Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates70 total sites · $20 avg/night
RV Sites
58 sites
$20/night
average
Tent Sites
12 sites
$20/night
average
About Cottonwood Campground (ND)
Number of accommodations: 70
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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70 Sites Available
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Reviews (2308)
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful experience with spacious, well-maintained sites and clean facilities. Many visitors enjoyed the close encounters with bison and the serene natural surroundings, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. While some noted issues with insects and site leveling, the overall atmosphere and friendly camp hosts contributed to a memorable stay.
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a beautiful and peaceful experience with spacious, well-maintained sites and clean facilities. Many visitors enjoyed the close encounters with bison and the serene natural surroundings, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. While some noted issues with insects and site leveling, the overall atmosphere and friendly camp hosts contributed to a memorable stay.
Review Summary
Jeff R
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: North Loop
As the lone campground in the South Unit of a major National Park I had very high expectations. Some were met, some not. First the positives:. Location is fantastic! Right on the scenic loop. In fact, I noticed buffalo droppings throughout the campsite- very cool! There was a trail to the prairie leading from my campsite that was scenic. The hosts were super-friendly and answered all my questions!
Now the bad:. The layout for the restrooms was probably the worst I have ever seen in ANY park! The campground is set-up in a one-way loop. There's sites on both the inside and outside of the loop. All the bathrooms are in the very middle. If you need to use the facilities and are located on the outside of the loop(like I was) you must find an empty site to walk thru to access the path from that site to the 'main' path in the middle connecting the 3 bathrooms. I walked the whole path and couldn't find an entrance/exit to the main path that didn't involve walking thru somebody's campsite! If you're in the inner loop you are golden as there's small paths going from every inner site to the main path.
One bathroom(of the 3) was under construction. Not open. The middle one was very clean and had flush toilets and running water. The last bathroom was the handicapped accessible restroom and it was just a pit toilet with sanitizer for washing hands. 3 stars.
Jeff R
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: North Loop
As the lone campground in the South Unit of a major National Park I had very high expectations. Some were met, some not. First the positives:. Location is fantastic! Right on the scenic loop. In fact, I noticed buffalo droppings throughout the campsite- very cool! There was a trail to the prairie leading from my campsite that was scenic. The hosts were super-friendly and answered all my questions!
Now the bad:. The layout for the restrooms was probably the worst I have ever seen in ANY park! The campground is set-up in a one-way loop. There's sites on both the inside and outside of the loop. All the bathrooms are in the very middle. If you need to use the facilities and are located on the outside of the loop(like I was) you must find an empty site to walk thru to access the path from that site to the 'main' path in the middle connecting the 3 bathrooms. I walked the whole path and couldn't find an entrance/exit to the main path that didn't involve walking thru somebody's campsite! If you're in the inner loop you are golden as there's small paths going from every inner site to the main path.
One bathroom(of the 3) was under construction. Not open. The middle one was very clean and had flush toilets and running water. The last bathroom was the handicapped accessible restroom and it was just a pit toilet with sanitizer for washing hands. 3 stars.
Jeff R
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: North Loop
As the lone campground in the South Unit of a major National Park I had very high expectations. Some were met, some not. First the positives:. Location is fantastic! Right on the scenic loop. In fact, I noticed buffalo droppings throughout the campsite- very cool! There was a trail to the prairie leading from my campsite that was scenic. The hosts were super-friendly and answered all my questions!
Now the bad:. The layout for the restrooms was probably the worst I have ever seen in ANY park! The campground is set-up in a one-way loop. There's sites on both the inside and outside of the loop. All the bathrooms are in the very middle. If you need to use the facilities and are located on the outside of the loop(like I was) you must find an empty site to walk thru to access the path from that site to the 'main' path in the middle connecting the 3 bathrooms. I walked the whole path and couldn't find an entrance/exit to the main path that didn't involve walking thru somebody's campsite! If you're in the inner loop you are golden as there's small paths going from every inner site to the main path.
One bathroom(of the 3) was under construction. Not open. The middle one was very clean and had flush toilets and running water. The last bathroom was the handicapped accessible restroom and it was just a pit toilet with sanitizer for washing hands. 3 stars.
Jeff R
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: North Loop
As the lone campground in the South Unit of a major National Park I had very high expectations. Some were met, some not. First the positives:. Location is fantastic! Right on the scenic loop. In fact, I noticed buffalo droppings throughout the campsite- very cool! There was a trail to the prairie leading from my campsite that was scenic. The hosts were super-friendly and answered all my questions!
Now the bad:. The layout for the restrooms was probably the worst I have ever seen in ANY park! The campground is set-up in a one-way loop. There's sites on both the inside and outside of the loop. All the bathrooms are in the very middle. If you need to use the facilities and are located on the outside of the loop(like I was) you must find an empty site to walk thru to access the path from that site to the 'main' path in the middle connecting the 3 bathrooms. I walked the whole path and couldn't find an entrance/exit to the main path that didn't involve walking thru somebody's campsite! If you're in the inner loop you are golden as there's small paths going from every inner site to the main path.
One bathroom(of the 3) was under construction. Not open. The middle one was very clean and had flush toilets and running water. The last bathroom was the handicapped accessible restroom and it was just a pit toilet with sanitizer for washing hands. 3 stars.
Nick Y
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 057, Loop: South Loop
Amazing spot right by the river. There's not a lot of privacy but we found all our neighbors to.be friendly and respectful. The wild horses hung out near the campground for several hours while we were there.
Jennifer C
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
We loved our stay. Our girls wanted to be part of the junior ranger program so the amazing camp host, former ranger, came and helped them through their field journal and then led them through the oath and pinning ceremony. The girls were and still are so proud. The wildlife is amazing, seeing wild horses, bison and prairie dogs. We highly recommend!!!
Nick Y
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 057, Loop: South Loop
Amazing spot right by the river. There's not a lot of privacy but we found all our neighbors to.be friendly and respectful. The wild horses hung out near the campground for several hours while we were there.
Jennifer C
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
We loved our stay. Our girls wanted to be part of the junior ranger program so the amazing camp host, former ranger, came and helped them through their field journal and then led them through the oath and pinning ceremony. The girls were and still are so proud. The wildlife is amazing, seeing wild horses, bison and prairie dogs. We highly recommend!!!
Nick Y
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 057, Loop: South Loop
Amazing spot right by the river. There's not a lot of privacy but we found all our neighbors to.be friendly and respectful. The wild horses hung out near the campground for several hours while we were there.
Jennifer C
VerifiedJune 28, 2023 • Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
We loved our stay. Our girls wanted to be part of the junior ranger program so the amazing camp host, former ranger, came and helped them through their field journal and then led them through the oath and pinning ceremony. The girls were and still are so proud. The wildlife is amazing, seeing wild horses, bison and prairie dogs. We highly recommend!!!
Location Cottonwood Campground (ND)
Address:
315 2 Nd Ave
Medora, ND, 58645
United States
The 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 (214 km) west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles (43 km) east of the Montana state line.
Cottonwood Campground is accessible via Interstate 94, with exits 24 and 27 located in Medora, ND.
Elevation: 690 feet
6 mi drive to downtown Medora (about 14 min)
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Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 12, 2026