🌤 Weather at Rough Rider State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–67 °F | 50–86 °F | 18–74 °F | 3–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Medora, 2 mi away, elevation 2,268 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Badlands Horseback — Rough Rider State Park (renamed from Sully Creek State Park in October 2024) is one of the only state parks in America designed specifically for horseback riders — 63 acres on the Little Missouri River in the North Dakota Badlands, two miles south of Medora and minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit. Campsites sit along colorful buttes and coulees carved over millions of years. Roosevelt himself rode these exact badlands in the 1880s and said they “made a man of me.”
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 1465 36th St, Medora, ND 58645 — 2 miles south of town |
| Formerly | Sully Creek State Park (renamed October 2024) |
| Size | 63 acres |
| Established | 1970 |
| Camping | Modern sites $25–30/night · primitive sites $15/night |
| Horse pass | $6/day or $30/year per horse · 66 corrals |
| Specialty | Equestrian — horseback riding! |
Why the New Name?
North Dakota Parks and Recreation renamed Sully Creek State Park to Rough Rider State Park in October 2024, honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders cavalry regiment — several North Dakotans rode with Roosevelt in the Spanish-American War, and North Dakota has carried the unofficial nickname “Rough Rider State” for more than 50 years. The rename came with a $4 million campground expansion that nearly doubles capacity from about 37 to 70 sites, with construction underway since late summer 2025 — check the official park page for current construction closures before you book.
Getting There
Located two miles south of Medora in Billings County — minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s South Unit. The Little Missouri River carved the dramatic badlands that so captivated young Theodore Roosevelt in 1883 that he said “I would not have been president had it not been for my time in North Dakota.” Horseback trails connect toward the national park and the Maah Daah Hey. The annual Medora Musical runs summer evenings.
Plan Your Visit
Rough Rider offers modern and primitive camping, equestrian camping with corrals, and direct access to the Maah Daah Hey Trail (144 miles) — one of America’s premier mountain biking trails. The Little Missouri River invites canoeing and kayaking in season. A North Dakota state park vehicle pass is required for entry. Open May through October; check gravel road conditions in spring. Reserve campsites up to 95 days in advance (check-in 4 pm MST).
Nature & Wildlife
The Little Missouri badlands support mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and wild horses. Golden eagles soar above the buttes, and prairie rattlesnakes sun on the exposed clay formations. The badlands’ layered sediments contain petrified wood, lignite coal, and volcanic ash from eruptions 60 million years ago. Bison from Theodore Roosevelt National Park occasionally wander into the park.
Insider Tips
Badlands edge: Rough Rider sits near Theodore Roosevelt National Park — the rugged Badlands that inspired TR’s conservation legacy. Pro tip: Roosevelt came to the Dakota Badlands in 1883 to hunt bison — the experience transformed him into America’s greatest conservation president. Oil boom: The Bakken oil formation has made western North Dakota one of the country’s largest oil-producing regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sully Creek State Park renamed to Rough Rider State Park?
North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced the rename in October 2024 to honor Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders — the cavalry regiment that included several North Dakotans — and the state’s long-standing “Rough Rider State” nickname. The rename is paired with a $4 million campground expansion that grows the park from about 37 to 70 campsites. Same park, same badlands, new name.
Is there camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Yes — Rough Rider State Park (formerly Sully Creek) sits minutes from the national park’s South Unit near Medora. It offers modern sites ($25–30/night) and primitive sites ($15/night), equestrian camping with 66 corrals, access to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail, and Little Missouri River paddling — the closest state-park camping to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
How did Dakota shape Theodore Roosevelt?
Roosevelt arrived in Dakota Territory in 1883 as a grief-stricken young man (his wife and mother died on the same day). Ranching in the Badlands transformed him physically and philosophically. He witnessed the destruction of bison herds and open range — experiences that made him a passionate conservationist. As president (1901-1909), he protected 230 million acres — creating national forests, parks, and monuments. “I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.”
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Little Missouri State Park (badlands country to the northeast) or Lewis and Clark State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for North Dakota state parks online at reservendparks.com.
Facts verified July 2026 — fees and campground details per North Dakota Parks & Recreation.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Rough Rider State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required; no maximum length specified on the official site
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts where parks state a policy (e.g. Fort Ransom State Park); no statewide pet-friendly cabin program advertised
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Most parks have designated off-leash areas or dog parks (e.g. Fort Ransom's off-leash area with river access, Grahams Island's fenced dog park)
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep dogs leashed in camp and on trails — prairie rattlesnakes live in the surrounding badlands.
Are dogs allowed at Rough Rider State Park?
Pets are welcome in North Dakota state parks but must stay on a leash. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov. More: North Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Rough Rider State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The park sits on the Little Missouri River in the badlands two miles south of Medora — and North Dakota Parks and Recreation announced in October 2024 it is being renamed Rough Rider State Park, with a campground expansion underway. For big animals, the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, right at Medora, is home to bison, elk, deer, pronghorn and feral horses.
Watch out for: Rattlesnakes occur across central and western North Dakota per the state Game and Fish Department, and neighboring Theodore Roosevelt National Park calls the prairie rattlesnake its only venomous reptile — it will avoid humans unless surprised or provoked, so observe from a distance. The famous bison roam inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park, not this state park; if you drive over, NPS regulations require staying at least 25 yards from bison and other large animals.
Are there venomous snakes at Rough Rider State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via parkrec.nd.gov.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Rough Rider State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
