Little Missouri State Park is of the "primitive" variety with much of the park's 5,900 acres inaccessible unless by horseback. The park is set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the rugged North Dakota Badlands.

The river has, over time, cut its way through the soft sedimentary rock formations to leave a canyon over 500 feet deep. The terrain and plantlife combine to form excellent habitat for four-legged creatures such as the bobcat, coyote and mule deer while birders can observe bald and golden eagles, prairie falcon and cedar waxwing.

The park has about 75 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, horse rental concessions, guide service, horse corral, primitive camping, group picnic shelters, running water, pit toilets and fire rings.