Cottonwood Campground

Star3.71
9 reviews
5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Quick Facts

6,360 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website
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Cottonwood Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A $12 per night fee is required for camping at this site.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwell-maintained

"User reviews generally praise Cottonwood Campground for its remote and tranquil setting, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat. The availability of fishing opportunities and the picturesque Ruby River are commonly highlighted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Cottonwood Campground

5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729

Driving directionsFrom Sheridan travel South on Highway 287 for about 8 miles. When you reach Alder, take Ruby Reservoir Road south for approximately 36 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.
Accessible via Ruby Reservoir Road south, approximately 36 miles from Alder. Overflow parking available north and east of the campground.
Nearby places
Sheridan (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Alder (36 miles, approximately 45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
null

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of Montana's high country, where winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland of snow-dusted pines and crystalline air. As summer arrives, the campground awakens with comfortable days perfect for exploration, while crystal-clear skies reveal a celestial display that city dwellers can only dream about. The dry mountain climate keeps conditions ideal for outdoor adventures throughout the warmer months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; reviewers praise peaceful summer stays and river fishing access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through late November; mountain fall scenery likely and campground remains accessible in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens late May; spring access is limited and subject to snow/weather restrictions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed in winter (seasonal operations).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open seasonally from late May to late November, weather dependent.
  • Current Alerts: Null

About Cottonwood Campground

Escape to Cottonwood Campground, where the digital world fades away and the whispers of the wilderness take center stage. This remote mountain sanctuary offers adventurous souls a chance to embrace the simplicity of rustic camping, far from cell towers and city lights. Here, your morning alarm clock is the chirping of birds, and your evening entertainment comes from crackling campfires and star-filled skies that stretch endlessly above the Montana wilderness.
Cottonwood Campground offers a rustic camping experience ideal for those seeking remote and minimalistic accommodations.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for fishing in the Ruby River and is described as a peaceful area for nature-based recreation.
FishingFishing is available in the nearby Ruby River. One review highlights the enjoyment of "fishing and exploring the upper Ruby River Valley."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts'There is no drinking water available.' Potential wildlife hazards due to forest location; food storage order in place to mitigate this risk.
Active AlertsNull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Cottonwood Campground

Reviews

3.7
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cottonwood Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Cottonwood Campground for its remote and tranquil setting, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat. The availability of fishing opportunities and the picturesque Ruby River are commonly highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the serene and quiet environment, as well as the proximity to the Ruby River for fishing. The vault toilet is noted to be clean and well-maintained.
Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users note the lack of amenities, such as potable water, garbage services, and cell phone coverage, although these are often framed as part of the campground's rustic charm.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring their own potable water and plan for waste disposal due to the lack of garbage services. The absence of cell phone coverage makes this site ideal for disconnecting from...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are mostly positive across seasons, but the campground's accessibility may be impacted by weather conditions, as it is open only from late May to late November.
Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Nice and quiet, we only saw one other couple camping nearby." 2. "This is a beautiful little campground nestled right in the Gravely mountains."
Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

The ADA-accessible vault toilet is the only accessibility feature directly mentioned.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There is no specific information about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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