We Love Our National Parks, but This North Dakota Park Is Just as Rugged

Located less than 10 minutes from the iconic Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Rough Rider State Park is a small park that's a perfect home base for anyone seeking adventure. Situated in the heart of North Dakota's badlands, the park offers jaw-dropping views of rugged landscapes that are a stark contrast to the flat prairies this Midwestern state is otherwise known for.

Rough Rider State Park may be a modest 63 acres, but it's packed with opportunities. It's perhaps most popular for its access to the more than 140-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians all use this trail. The route winds through the rugged terrain of the badlands and offers incredible vistas along the way. In the spring, canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes for visitors. Rough Rider State Park makes hopping onto the 274-mile-long Little Missouri River a breeze. 

The state park is an excellent option for anyone traveling with their horses. As one of North Dakota's designated horse parks, visitors can purchase a permit to utilize one of the available 66 corrals and horse-specific campsites. A handful of campsites are available for those traveling without their large four-legged companion (but dogs are welcome). Options include sites with both electricity and water, as well as primitive sites. As campsites are currently limited, I would advise booking a spot ahead of your trip. Despite the remote location, a shower house is available to all campers.

Another highlight of the park is its proximity to the historic town of Medora. Just two miles north, Medora is a popular tourist destination with a true old-school western vibe. Of course, with Theodore Roosevelt National Park just minutes away, it's also easy to combine with Rough Rider State Park.

Formerly called Sully Creek State Park, the park was renamed Rough Rider State Park in late 2024. The new name honors President Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry unit that fought in the Spanish-American War in 1898. Roosevelt himself was a founding member of the regiment and later became the 26th President. In addition to the new name, the park intends to expand to 70 campsites in the upcoming years. 

Additionally, Rough Rider State Park and its surrounding trails are home to an abundance of wildlife, including bison, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, and various bird species. For those interested in hitting the greens, the park borders Golf Bully Pulpit. Only two miles away, Golf Bully Pulpit is an 18-hole course that blends effortlessly into the surrounding badlands.

While Rough Rider State Park could easily slip into an afterthought when visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park, it truly shouldn't be overlooked. It's the perfect home base for exploring the national park, while still providing access to some of North Dakota's most incredible trails and river systems.

Whether you're on a horseback riding adventure or just looking for a getaway with the kids, Rough Rider State Park delivers. Share this article with someone you want to visit this North Dakota state park with and start planning your next adventure today.