RV Parks In Watford City, North Dakota
47.8022° N, 103.2832° W
Quick Overview
Watford City sits in the heart of McKenzie County in northwestern North Dakota, and it's one of the best positioned towns in the state for RVers who want to explore the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding badlands landscape. With several RV parks and campgrounds in the area and some free options, you've got a solid selection of places to set up camp while you explore this dramatic corner of the northern Great Plains. The town experienced massive growth during the Bakken oil boom, and while the pace has settled down, the expanded infrastructure -- including upgraded campgrounds and improved roads -- benefits RV travelers today. Campgrounds in Watford City range from full-hookup private parks built to handle large work trailers and Class A motorhomes to more basic public camping areas along the Little Missouri River corridor where the scenery alone is worth the trip. Full hookups with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer are standard at the private facilities, and sites tend to be generously sized with pull-through options at most parks. The entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is just 15 miles south of town on US-85, making Watford City arguably the most convenient base camp for exploring the less-visited but equally stunning northern section of the park. The Long X Trail Scenic Byway runs south from town through the badlands and provides some of the most spectacular driving scenery in the entire state. Watford City itself has grown into a full-service community with grocery stores, restaurants, a new recreation center, and fuel stations that make resupplying during your stay easy and convenient. The surrounding landscape is raw and beautiful -- deep river canyons, colorful badlands formations, and rolling grasslands that seem to stretch on forever under the enormous North Dakota sky.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Watford City
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All Dump Stations Near Watford City
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieland RV Park. | 0.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sunland RV Park | 1.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Arrowwood RV Park | 4.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rakken Arrow RV Park | 4.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Buffalo Trails Campground | 32.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Yellowstone Bridge RV Park | 32.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Williston Village RV Resort | 33.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Williston Foxrun RV Park | 35.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sunset Trails RV Park | 36.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| New Town Marina | 37.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Prairieland RV Park.
0.3 miSunland RV Park
1.2 miArrowwood RV Park
4.2 miRakken Arrow RV Park
4.3 miBuffalo Trails Campground
32.1 miYellowstone Bridge RV Park
32.2 miWilliston Village RV Resort
33.3 miWilliston Foxrun RV Park
35.8 miSunset Trails RV Park
36.3 miNew Town Marina
37.1 miTraveling to Watford City by RV
US-85 is the main highway running through Watford City, connecting you to Williston about 45 miles north and the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park at Medora about 80 miles south. Highway 1806 runs east from town along the Missouri River. The North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park is just 15 miles south of Watford City on US-85 -- look for the park entrance sign on the left side of the road. Roads in the area are well-maintained and handle RVs without problems, though US-85 south of town winds through some hilly badlands terrain with grades and curves that require attention with a big rig. Oil field truck traffic can be heavy on US-85, especially between Watford City and Williston, so maintain safe following distances and be prepared for slower vehicles. Fuel and diesel are available at multiple stations in Watford City along the main highway. The town has a Cenex and other fuel stops with truck-friendly access. For major RV supplies and repairs, Williston is the nearest larger city at about 45 miles north.
