View of Cottonwood Campground from the main park road.  There are buttes in the background with a large stand of cottonwoods and a field in between.
Cottonwood Preview Image shows a campsite with a picnic table framed by cottonwood trees and a bluff in the background
Leafy Cottonwood Trees

About Cottonwood Campground (ND)

For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (5 mi) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.

Available sites

70 total sites

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

70 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 56 × 11 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 105 × 15 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 95 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 180 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 14 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 15 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 14 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 175 × 17 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 90 × 13 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 020, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 95 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 022, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 130 × 16 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 85 × 13 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 028, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 029, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 114 × 16 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 125 × 14 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 032, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 033, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 41 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 035, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 160 × 16 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 036, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 038, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 039, Loop: North Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 65 × 14 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 043, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 57 × 20 ft · Paved
$20
/ per night
🚐 045, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 046, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 047, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 048, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 049, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 24 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 050, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 051, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 26 × 36 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 052, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 053, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 22 × 22 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 054, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
⛺ 055, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 056, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 057, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 058, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 059, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
$20
/ per night
⛺ 060, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 061, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 062, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 063, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
$20
/ per night
⛺ 064, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 065, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
⛺ 066, Loop: South Loop Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly
$20
/ per night
🚐 067, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 31 × 31 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 068, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 069, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 28 ft wide · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 070, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 071, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 36 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 072, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 073, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 37 × 17.5 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 074, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 32 × 21 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 075, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 40 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night
🚐 076, Loop: South Loop RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 20 ft · Gravel
$20
/ per night

Reviews

2450 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Overall rating

Based on 2450 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 67.0% (1,641)
4 stars 22.5% (551)
3 stars 5.4% (132)
2 stars 2.5% (61)
1 star 2.7% (65)

Showing 2450 reviews

Sheena G

Verified

September 15, 2026 Stayed at: 076, Loop: South Loop

We enjoyed our stay in the National Park and can't wait to return.

Helpful

James N

Verified

September 15, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: North Loop

Check-in was a breeze. Staff were very helpful. Campsite was roomy and amongst the trees. Campground pretty quiet though a bit of freeway noise. Bathroom and water nearby and bath was clean. No shower but we knew that going in. Well located to get to various parts of park and to Medora. Non-cooking Fires were prohibited but that’s due to the drought. Happy with the accommodations. Don’t miss the Roosevelt Library !!

Helpful

Scott G

Verified

September 16, 2026 Stayed at: 058, Loop: South Loop

This camp site is a short walk from the parking spot. You will walk past two other sites. This site gets direct sunlight all afternoon and evening. I was concerned that it would be so hot during the night as it was 90°+ during the day but the site cooled off by 9:00 due to a slight breeze. The bathrooms are about 750’ away. There are plenty of better shaded sites in this campground but I would stay here again.

Helpful

Kirby S

Verified

September 16, 2026 Stayed at: 032, Loop: North Loop

This is the real west. An absolutely beautiful park. Attendent helped me find my campsite and informing me of facilities and the upcoming evening program. As always my sincere Thanks to the National Park Service

Helpful

Sharon M

Verified

September 16, 2026 Stayed at: 011, Loop: North Loop

Cottonwood Campground was a nice relaxing stay. It was fun to watch the wild horses down by the river. We had wild turkeys visit our campsite each day. We would definitely stay here again.

Helpful

Anna H

Verified

September 17, 2026 Stayed at: 029, Loop: North Loop

This is a beautiful, quiet campground! Despite not having electricity or water at the sites, the campground was tucked into a cottonwood grove that protected us from the strong winds we had during our stay. The restroom was updated and steps away at this site, and our site #29 was flat and private, off the road.

Helpful

Doug C

Verified

September 18, 2026 Stayed at: 059, Loop: South Loop

I tent camped (site 59) September 7-10. Though a little walk (which was mentioned) from the truck I liked I was basically by myself. The campsite was level, had a nice picnic table and grill. The site was next to the Little Missouri Rivers, and I had seen some other postings about bison walking through their campsite (the pic showed hard shelled camper).
Well Wednesday morning, while relaxing before heading out, I saw a bull bison across the river and noted the trail he was on would lead him to my campsite. I walked to the adjoining campsite and let the young couple there know about what was coming.
My first pictures were of him drinking in the river. I ended up with numerous photos and videos as he came across the river to my side. First, he took a couple of good rolls in a dusty flat spot. I had noted old bison tracks in the dirt so I figured they might use it again. Then he strolled through my campsite. I keep my tent between him and me. Awesome!
Then Thursday evening, again as I was relaxing, I saw another bull bison coming my way. I let two other campers near by know he was coming. Again, I got great photos/videos, but from an empty campsite next to me so I wasn't taking pics/vids looking into the sun.
Some turkeys also came through the campground.
Overall, it was an exceptional experience coupled with nice restrooms.

Helpful

Salem C

Verified

September 18, 2026 Stayed at: 062, Loop: South Loop

Cottonwoods Campground in Theodore National Park was wonderful. Potable water, restroom facilities, and a ranger all within walking distance, plus the facilities were always clean. The campground allows you to experience the natural beauty of the park without being too remote. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to travel to North Dakota to experience this beautiful national park.

Helpful

Mark W

Verified

September 18, 2026 Stayed at: 032, Loop: North Loop

A nice campground in a beautiful area.

Helpful

Gregg B

Verified

September 18, 2026 Stayed at: 031, Loop: North Loop

Stay here if you’re into cool things. Great experience! Close up glimpse into nature and wildlife. Bison and feral horses in camp. Saw Bison, prairie dogs, coyote, feral horses and happened upon a male pronghorn antelope all while out on a hike. It was amazing. We’ve been here before and will return to this wonderland in the future. Fun stuff!!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Cottonwood Campground (ND)

315 2 Nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645 United States

Elevation: 690 ft

Getting There

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...

Nearest town

Medora, ND - 6 mi

About 14 min to downtown

Highway access

Cottonwood Campground is accessible via Interstate 94, with exits 24 and 27 located in Medora, ND.

Near Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The closest entrance is: South Unit Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 2.9 mi · 5 min

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 23, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Medora, ND

Population: 198

Elevation: 2,267 ft

National Park Service Logo
Managed by the National Park Service