Cottonwood Campground

About

Cottonwood Campground lies 5 miles inside Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, positioned along the Little Missouri River in a grove of mature cottonwood trees. The 76-site campground serves as base camp for exploring the park's 70 miles of trails and dramatic badlands terrain. Bison regularly traverse the campground en route to the river, and the cottonwood canopy makes this one of the park's best birding spots. The campground operates year-round with vault toilets always available and flush toilets from spring through fall. Potable water is provided through October 1 via a fill station. Each site includes a picnic table and fire grill. Sites range from walk-in tent spots to pull-through pads accommodating RVs up to 93 feet, though vehicle height should not exceed 13 feet due to tree branches. No hookups or dump station exist on-site; the nearest dump station is at Juniper Campground in the North Unit or seasonally in Medora. As of May 1, 2026, all sites require advance reservation through Recreation.gov. The group site (#25, 7-20 people) opens for booking on March 1 each year. Standard rates are $20/night May through September and $10/night October through April, with 50% discounts for Senior and Access pass holders. Stay limit is 14 nights during peak season and 30 days per calendar year.

Directions

Enter the South Unit in Medora via Interstate 94 (Exit 24 or westbound-only Exit 27). Travel 5.5 miles north on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left.