Cottonwood Campground
02 reviews5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729
Cottonwood Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
A $12 per night fee is required for camping at this site.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this secluded spot may be sparse, the land itself tells ancient stories through its weathered peaks and winding river valleys, inviting modern explorers to create their own memorable chapters in this timeless landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,360 feet above sea level, Cottonwood Campground offers a refreshing alpine experience where the air is crisp and clean. This lofty elevation brings delightfully cool summer nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, while winter visitors should prepare for a true mountain experience complete with snow-laden branches and frost-kissed mornings.
Natural Features and SceneryCradled in the embrace of the majestic Gravely Mountains, this intimate campground serves as your gateway to untamed beauty. The melodic Ruby River flows nearby, its waters telling tales of mountain origins as they dance over ancient stones. Towering peaks stand sentinel around this peaceful hollow, creating a natural amphitheater where every sunrise and sunset becomes a breathtaking performance painted across the Montana sky.
Geological RegionSet within the rugged splendor of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Cottonwood Campground showcases the raw beauty of the Gravely Mountains. This geological wonderland of weathered peaks and deep valleys has been sculpted by millennia of natural forces, creating a dramatic backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The nearby Ruby River carves its ancient path through this terrain, offering glimpses into the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has an ADA-accessible vault toilet.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates trailers up to a maximum length of 28 feet.
Sites PrivacyReviews suggest a quiet atmosphere, with one user mentioning they only "saw one other couple camping nearby."
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 16 accumulated days within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There is no information available regarding group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout'Maximum recommended trailer length of 28'.' The campground consists of 10 camping units.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from late May to late November, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNull - reservations cannot be made in advance; first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe site operates on a first-come-first-served basis and has 10 designated camping units.
Cancellation PolicyNot specified.
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.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby Ruby River. One review highlights the enjoyment of "fishing and exploring the upper Ruby River Valley."Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not discussed.Water Sports
There is no information about non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazards'There is no drinking water available.' Potential wildlife hazards due to forest location; food storage order in place to mitigate this risk.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Madison Ranger District located at 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729; phone: 406-682-4253; nearest police station and hospital locations not specifically mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingThere are no garbage services at this site, requiring visitors to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresAccess to Ruby River for fishing and scenic views. 'Beautiful access to the Ruby River.'
Common complaintsSeveral user reviews highlight the lack of services such as drinking water and garbage disposal. 'No services other than a bathroom.'
HostNull
Campground Map
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
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Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Cottonwood Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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 2 reviewsCommon 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 2 reviewsPro 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
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 2 reviewsCamper 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 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite numbers are not mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The ADA-accessible vault toilet is the only accessibility feature directly mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no specific information about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025