Cottonwood Campground (ND)

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.

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.

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

It was a great campsite, well secluded with a good view of the bluffs across the Little Missouri river.

It was a great campsite, well secluded with a good view of the bluffs across the Little Missouri river.

It was a great campsite, well secluded with a good view of the bluffs across the Little Missouri river.

It was a great campsite, well secluded with a good view of the bluffs across the Little Missouri river.

The sites were clean, accessible. The paved access roads made for easy access and an excellent walking path for an early morning walk. The bathrooms were clean. Bison were near the campground and were wondering about which made for an interesting experience. The nearest store is five miles away for ice and supplies, so plan accordingly. There is no dump station; plans need to be made for emptying tanks.

The sites were clean, accessible. The paved access roads made for easy access and an excellent walking path for an early morning walk. The bathrooms were clean. Bison were near the campground and were wondering about which made for an interesting experience. The nearest store is five miles away for ice and supplies, so plan accordingly. There is no dump station; plans need to be made for emptying tanks.

Great campground. Very convenient and saw Bison running around. Picnic area is also very nice