mix of RVers, tent campers, and equestrian visitors over the years. With a 4.5-star average from 21 reviews, it appears to be a well-regarded option for those exploring the Medora area and nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This review compiles information from public sources and visitor feedback to give you a balanced picture of what to expect.
Whitetail Flats Campground at a Glance
Whitetail Flats Campground sits at 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645, in the southwestern corner of North Dakota. It is listed as a camping ground and is part of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation system, as indicated by its website (parkrec.nd.gov/parks/scsp/scsp.html). The campground offers a range of amenities that visitors frequently mention, including electric hookups, accessible water, and a dump station. Showers and vault toilets are available on-site, though some visitors note that shower use may require payment. The campground also features a dedicated horse camping area with corrals, making it a popular choice for equestrian campers. The setting is described as expansive and green, with open views and trails for hiking or birdwatching. Its proximity to Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park—roughly 3 to 4 miles—adds to its appeal. Contact information is available at +1 701-623-2024, and reservations can be made through the state park's system.
What Do Visitors Like About Whitetail Flats Campground?
Visitor feedback for Whitetail Flats Campground is largely positive, with many reviewers praising the cleanliness of the facilities, the spaciousness of the sites, and the peaceful atmosphere. Out of 21 reviews, the majority rate it 5 stars, though a few note drawbacks such as extra fees, insects, and occasional noise from generators. Reviewers often highlight the friendly host, the well-kept showers, and the beautiful scenery. Some mention that the campground feels more like true camping due to its distance from town, while others appreciate the easy access to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
1. Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities
Several visitors have commented on the cleanliness of the showers and restrooms. Jen Petrovich described the showers as 'very clean, 24/7,' and Mac McWhirter noted that the showers and vault toilets were 'kept very clean.' Beth Olschlager also mentioned that the bathrooms were clean and the staff was friendly. These recurring remarks suggest that maintenance is a priority at Whitetail Flats Campground.
2. Spacious and Scenic Sites
Many reviewers appreciate the generous space between campsites and the open, green surroundings. Jen Petrovich mentioned a 'huge open space bigger than a football field' in the center of the RV area, while Thomas Larsen noted that sites are 'spacious, with a lot of unused space between.' Scott Vondracek described the location as 'very spacious and quiet,' and Stranton Oftedahl highlighted 'great views' and a river running next to the campground. The natural setting seems to be a key draw.
3. Equestrian-Friendly Amenities
The campground is particularly popular among equestrian campers. Mac McWhirter called it 'a perfect campground for equestrian campers,' and Scott Stevenson observed 'many horse sites with corrals toward the back.' Jen Petrovich noted that although there is no official dog area, the host suggested using the horse camping area for dogs to run. Stranton Oftedahl also mentioned 'large stalls for horses.' These features make it a notable option for those traveling with horses.
4. Fees and Practical Considerations
Some visitors have pointed out that additional fees can add up. Thomas Larsen detailed a '$12 campsite, + $7 park entry fee + $1 in quarters for 8 min in the shower,' and mentioned extra fees for RVs and horse trailers. Scott Stevenson mentioned a '$17/night including park fee.' While the campground is often described as affordable, especially by Todd Struthers who called it 'very cheap,' it's wise to budget for these extras.
5. Insects and Seasonal Nuances
A few reviewers have noted the presence of insects, particularly in certain seasons. Jen Petrovich mentioned 'a LOT of gnats just before sundown,' and Thomas Larsen reported 'tons of moths and insects' but noted that bug spray prevented bites. June Nzilani, however, said 'No bugs!!' during their stay. This suggests that insect activity can vary, so coming prepared is advisable.
6. Noise and Crowd Levels
While many describe the campground as quiet, Samuel Behrens mentioned an RV with a generator running from 8am to 8pm that was 'really annoying.' Scott Vondracek advised to 'avoid the park campground crowds and stay here,' indicating that Whitetail Flats may be less crowded than alternatives. Peter Hahn noted that the campground was full when they visited, so availability can vary.
Visitor Highlights
Paraphrased summary of what visitors mention most — not direct quotes.
Whitetail Flats Campground offers a range of facilities for campers. The campground provides electric hookups, accessible water, and a dump station, as noted by multiple reviewers. Showers are available and are generally reported as clean, though some visitors mention that they require payment, often in quarters. Vault toilets are also on-site. For equestrian campers, there is a dedicated horse camping area with corrals and large stalls. The campground is part of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation system, and reservations can be made through their website or by calling +1 701-623-2024. The address is 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645. Visitors have mentioned a 14-foot maximum height due to the entrance gate, and a short dirt road leading to the campground that could be muddy after heavy rain. The campground is located about 3-4 miles from Medora and the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it a convenient base for exploration.
Is Whitetail Flats Campground Worth Visiting?
Whitetail Flats Campground is worth considering if you're looking for a spacious, quiet camping experience near Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It particularly suits equestrian campers, RVers seeking electric and water hookups, and those who prefer a more natural setting away from town. Tent campers and those seeking primitive camping may also find it appealing, though they should be aware of potential extra fees and seasonal insects. If you value clean facilities, open views, and a friendly host, this campground could be a good fit. However, if you prefer walking distance to shops or dislike paying for showers, you might want to weigh other options.
What Are the Potential Limitations?
The available data does not establish current operating hours, seasonal closures, or real-time availability. Crowd levels can vary, and some reviewers noted the campground was full during their visit. Insect activity appears to fluctuate, and noise from generators has been reported by at least one visitor. Fees may change, and the reservation system details are not fully outlined in the source data. Additionally, the condition of the dirt access road after rain is not consistently reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whitetail Flats Campground located?
It is located at 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645, United States, approximately 3-4 miles from Medora and the entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
What amenities does Whitetail Flats Campground offer?
Based on visitor reviews, the campground offers electric hookups, accessible water, a dump station, showers (some paid), vault toilets, and a horse camping area with corrals. It is part of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation system.
Are reservations required?
According to a reviewer, all sites are available through the state park's reservation system. It is advisable to check the official website or call +1 701-623-2024 for current reservation policies.
Is the campground suitable for equestrian campers?
Yes, multiple reviewers have highlighted the horse camping area with corrals and large stalls, making it a popular choice for equestrian campers.
What should I know about fees?
Reviewers have mentioned a campsite fee of around $12, plus a park entry fee of $7, and additional charges for showers. Fees for RVs and horse trailers may also apply. It's best to verify current rates with the park.
Final Verdict
Whitetail Flats Campground appears to be a solid choice for campers seeking a spacious, clean, and scenic base near Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. With a 4.5-star average from 21 reviews, the majority of visitors report positive experiences, particularly regarding the cleanliness of facilities, the equestrian amenities, and the peaceful atmosphere. While some note extra fees and seasonal insects, these seem to be minor drawbacks for most. As with any campground, conditions can change, so it's wise to verify details with the official source before your trip.
This review was compiled from information gathered from various public sources and visitor reviews, then organized into general informational content. Details may change over time and should be verified with the official source.
Sources & Methodology
Validation passed
58 of 60 claims (97%) are directly supported by source data, 2 weak, and 0 unverified.