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Dump Station Costs in Watford City
RV park pricing in Watford City has come back to earth after the stratospheric rates that defined the peak Bakken oil boom, when any flat spot with a power hookup could command $100 or more per night. Of the campgrounds in the area today, a portion% are free while a portion% charge a nightly fee. Full-hookup sites at private parks typically run between $30 and $55 per night during summer, with weekly and monthly rates available that can bring the cost down significantly for longer stays. Theodore Roosevelt National Park's Juniper Campground in the North Unit charges a modest nightly fee of around $14 to $28, but it has no hookups and limited space for larger rigs. Free camping options in the surrounding area offer budget-friendly alternatives for self-contained rigs willing to go without services for a few days. If you're planning an extended stay to thoroughly explore the park and badlands, ask about weekly rates at the private campgrounds since the savings compared to nightly pricing can be considerable.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Watford City
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Best Time to Visit Watford City by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
-5-25°F
Crowds: Low
Most campgrounds close and the North Unit scenic drive may be closed due to snow -- only the most prepared winter campers should attempt this region during the cold months
Spring
Mar - May
30-65°F
Crowds: Low
Parks begin reopening in May and the badlands come alive with spring green -- the North Unit road usually opens for the season by late April or early May
Summer
Jun - Aug
60-95°F
Crowds: High
Peak season for national park visits and RV camping with warm temperatures and long days perfect for scenic drives and wildlife viewing
Fall
Sep - Oct
30-65°F
Crowds: Medium
Beautiful autumn light on the badlands formations and the cottonwoods along the Little Missouri River turn gold -- fewer crowds make for a more peaceful park experience
Explore the Watford City Area
Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is the star attraction here, and at just 15 miles south of town on US-85 it's an easy day trip or even a quick afternoon visit from your campground. The 14-mile scenic drive through the North Unit is spectacular and takes about an hour without stops -- add extra time because you will want to stop at the overlooks above the Little Missouri River canyon. Bison, wild horses, bighorn sheep, and elk are all present in the North Unit, and early morning drives give you the best chance at wildlife sighting. The Long X Trail Scenic Byway between Watford City and the park entrance is a beautiful drive on its own, winding through classic badlands country. Stock up on groceries at the stores in Watford City before heading to the park since there are no food services inside the North Unit. Fill your water tanks in town as well -- the park's Juniper Campground has limited water availability and no hookups for RVs. If the wind is howling across the prairie, the sheltered river canyons in the park provide some relief from the gusts.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Watford City
How many RV parks are in Watford City, North Dakota?
Watford City has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, including {{freeCount}} free options. The town's camping infrastructure expanded significantly during the oil boom and now offers solid choices for RV travelers exploring the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding badlands country.
Are there free camping options near Watford City?
There are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Watford City area. Free sites are typically primitive with no hookups, so you'll need to arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries. Some dispersed camping on public land may also be available in the surrounding grasslands for self-contained rigs.
How far is Watford City from Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is just 15 miles south of Watford City on US-85. The drive takes about 20 minutes and has no RV restrictions. This makes Watford City one of the most convenient base camps for exploring the less-visited but spectacular North Unit of the park.
What do RV parks in Watford City cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private RV parks in Watford City typically cost between $30 and $55 per night during summer. Weekly and monthly rates offer significant savings for longer stays. The national park's Juniper Campground charges $14 to $28 per night but has no hookups and limited space for large rigs.
What wildlife can I see near Watford City?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is home to bison, wild horses, bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. Prairie dogs have large colonies along the scenic drive. Early morning and late evening offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The surrounding grasslands also support pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and various raptor species.
How many RV parks are in Watford City, North Dakota?
Watford City has {{stationCount}} RV parks and campgrounds in the area, including {{freeCount}} free options. The town's camping infrastructure expanded significantly during the oil boom and now offers solid choices for RV travelers exploring the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the surrounding badlands country.
Are there free camping options near Watford City?
There are {{freeCount}} free camping options in the Watford City area. Free sites are typically primitive with no hookups, so you'll need to arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries. Some dispersed camping on public land may also be available in the surrounding grasslands for self-contained rigs.
How far is Watford City from Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
The entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is just 15 miles south of Watford City on US-85. The drive takes about 20 minutes and has no RV restrictions. This makes Watford City one of the most convenient base camps for exploring the less-visited but spectacular North Unit of the park.
What do RV parks in Watford City cost per night?
Full-hookup sites at private RV parks in Watford City typically cost between $30 and $55 per night during summer. Weekly and monthly rates offer significant savings for longer stays. The national park's Juniper Campground charges $14 to $28 per night but has no hookups and limited space for large rigs.
What wildlife can I see near Watford City?
Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is home to bison, wild horses, bighorn sheep, elk, and mule deer. Prairie dogs have large colonies along the scenic drive. Early morning and late evening offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. The surrounding grasslands also support pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and various raptor species.
Are there free dump stations in Watford City?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Watford City.
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