Established Camping
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Cottonwood Campground, near Medora, North Dakota, is a fantastic base for exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This campground offers a rustic experience with sites that are surrounded by trees and located right by the river, providing a peaceful atmosphere for campers.
The facilities include clean bathrooms and multiple drinking water spigots, which visitors appreciate. As one camper noted, “The bathrooms are super clean, no showers,” so be prepared for that if you’re planning a longer stay. The campground is pet-friendly, and you might even spot some wildlife, like bison and prairie dogs, wandering through the area.
For those eager to hike, Cottonwood Campground is conveniently situated near several trails and overlooks that showcase the park's stunning landscapes. Reviewers have highlighted the beauty of the surroundings, with one stating, “Gorgeous 'badland' type landscapes all around.” Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, this campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while being close to the park's attractions.
Description
National Park Service
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Overview
For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood Group Site (ND ) page.
Recreation
Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing.
Natural Features
The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.
Reservation Info
Odd-numbered sites are reservable May through September. All campsites are first come, first served the rest of the year. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance and no less than 5 days before your arrival. The group site is available by reservation only. Group site reservations begin each season on the first business day in March at 8:00 am MST. The park cannot take reservations - they must all be made through recreation.gov. Click RESERVATIONS below or call recreation.gov at 1 (877) 444-6777.
Location
Cottonwood Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in North Dakota
Directions
The South Unit entrance is in Medora, ND. Medora is accessible via Interstate 94 Exits 24 and 27 in North Dakota. Please note exit 27 is a westbound exit only.Medora is 133 miles (214 km) west of Bismarck, ND and 27 miles (43 km) east of the Montana state line.
Address
315 2ND AVE
Medora, ND 58645
Coordinates
46.95 N
103.5322222 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TFair
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations