ND Rig Count Rises to 26 as Whiting, Oasis Add Drills
Two new rigs deployed in the Bakken core, marking a two-rig net increase for the day and halting a recent slide in activity.
The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota increased to 26 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, a net gain of two rigs from the previous day, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. This uptick follows a period of declining activity in the Williston Basin.
Two operators brought new drilling rigs online. Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation deployed the rig NOBLE 2 to a location in McKenzie County (151-102-32). Separately, Oasis Petroleum North America LLC started operations with the rig NABORS B26 at a site in Mountrail County (157-93-13). No rigs were taken out of service on Wednesday.
One rig changed locations within the play. Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC moved its rig, NABORS B27, to a new well site in Williams County (157-97-35).
The day's activity reverses a recent downward trend in the state's rig count. One week ago, on June 24, 2026, North Dakota reported 27 active rigs, meaning the current count remains one rig lower. The broader trend shows a more significant pullback from activity levels seen just one month prior. On June 1, 2026, the state had 29 rigs actively drilling, placing the current count three rigs below that level.
The Bakken formation's rig count is a closely watched indicator of near-term drilling investment and future production potential. Operators typically deploy rigs to the core counties of McKenzie, Mountrail, and Williams, which hold the most prolific areas of the play. The day's new deployments and the rig move all occurred within this core region, signaling continued focus on high-quality drilling inventory.
A rig count in the mid-20s reflects a period of disciplined capital investment by exploration and production companies. While above the historic lows seen during industry downturns, the current level is substantially lower than the boom-era peaks, which exceeded 200 active rigs. The count is influenced by commodity price volatility, operational efficiency gains, and corporate capital allocation strategies aimed at generating free cash flow.
The net addition of two rigs represents the most significant single-day increase in recent weeks, though it remains to be seen if this marks the beginning of a sustained uptrend or a temporary adjustment. Market observers will monitor upcoming weekly production data and crude oil prices for signals on whether operators will commit to further expanding drilling programs in the Bakken.
Source
Bakken Wire live rig data and historical context
