Cottonwood Campground
Open seasonally from late May through late November, weather dependent. First-come, first-served with no reservations. No potable water or trash services. Mandatory food storage order in effect March 1 through December 1.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Cottonwood Campground sits in a relatively remote corner of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ruby Reservoir, offering a rustic escape for campers who want to disconnect from modern distractions. With no cell service in the area, this is an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a genuine backcountry experience without venturing into dispersed camping. The campground provides 10 campsites with a maximum recommended trailer length of 28 feet. Facilities are minimal but functional: an ADA-accessible vault toilet serves the campground, and a bear-resistant meat pole is available across the road to the east. Campers must bring their own drinking water and pack out all trash, as no potable water or garbage services are provided. Access requires a 36-mile drive on Ruby Reservoir Road from Alder, making this one of the more secluded developed campgrounds in the Madison Ranger District. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a fee of $12 per night. A mandatory food storage order applies throughout the forest from March through December.
Directions
From Sheridan, travel south on Highway 287 for about 8 miles. When you reach Alder, take Ruby Reservoir Road south for approximately 36 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 28ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Cottonwood Campground | |
| Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Alerts |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!