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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
June 8, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
site was a nice pull through. They are facing the opposite direction of the picnic table however, so our door opened out the the table of the campsite next door. Very quiet campground
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June 8, 2026 Stayed at: 053, Loop: South Loop
I think this site is one of the best sites in the non-RV loop. This site fit our large tent (something like 8X12). *** If you have a large tent I think site 52 would work as well*** The site is right across from the bathrooms, but there are trees blocking the lights at night, so we didn't have an issue with the lights keeping us awake. The site overlooks the Little Missouri- we saw bison every morning and evening, feral horses as well! There is water available to clean dishes, but bring in water for drinking- the visitor center is out 5-10 minutes away and we filled water bottles there when we went in to town. We also brought in gallons of water and refilled a couple of those there as well. We went to Medora Campground in town to shower ($5 each), but the shower pressure was pitiful, and temperatures were all over the place. The people who worked there were super nice, and laundry was available there as well. I later saw there were showers at the Buffalo Gap Campground US Forest Service, which might have been a better option?? With all that being said, the bathrooms at Cottonwood are some of the nicest and cleanest at any NP we've been to.
Most people we saw were just there for the day, the park gets quiet at night and most campers seemed to just stay one night (we were there 4 nights). We heard coyotes every night!
Highly recommend the Big Plateau Trail- just bring a pair of shoes you can get wet when you cross the river, unless you are OK to hike in wet shoes.
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June 8, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop
site was a nice pull through. They are facing the opposite direction of the picnic table however, so our door opened out the the table of the campsite next door. Very quiet campground
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June 9, 2026 Stayed at: 031, Loop: North Loop
Very nice clean campground and restrooms. We did have a camper next to use with a very loud generator, campground host spoke to them about it. Then another later in the day also very loud. Please do NOT allow generators.
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June 9, 2026 Stayed at: 063, Loop: South Loop
Convenient location, clean, well arranged and lots of wildlife! We have returned to camp here since we like it so much! Bison close, wild horses, bald eagles, and of course, golden gophers!
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June 9, 2026 Stayed at: 031, Loop: North Loop
Very nice clean campground and restrooms. We did have a camper next to use with a very loud generator, campground host spoke to them about it. Then another later in the day also very loud. Please do NOT allow generators.
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June 9, 2026 Stayed at: 063, Loop: South Loop
Convenient location, clean, well arranged and lots of wildlife! We have returned to camp here since we like it so much! Bison close, wild horses, bald eagles, and of course, golden gophers!
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June 10, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: North Loop
Wonderful campground and the Park drive had amazing views
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June 10, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: North Loop
Wonderful campground and the Park drive had amazing views
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June 11, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: North Loop
We had a nice one night stay.
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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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