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
70 Sites Available
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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
Dariusz Z
VerifiedAugust 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: North Loop
Most sites are spacious and comfortable to set up. Bathrooms are clean. Location of the campground is near all the attractions in southern part of the NP and close to Medora. The host of the campground was very helpful.
George A
VerifiedAugust 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 046, Loop: South Loop
Plenty of bison in the park and not in the campground. Ranger presentation on the park was a highlight. Some spaces in the 25 foot and under are difficult for trailers to maneuver into but just fine for motorized campers.
Aaron L
VerifiedAugust 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: North Loop
What an amazing experience! Bison came right through our campsite, and the campground, on our first night! Be respectful and stay aware! On top of that that, the campground is well kept and clean.
One of the top experiences of our lives!
Matthew S
VerifiedAugust 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!
Heidi G
VerifiedAugust 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: North Loop
No hookups or sewer but they did have water for fillups. Bathrooms were nice. Level campground with foliage between sites. Sites were close but with the foliage it felt more private. Bison were wandering through site so you just needed to be aware of that bit they seemed unbothered by seeing people. So if you have them space they moved on through
Reid A
VerifiedAugust 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.
Andrew W
VerifiedAugust 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.
robin b
VerifiedAugust 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
Thomas B
VerifiedAugust 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.
Jonathan P
VerifiedAugust 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.
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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Last updated: September 9, 2026
