Anyone with Badlands hiking/backpacking experience?

In a couple weeks, my brother and I will be embarking on our customary fall hiking/camping trip, for the first time in the Badlands of North Dakota. In particular, we'll be visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park and possibly a couple of state parks (Little Missouri and/or Cross Ranch) if time and conditions allow. Not only will it be a different environment compared to our usual northern Minnesota trips, but also will be the first time we've backpacked where we can just set up camp at our discretion rather than in designated campsites. I'm already aware of the need to bring more water with us, as water sources will be more limited than what we're accustomed to, but there are also fire restrictions that mean we'll probably do without, sticking with prepared/packaged food and not needing to use water for cooking.

When planning this trip, I've come to form the opinion that spending so much time in Minnesota start parks and on the Superior Hiking Trail has us a bit spoiled, as the trails and campsites are mostly well-maintained and well-marked, with few exceptions. As much as I'd love to just "wander off" and find my way back when I'm good and ready, this will be foreign territory for us, so I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions for Roosevelt and the aforementioned state parks, especially in late September/early October conditions.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Anyone with Badlands hiking/backpacking experience?