How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Campground?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Campground range from $10-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cottonwood Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottonwood Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottonwood Campground before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Campground?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Campground: Campfires. During hot and dry summer months, fire restrictions are common and campfires (including charcoal fires) may be prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cottonwood Campground have?

Cottonwood Campground has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cottonwood Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottonwood Campground?

Popular activities at Cottonwood Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

4.08

398 reviews

315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND, 58645

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsStargazingTent Camping

Featured in:Camping Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park#2 Group Camping North Dakota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,257 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,257 ft

Price

$10 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

$10.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $60.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $10.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$60.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

701-623-4466THRO_Fees_Reservations@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

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Campground Map

315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND, 58645

Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND, 58645

Nearby places

Medora (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Bismarck (133 miles, approximately 2 hours)

Montana state line (27 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Weather at Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

Current alerts(12)

Check-in & Check-out Times . Check-in/out is 12:00 noon
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Entrance Fee . The park collects a separate park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. Visitors may pay the fee upon arrival or purchase in advance. The fee is valid for seven days.
Firewood. Firewood not for sale in park. The closest place to buy wood is in Medora, approximately 5.5 miles (9 km) away. Gathering of dead and downed firewood is allowed.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather (daytime highs typically in the 70s–90°F / 20–35°C) and full access to trails, roads, and river-side campsites, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and extended wildlife viewing (bison and wild horses are most active at dawn/dusk). Long daylight and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular skies and photo opportunities, though afternoons can be hot and stormy and crowds are moderate—reservations are required from May 15–Sept Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mild temps and generally positive fall reviews; good conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

Cottonwood Campground sits in the badlands foothills of Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, operated by the National Park Service. Bison and wild horses roam freely through the mid-sized campground, which offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and picnic tables. Hikers and wildlife watchers use it as a base for exploring the park's trails and dramatic landscape during the peak summer season.

Cottonwood Campground supports a mix of camping styles, including tent camping, RVs, and a designated group site. Primitive camping features are apparent due to limited amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather (daytime highs typically in the 70s–90°F / 20–35°C) and full access to trails, roads, and river-side campsites, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and extended wildlife viewing (bison and wild horses are most active at dawn/dusk). Long daylight and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms create spectacular skies and photo opportunities, though afternoons can be hot and stormy and crowds are moderate—reservations are required from May 15–Sept Peak months: June, July, August, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation2257 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Little Missouri River has carved through millions of years of sedimentary rock, exposing colorful striped layers in the surrounding badlands. Cottonwood forests line the river valley, creating a green corridor through the eroded canyons and prairie grasslands. Buttes and pinnacles frame the campground at 2,257 feet elevation. The cottonwoods turn gold in autumn, and summer thunderstorms shift the light across the painted rock formations. Wildlife is abundant. Bison herds pass through camp regularly, and wild horses roam the area.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesIncludes junior ranger programs and other interpretive activities led by hosts/rangers. One review mentioned a ranger-led night program.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights during May 15 to September 30, and 30 days total within a calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 6 people per regular site
group site allows 7-20 people.

Groups

The group site (Site 25) accommodates 7-20 people and accepts reservations starting the first business day of March each year.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include a handicapped-accessible pit toilet. However, restroom placement may be difficult for campers with mobility issues, as noted by reviews: "The layout for the restrooms...was probably the worst I have ever seen.

Site SizeSites are generally described as spacious, though some users noted small or cramped walk-in sites not suitable for larger tents. One review stated, "The sites are well-spaced and several are pull-thru for larger campers.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some sites are described as highly private with natural vegetation, while others, particularly numbered 64-66, are closely clustered.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose inner loop sites for easier restroom access. Sites with scenic views include 23, 47, and 45. Avoid Site 65 due to cramped spacing and poor drainage.

Best CampsitesSites 23 and 47 offer river proximity and views. Site 75 provides privacy and space. Sites 64-66 are closely clustered. Walk-in sites run small and won't fit larger tents comfortably.

Need help booking Cottonwood Campground (Nd)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no hookups or a dump station. A water fill station is available for campers (through October 1 each year). Water is not always available by May or after October 1. Vault toilets will be available. The park does not offer a refund for the or price difference.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the Little Missouri River also offers opportunities to cool off or observe grazing bison and wild horses.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

Rate Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

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From Booking Sources

4.1

398 reviews

Satisfactory

Cottonwood Campground (Nd) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with frequent praise for the natural environment and wildlife but consistent complaints about the limited facilities and site layout. The average sentiment for the campground is 4.3 out of 5.

Review Summaries

Based on 398 reviews

What Campers Love

Users loved the wildlife, with wild horses and bison frequently mentioned. "We were thrilled with buffalo walking through the campsites," one said. The campground's natural beauty and proximity to...

Based on 398 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of showers, clustered sites in certain loops, and limited water availability during some seasons. "No potable water was available" was a recurring concern.

Based on 398 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 65 was criticized for poor layout and limited space: "Campsite 065 doesn’t have a flat spot for a tent." Site 25 is commended for group camping. Reviewers frequently recommended avoiding...

Based on 398 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing your own fire ring, water, and shade solutions due to limited coverage. Early arrivals are advised to secure shaded or spacious sites.

Based on 398 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Early season reviews (May) often note the lack of water availability, while summer reviews highlight the need for shade and the abundance of wildlife. Fall reviews are generally positive, with mild...

Based on 398 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Buffalo and wild horses were right across the river by late afternoon," and "The campground was quiet by dusk; the Little Missouri had some wild horses grazing."

Based on 398 reviews

Accessibility Features

The location of restrooms in the campground can pose challenges for users with mobility issues, as noted in several reviews.

Based on 398 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or pet-specific reviews were not mentioned in the sources.

Based on 398 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want immersive wildlife encounters and easy trail access in a national park setting.

Skip if

You need showers, spacious sites, or guaranteed fire rings at every spot.

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Campgrounds

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Cottonwood Campground (Nd)

About Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Cottonwood Campground (Nd), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

Directions

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of western North Dakota. There are three units to the park. The South Unit entrance is in the town of Medora, ND off of Interstate 94 exits 24 and 27. The North Unit entrance is on Highway 85 approximately 14 miles south of Watford City, ND. The remote Elkhorn Ranch Unit sits roughly in the middle of the North and South Units and is accessed via gravel roads. Consult park staff for directions to the Elkhorn Ranch Unit.