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2450 reviews
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 2450 reviews
Showing 2450 reviews
August 17, 2026 Stayed at: 043, Loop: South Loop
Nice shaded sites close to the river. Clean modern restrooms. Evening Ranger talk on geological and human history was one of the best I’ve heard in a NP. Three bison walked right by one afternoon!
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August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
Campsite was laid out backwards door opens on wrong side. The one way road forces you to pull through bassackwards.
Nice shady location, very clean bathrooms friendly hosts were helpful.
Bison roaming throughout campground was a little scary when they were right next to us.
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August 16, 2026 Stayed at: 003, Loop: North Loop
The campsite was clean and was the size that was advertised. There are a mix of vault and flush toilets. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and updated the facilities were. There are no showers here, but we knew that when we booked. We arrived in the evening and within an hour some rangers came by our site and hand-delivered Jr. Ranger booklets for our kids; a very nice gesture. BE ADVISED that bison roam freely through the Cottonwood campsite, especially in the morning. It is a very cool experience, but something to be aware of if you are traveling with people that would be nervous about that.
This is a very special national park with incredible wildlife. We took a hike out at the Peaceful Valley Ranch trailhead and witnessed prairie dogs, wild horses, coyote, elk, and bison during our 9-mile hike. The backcountry portion of the hike has sparse signage, but that is fairly typical of backcountry hikes. Our family intends to visit this national park again; I believe it is an underrated gem of a park.
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August 14, 2026 Stayed at: 032, Loop: North Loop
Outstanding campground! Most sites have shade and are generously spaced out. Brand new bathrooms and friendly camp host.
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August 14, 2026 Stayed at: 054, Loop: South Loop
I slept great here, it's a beautiful area and it's nice to drive around seeing the bison and prairie dogs
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August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 009, Loop: North Loop
Cottonwood Campground and the national park and surrounding area were such an unexpected treat. We only booked 2 nights, thinking it was a pass-through stop, when we should have made it more of a destination stop. We will definitely be back. Our campsite backed up to beautiful scenery and our kids had a blast. We also enjoyed the beautiful night sky. We will definitely be back for a longer stay next time.
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August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 058, Loop: South Loop
Very clean and modern restroom. Water fountain with good drinking water. Kind of awkward walking through other people's space to get to walk-in sites, but everyone seemed pretty chill about it. Very quiet and dark. Great place for a peaceful night or two.
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August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 049, Loop: South Loop
We had a great campsite on the river. Beautiful and peaceful.
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August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 076, Loop: South Loop
I was there to visit the TR Presidential Library, which is a definite must-see! I was there 7 hours and could have stayed another few hours, it was amazing! The campground was very clean, especially the restrooms. Unfortunately, there was a burn ban, but it was so hot it didn't matter! Always love driving the scenic drive. Such a great place to visit!
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August 12, 2026 Stayed at: 047, Loop: South Loop
Amazing location right in the park and directly by the river. Very natural, peaceful and quiet, with lots of wildlife around. A wonderful place to stay and enjoy nature.
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315 2 Nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645 United States
Elevation: 690 ft
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 mi (133 mi) west of Bismarck, ND and 27 mi (26.7 mi) east of the Montana...
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 mi (133 mi) west of Bismarck, ND and 27 mi (26.7 mi) east of the Montana state line.
Cottonwood Campground is accessible via Interstate 94, with exits 24 and 27 located in Medora, ND.
The closest entrance is: South Unit Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 2.9 mi · 5 min
Last updated: October 23, 2026
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