Burning Coal Vein Campground

Open — Open year-round with limited services after Labor Day and before Memorial Day. Water is currently unavailable due to maintenance with no determined timeframe for restoration. Campers should bring adequate drinking water.

About

Burning Coal Vein Campground is a remote campground in the Little Missouri National Grassland near Medora, North Dakota, serving as the southernmost campground and trailhead along the 146-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail. The campground offers 8 spacious campsites spread out across the property, each with a fire ring, picnic table, and shaded gravel parking pad accommodating vehicles up to 60 feet long. The site provides access to scenic views of surrounding badlands, columnar juniper, and ponderosa pine forest, and is located near Amidon and White Butte, the highest peak in North Dakota. Trailheads include the Maah Daah Hey Trail on the west side of the campground and Juniper Spur Trail on the south side. The campground operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash service. While the campground's namesake coal vein is no longer burning, the area remains a scenic and remote destination offering solitude and privacy for visitors. Access roads pass through private land, so visitors must stay on designated roads and respect private property.

Directions

Located 27 miles south of Medora in Slope County. From Medora, go south for 4 miles on Pacific Ave, turn south on East River Road and follow signs to the campground. From Belfield, go south 10 miles on US85 to 47th St SW, take 3rd Creek Rd to Burning Coal Vein Rd. Access roads pass through private land; stay on designated roads.

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