North Dakota / Billings County / Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Cottonwood Campground

Open — Open year-round. All sites operate first-come, first-served October through April. During May through September, odd-numbered sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Campground fills to capacity each afternoon mid-May through mid-September.

About

Cottonwood Campground is the only campground in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, positioned five miles from Medora along the Little Missouri River in the North Dakota badlands. The campground operates year-round with 76 total sites: 37 reservable odd-numbered sites (May through September only), 36 first-come, first-served sites, 12 walk-in tent sites, and one group site for 7-20 people. The campground fills to capacity each afternoon from mid-May through mid-September. The moderately forested setting features cottonwood trees that turn golden in fall, with most campsites in partial to full sun. Many sites accommodate large RVs with pull-through sites exceeding 50 feet and back-in sites handling 20-40 foot vehicles. No hookups, dump station, or showers are available. Two wheelchair-accessible sites are designated for campers with disabilities. The campground provides exceptional access to approximately 70 miles of trails throughout the badlands landscape that shaped Theodore Roosevelt's conservation philosophy in the 1880s. Wildlife viewing is outstanding, with bison frequently traveling through the campground to access the river. The adjacent Little Missouri River and cottonwood groves offer excellent birding opportunities. Peaceful Valley Ranch, a historic site from Roosevelt's ranching days and one of the park's premier dark sky viewing locations, lies just a few miles away.

Directions

The South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND, accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota (exit 27 is westbound only). Medora is 133 miles west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles east of the Montana state line. Enter the park at Medora and travel 5.5 miles on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds