
National Park · North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
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.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Group Camping
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
Weather & when to go
In winter, some or all park roads may be closed due to snow.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Valid for 7 days for all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle.
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Valid for 7 days for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, horse, or other non-motorized means of travel.
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 7-15 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$50.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 16-25 passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$60.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Based upon the total capacity of a vehicle that can carry 26 or more passengers, regardless of the actual number of passengers. A commercial tour is defined as consisting of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Pass is good for seven days as long as it's the same passenger group.
$150.00
Operating hours
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related closures.
Campgrounds
Cottonwood Campground
Juniper Campground
Roundup Group Horse Camp
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
- Entrance to Theodore Roosevelt National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This applies to all units of the park; North Unit, South Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Even when entrance stations and visitor centers are closed, the park itself remains open. Remember to check current conditions for any weather related cl…
- Do I need a reservation for Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Best Hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, from short canyon overlooks to the backcountry Petrified Forest Loop.

National Parks in North Dakota: Full Guide
One National Park in three separate units, plus two historic sites most road trips drive straight past. How to sequence them.

National Parks Near Minneapolis: Road Trips
Boreal lakes, big rivers, and northern wilderness within a road trip of the Twin Cities.
