Cottonwood Campground (ND)

We had a wonderful time at Theodore Roosevelt NP and enjoyed our nights dry camping at Cottonwood Campground. Spacing of the campsites and the amount of privacy between sites varies widely throughout the campground, but generally I would say you are better off if you select a campsite that would be on the outside of the loop. I thought it odd that the layout of this campground has the modern restrooms deep in the interior section of the loops meaning you cannot access them without walking through campsites along the inside of the loop ... another good reason to pick a campsite along the outside of the loop. There are established trails that lead from the roadway to the restrooms, but those trails go right through other campsites and some within an arms reach of other camper's picnic tables, cars, tents, etc. As someone who still abides by the ancient campground etiquette rules passed down across the ages and instilled in me by my parents when I was just a child; I felt very awkward and rude walking these trails through occupied campsites to get to the bathrooms. Outside of the bathroom trail conundrum here at Cottonwood, we loved everything else. Beautiful night skies, ample wildlife, a small babbling stream nearby, and thousands of acres of spectacular national park lands. The scenic loop offers amazing, but was partially closed for construction while we visited. Having lived in North Dakota earlier in our lives, we knew there is a weather sweet spot for enjoying the state, and late Sep and early October delivered perfect weather for us. Much before that and it can be sweltering hot, and much after that it can be brutally cold. I also have to thank the staff at Roosevelt NP for adding Cottonwood Campground to RECREATION.gov. The website is easy to use, safe, secure and allows us to plan camping trips to beautiful locations over 1,000 miles from home with the peace of mind that we will have a place to stay. Thank you Roosevelt NP and RECREATION.gov!

We only stayed one night en route on a longer trip out west, but it was a really pretty spot to camp — we managed to reserve one of the walk-in sites overlooking the river (you can only reserve odd-numbered sites). We camped in early July and didn't get to the park until around 7, and the FCFS sites had just filled. It would also have been super peaceful if there hadn't been a group of young guys at the site next to us who didn't care about quiet hours. The walk-in sites are spaced out decently but don't have any privacy between them. They aren't a super long walk to get to - we have a big tent, and it was no big ordeal to get all our stuff to our site. They must have just redone the bathrooms here; they are by far the nicest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground (note: no showers). Most of the sites were a decent size that would have accommodated our 10x15 tent. Overall really nice, and we'd definitely stay here again.

We only stayed one night en route on a longer trip out west, but it was a really pretty spot to camp — we managed to reserve one of the walk-in sites overlooking the river (you can only reserve odd-numbered sites). We camped in early July and didn't get to the park until around 7, and the FCFS sites had just filled. It would also have been super peaceful if there hadn't been a group of young guys at the site next to us who didn't care about quiet hours. The walk-in sites are spaced out decently but don't have any privacy between them. They aren't a super long walk to get to - we have a big tent, and it was no big ordeal to get all our stuff to our site. They must have just redone the bathrooms here; they are by far the nicest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground (note: no showers). Most of the sites were a decent size that would have accommodated our 10x15 tent. Overall really nice, and we'd definitely stay here again.

Beautiful location!

Beautiful location!

Great site along the Little Missouri. Enjoyed watching the wild horses and bison coming to the river to drink. Host, Jeff, was outstanding in his knowledge (a former national park's ranger) and willingness to help or advise.

Good campsites, good level of cleaning in bathrooms and quiet. Host was polite and knowledgeable. Great to have our national parks and campgrounds preserved and in public hands.

Awesome views. Bison sightings and Elk calling

Despite squatters being in our site upon arrival, campground mgr found us a better site. Enjoyed our stay immensely.

I was on my way to visit friends in Boise Idaho. Having only seen the Park from the interstate, I was curious about the rest of it. I was pleasantly surprised. The presentation at the amphitheater was a bonus. Great experience.