Closed
— Closed for the season. The group site operates May 1 through September 30, with reservations opening March 1. Water availability at season start and end is weather dependent.
About
The Cottonwood Group Site sits within Theodore Roosevelt National Park's South Unit, providing group camping for 7-20 people in the historic badlands where Theodore Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s. Located 5.5 miles from the park entrance in Medora along the scenic East River Road, the site is nestled among cottonwood trees immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River.
The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's approximately 70 miles of hiking trails through the rugged badlands topography. Campers can experience the same landscape that shaped Roosevelt's conservation philosophy, with opportunities to observe bison traveling through the campground on their way to the river, bird watch among the cottonwoods, and enjoy exceptional dark sky viewing at nearby Peaceful Valley Ranch. The moderately forested site offers partial to full sun exposure, with the cold river providing summer relief.
The group site includes picnic tables (a short walk from the parking pad), toilets, and drinking water through October 1. No hookups, showers, or dump station are available. Dead and downed firewood may be gathered, though fire restrictions are common during hot, dry conditions. The site accommodates sliders but may not accommodate vehicles over 13 feet in height due to tree branches. The town of Medora, five miles south, provides additional amenities, restaurants, and shopping.
Directions
Enter the South Unit in Medora. Travel 5.5 miles on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left.
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