Nancy O
VerifiedJune 23, 2026 Stayed at: 050, Loop: South Loop
Our site was right next to an underground sewage grates. Very unpleasant.
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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 23, 2026 Stayed at: 050, Loop: South Loop
Our site was right next to an underground sewage grates. Very unpleasant.
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 048, Loop: South Loop
While the park was incredible and the wildlife amazing, the campground has two major flaws. The outside lighting at the restrooms was unshielded and glaring, which was disappointing regarding being able to enjoy the night sky. In addition the bathroom fans that were running automatically were extremely loud for adjacent campsites. This is out of character for a national park.
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 031, Loop: North Loop
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 034, Loop: North Loop
Great campground, but beware if you have a camper, the length of the back-in site limit is accurate on the website. Our 25 ft, just fit in a 25 ft site.
Sadly, I’m sure many people are unable to get a reservation because it is such a popular campground. About 20% of the sites were unused every night because people did not cancel. Please, please cancel to give someone else a chance to get in if you are not coming, even if it is at the very last minute and you don’t get a refund. Just be courteous. Give someone else a chance to have this great camping experience.
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: North Loop
We have visited TRNP about a half dozen times now and always enjoy the experience. This year's plus for us was I was our first visit where the southern loop drive was fully open and we very much enjoyed that and got to hike over the the original old east entrance gate which was very interesting. We also enjoy Medora and walking around the town, shopping and dining as well. The only slight draw back this year seemed to be the Cottonwood campground appeared to overgrown with foliage this year more so that we can ever remember. Perhaps this is do to the cutbacks in federal funding which if so really needs to be addressed so that all can fully enjoy the park in all its greatness.
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 050, Loop: South Loop
Our site was right next to an underground sewage grates. Very unpleasant.
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June 23, 2026 Stayed at: 048, Loop: South Loop
While the park was incredible and the wildlife amazing, the campground has two major flaws. The outside lighting at the restrooms was unshielded and glaring, which was disappointing regarding being able to enjoy the night sky. In addition the bathroom fans that were running automatically were extremely loud for adjacent campsites. This is out of character for a national park.
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June 24, 2026 Stayed at: 051, Loop: South Loop
The campground is located about 5 mi from the Medora entrance of the TRNP. It is well-designed, with clean, modern bathrooms and even a sink for dish-washing. The campsite is adjacent to the Little Missouri river and the grounds were a mix of shade trees and grassland. My campsite felt private and bathroom was easily accessible.
I thought the design of separate loops for the larger rigs from the smaller RVs/tent campers a unique feature. The site for the larger rigs were ample and mostly very private.
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June 24, 2026 Stayed at: 017, Loop: North Loop
Loved the setting in the grove along the river. New clean bathrooms were great. Access to potable water was very good. Too bad there is no dump station in the park - you need to visit nearby private campgrounds for that. We had a male bison graze his way through our campsite.
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June 24, 2026 Stayed at: 069, Loop: South Loop
We loved this park and the campground. The campsites are well spaced, the restrooms were clean, with running water, and a dish washing sink. Bison walked right through the campground. Look both ways before stepping outside!
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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