Nestled within the heart of North Dakota's rugged badlands, you'll discover Sully Creek State Park, an oasis of serene wilderness just moments away from the historic town of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. While these locations beckon to many a traveler, Sully Creek offers an idyllic retreat for those seeking an escape from the more crowded tourist destinations.
Renowned for its natural beauty and a myriad of outdoor activities, Sully Creek has carved out its unique niche as a favored destination among the adventurous at heart. In the crisp early spring, the waters of the Little Missouri River that snakes through the park teem with canoes and kayaks. As North Dakota’s only State Scenic River, this 274-mile-long waterway provides a distinct perspective of the badlands like no other.
When the sun bathes the park in a warm glow, it's not unusual to see visitors hiking, biking, and most notably, horseback riding. Sully Creek's access to the iconic 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail makes it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Among its many distinctions, Sully Creek State Park proudly stands as one of North Dakota's designated horse parks. Designed with the equestrian adventurer in mind, the park boasts 66 horse corrals, complete with an array of additional amenities to accommodate riders and their trusted steeds.
Discover the Maah Daah Hey Trail
The Maah Daah Hey Trail refers to those eager to immerse themselves in nature's rugged beauty. Bring along your mountain bike, don your hiking shoes, or saddle up your horse to traverse this remarkable 144-mile trail system. Comprising eight unique segments, each revealing a different aspect of the region's topography, the trail is accessible just northwest of the park entrance.
Setting off northward, the trail leads you across the sparkling waters of the Little Missouri River and into a diverse terrain of varied elevations. Your journey will eventually meet the edges of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, another gem in North Dakota's outdoor crown.
Venture southward from Sully Creek, and the trail will lead you toward the acclaimed Bully Pulpit Golf Course. Here, stunning panoramas of the badlands unfold before your eyes, along with sweeping vistas of the Little Missouri National Grassland.
Sully Creek Horse Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Modern Campsites
- Modern Equestrian Campsites
- Primitive Campsites
- Canoe and kayak access
- Horse Corrals
- Dump station
- Shower house
- Round pen
- Vault toilets
- Water hydrants
- Equestrian Trails
- Electricity
- Water
Sully Creek State Park invites you to experience North Dakota's badlands in a whole new way. With horse corrals waiting and the Maah Daah Hey Trail calling, this equestrian-friendly park offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquillity. Whether you’re an ardent horse rider, an eager hiker, or a casual traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination, Sully Creek is undoubtedly a hidden treasure within the sprawling North Dakota wilderness.
Policies:
- Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash. Most parks have off-leash areas or dog parks for your four-legged friends.
- Check-in is at 4:00 pm on the first day of the reservation and checkout is at 3:00 pm on the last day of the reservation.
- Campsites can be booked 95 days in advance from the date you wish to stay.
- In addition to a park entrance fee, equestrian riders need to purchase a horse pass.
- Users are responsible for the upkeep of corrals and other impact areas. Please clean up hay and manure daily and before you leave, both in the park corrals and all use areas.
- Ride only on trails designated for horse use. Ask park staff for information about park areas that are close to horseback riding such as campgrounds, playgrounds, or picnic areas.
- Tie horses to corral posts or horse trailers, not to trees. The use of hobbles is prohibited.
- Leave all gates as you found them.
- Hay is available for purchase at the park.
- Bringing horses into North Dakota: Information on health certificates and tests can be found on the North Dakota Department of Agriculture's website, https://www.nd.gov/ndda/, under Animal Import Permits.
Cost Details:
- $30 - Modern Plus Campsites
- $25 - Modern Campsites
- $30 - Group Plus Campsites
- $25 - Group Campsites
- $17 - Primitive Campsites
- $6 - Daily horse permit
- $30 - Annual horse permit
Note: Reservations can be made online or by calling the call center (800-807-4723).
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
Sully Creek Horse Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Sully Creek Horse Camp for more information.