Cottonwood Campground (Nd)
4.4590 reviews315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND, 58645
Cottonwood Campground (Nd)
$10.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$60.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $10 in the off-season to $60 for group sites. Peak season rates apply from May 15 to September 30. Reservation service fees may apply (up to $9).
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering cottonwood trees in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, Cottonwood Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic badlands experience. Wake to the rumbling of bison herds passing through camp and fall asleep to the gentle whisper of the Little Missouri River. This versatile campground welcomes everyone from solo tent campers to families with RVs, all while serving as your gateway to one of America's most dramatic landscapes where wild horses roam free and painted canyons stretch to the horizon.
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.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history was made. In the 1880s, a young Theodore Roosevelt arrived here as a grieving widower and left as a committed conservationist. These very badlands, where you'll pitch your tent, witnessed his transformation from Eastern politician to rugged outdoorsman. His ranching and hunting adventures along the Little Missouri River forged the conservation ethic that would later establish America's national park system. Today, camping here connects you directly to the landscape that shaped a president and changed a nation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the badlands in all their moods throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that paint the sky and refresh the landscape. As autumn arrives, mild temperatures create ideal camping conditions while crowds thin out. Winter transforms the badlands into a crystalline wonderland, though freezing temperatures demand proper preparation. Spring emerges with comfortable weather and renewed wildlife activity, offering some of the year's best camping without summer's peak visitation.
ElevationThe campground sits at a comfortable elevation within the badlands terrain, where the interplay of river valley and rugged buttes creates a diverse ecosystem perfect for exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering cottonwoods create a natural cathedral above your campsite, their leaves shimmering silver in summer breezes and blazing gold come autumn. The Little Missouri River winds lazily past, its ancient course carving through layers of geological time visible in the surrounding badlands. Striped buttes and eroded pinnacles frame every view, their colors shifting from pale dawn pastels to fiery sunset hues. This is a landscape that defies expectations – where prairie meets canyon, where rivers run through painted deserts, and where every sunrise reveals new wonders.
Geological RegionPositioned at the confluence of the Northern Great Plains and North Dakota's badlands, Cottonwood Campground occupies a geological wonderland. The Little Missouri River has sculpted this landscape over millions of years, exposing colorful sedimentary layers that tell Earth's ancient story. Surrounding cottonwood forests thrive in the river valley, creating a ribbon of green through the otherwise austere terrain. This unique setting places campers at the intersection of multiple ecosystems, where prairie grasslands give way to eroded canyons and riparian forests flourish against a backdrop of rugged badlands topography.
Campsite details
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."
Sites 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."
Sites 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 CampsitesChoose 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 are noted for their views and proximity to the river. Site 75 is praised for its privacy and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 Noon
Check-out
12:00 Noon
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into North and South loops. Sites are located on both the inner and outer parts of the one-way loop road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Reservations available May 15 to September 30. Walk-ins accepted October 1 - April 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season (October 1 - April 30).
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night's fee for late cancellations. Changes cost $10 if made entirely outside the original reservation dates.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
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
The park has an estimated 70 miles of hiking trails accessible from the campground. Trails range in difficulty, and information is available at the visitor center. One user mentioned the "Jones Creek Trail and saw wild horses and a bison walking on the trail."Biking
Biking is possible within the park, including the scenic loop and nearby trails. Users enjoyed exploring on bikes.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of bison, wild horses, and a variety of birds. "Horses came into the grounds on several occasions," one review noted.Cultural and Educational Programs
Includes junior ranger programs and other interpretive activities led by hosts/rangers. One review mentioned a ranger-led night program.Winter Activities
Limited data on winter activities. Campsites are open year-round, but specific recreation options in winter are unclear.Water Sports
No specific mention of water sports, though the river is nearby.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be prohibited during hot, dry months. Fire rings are not provided; fires must be contained in raised metal grills.
- Quiet hours are 8 PM to 8 AM
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bison and wild horses frequently roam through campsites. Ticks are prevalent during the summer. Watch for flash floods during thunderstorms.
Active alertsOccasional construction closures and limited water availability in early season or late fall.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 27%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are located in Medora, including restaurants, a general store for gas, and other amenities. For medical emergencies, Dickinson, ND has larger facilities approximately 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are widely distributed across the campground. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Little Missouri River, offering opportunities for birdwatching and scenic walks.
Common complaintsNo showers, limited restrooms, overcrowded sites, lack of fire rings, and water availability issues. Some sites are uneven or poorly spaced.
HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and attentive, with some reviews specifically praising their friendliness and support.
Campground Map
315 2ND AVE, MEDORA, ND, 58645
Driving directionsThe South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND. Medora is accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota. Please note exit 27 is a westbound exit only. Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line.
Road access is paved, and the campground is accessible year-round. However, vehicles taller than 13 feet may face issues due to overhanging tree branches.Nearby places
Medora (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Bismarck (133 miles, approximately 2 hours)
Montana state line (27 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
The closest location for supplies is Medora, approximately 5 miles away, offering gas, food, and other essentials. Firewood is not sold in the park but can be purchased in Medora.
Camper Reviews
4.5
90 reviews
Cottonwood Campground (Nd) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 90 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 90 reviewsShow more
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 90 reviewsPro 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 90 reviewsSeasonal 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 90 reviewsShow more
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 90 reviewsSite-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 90 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The location of restrooms in the campground can pose challenges for users with mobility issues, as noted in several reviews.
Based on 90 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or pet-specific reviews were not mentioned in the sources.
Based on 90 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025