Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Bison roam the badlands from top to bottom, surprising visitors with their agility and ability to cross even the most rugged terrain.
When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.
Map showing location of park.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park to Conduct Strategic Bison and Horse Operations
Roughly 200 bison and up to 15 horses will be transferred out of the park to support a healthy and manageable population.
Campgrounds Rates are Changing at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
On October 1, 2024, the rates for Theodore Roosevelt National Park campgrounds will change. Fee changes will include the Cottonwood Campground, Cottonwood Group site, Juniper Campground, Juniper Group site, and Roundup Group Horse Camp campground.
A hiker stands on the edge of a butte looking over the North Dakota badlands.
Embark on Adventure: Launch of the Junior Wilderness Ranger Program at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is excited to introduce the Junior Wilderness Ranger Program, launching on September 2nd. This new program is designed for both adults and children who are eager to explore, learn, and contribute to the protection of our natural landscapes.
A bison stands on the badlands with the Milky Way in the background. The words Reach for the stars at Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival August 30 - September 1 across the graphic.
Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival to be Held at Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Join us at Theodore Roosevelt National Park for Dakota Nights: Astronomy Festival, where the cosmos come alive under the pristine skies of the North Dakota badlands!
Horse Approaching Campers
Earlier this spring, a male feral horse began entering Roundup Horse Camp, approaching campers and their riding stock, following riders down the trail, and interfered with the feeding and care of the camper’s horses.
A colorfully striped butte in the foreground overlooks a dark green badlands landscape
Photo by NPS Photo / Mark Meyers
the Little Missouri River under blue skies
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
A muddy river bank lined with cottonwood trees and steep buttes
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
two bull bison collide heads in a dusty battle for dominance
Photo by NPS Photo / Teresina Wheaten
the swirling, dusty looking milky way runs vertically though a starry night sky
Photo by NPS Photo / Jeff Zylland
a string of bison are silhouetted against the backdrop of hazy blue and yellow badlands
Photo by NPS Photo / Roland and Lisa Honeyman
a green prairie hilltop overlooks the badlands, shrouded in shadows
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
A bugling bull elk and his harem of cows stand on the edge of a butte as the sunlight fades
Photo by NPS Photo / Rolan and Lisa Honeyman
a strange looking sand and rock formation stands in a prairie of brown grass
Photo by NPS Photo / Laura Thomas
The rising sun casts light on Roosevelt's snow-covered cabin.
Photo by NPS Photo