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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 4:13PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of between 2 to 5 inches across lower elevations, with 5 to 8 inches in the mountains. Locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
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 |
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