There are no accommodations in the park, but you will find hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts in Medora, Belfield, and Beach near the South Unit, and in Watford City near the North Unit. Most are open year-round, but some may close in the winter. Rates are highest in summer.
In Medora
The AmericInn, the most luxurious choice, is at 75 E. River Rd. S., 1 block south of the Medora Community Center (www.americinn.com; tel. 800/634-3444 or 701/623-4800). It has seasonal rates, ranging in the main tourist season from $90 to $180 double; American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.
The Badlands Motel, on Pacific Avenue, with 115 air-conditioned rooms, charges $89 (off season) up to $135 in high season for a double. It's open April to October and has a heated swimming pool and a miniature golf course. Additional children free. The Rough Riders Motel, at 301 3rd Ave., has been newly renovated and opened 68 additional rooms in 2010, as well as a restaurant. Rates range from $99 to $199 double, depending on season. Their season is June to September. Both take American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa. For information for both motels, check www.medora.com; tel. 800/MEDORA-1 (633-6721).
Custer's Cottage, at 156 E. River Rd. S. in Medora, is a medium-size, air-conditioned house with two units, one on the main floor, and one on the lower level. Each unit has separate private entrances, full kitchens, large living rooms, cable TV, up to four bedrooms, and laundry facilities. It is open year-round by advance reservations (www.custerscottage.com; tel. 888/383-2574 or 701/623-4378). Rates range from $45 to $60, depending on length of stay. Credit cards are not accepted for payment but may be used to reserve a room. The facility is 2 miles from Maah Daah Hey Trail. This is a smoke-free facility.
In Belfield
The Cowboy Inn is west of U.S. 85 on U.S. 10 (www.cowboyinn-nd.com; tel. 866/901-4245 or 701/575-4245). A double costs $104 to $154, depending on the season; children under 12 free; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted.
The Trapper's Inn is located at I-94 and U.S. 85 North, 15 minutes from Medora (www.trapperskettle.com; tel. 800/284-1855 or 701/575-4261). Rates range from $96 to $106 double in the peak season; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted. The inn is smoke-free, and pets are not allowed.
In Beach
The Buckboard Inn, with 39 rooms, is located at I-94 and N. Dak. 16 South (tel. 701/872-4794). A double costs $70 during the summer; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted. Pets are welcome with $5 fee.
In Watford City
The McKenzie Inn, with 13 rooms, is on U.S. 85 West (www.mckenzieinn.com; tel. 800/842-3989 or 701/444-3980). The year-round rate is $61 for a double, $49 for a single; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted. Senior and AAA rates are offered.
The Roosevelt Inn & Suites, on U.S. 85 West (www.rooseveltinn.com; tel. 800/887-9170 or 701/842-3686), with 50 rooms, has a swimming pool, spa, sauna, and game room. Rates year-round are $86 single, $96 double, $91 to $156 suite; American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted. Continental breakfast and rooms for travelers with disabilities are available.
Camping
Cottonwood Campground in the South Unit and Juniper Campground in the North Unit are operated on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll find drinking water, flush toilets, public telephones (Cottonwood only), and fire grates in both campgrounds, but no showers or RV hookups. Juniper Campground has an RV dump station, but Cottonwood does not. Camping costs $10 per night ($5 in off season); holders of Senior or Access passes pay $5. Campgrounds are open year-round, but the availability of water is limited during the winter.
Camping for organized groups is available at both campgrounds, and reservations are required.
Camping with horses is permitted only at the Roundup Group Horse Campground in the South Unit; reservations are required. Open seasonally.
Other privately run and Forest Service campgrounds are located near both units of the park, and you can get a list from park offices.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
