Cottonwood Campground
The Quick Take
Cottonwood is the only game in town for the South Unit, and that scarcity is both its charm and its challenge. Tucked along the Little Missouri River about five miles into the scenic drive, the campground sits in a cottonwood grove that feels like an oasis after miles of dry badlands. The sites are well-spaced by national park standards, and the river setting means you'll fall asleep to water sounds rather than highway noise. The trade-off is real, though: no hookups, no showers, no dump station, and cell service that ranges from spotty to nonexistent. Half the sites take reservations, but the other half are first-come-first-served — and during summer, those vanish by early afternoon. This is the right campground for anyone who wants to wake up inside the park and doesn't need to be plugged in to enjoy it.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 76 sites are reservable.
Book at Theodore Roosevelt LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. Maximum length: 50 feet. No electrical hookups.
Accessibility
There are two paved pathways to accessible restrooms located in the north loop of the campground and one paved pathway leading to the amphitheater located in the south loop. Paved pathway to wheelchair accessible bathrooms and amphitheater. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Checkout:Check out time is noon.
Pro Tips
Reserve your site the moment the booking window opens if you're visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The first-come-first-served sites fill by 2 PM most summer days, and showing up at 4 PM with no reservation means you're driving back to Medora for a private campground.
The amphitheater hosts ranger programs most summer evenings — check the visitor center schedule when you arrive. It's one of the smaller, more intimate programs in the park system, and the rangers here tend to be passionate about the park's wild horse herds and Theodore Roosevelt's ranching history.
Stock up on firewood, ice, and groceries in Medora before you enter the park. There's no camp store and nothing sold inside the park boundary. The town is only five miles back, but that five-mile drive through bison territory after dark is not something you want to do for a forgotten bag of ice.
Photos
NPS Photo
NPS Photo
NPS PhotoGetting There
Directions
Enter the South Unit in Medora. Travel 5.5 miles on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left. Stop at the campground’s self-registration kiosk for information on how to claim a campsite. If you have already made a reservation, you may go directly to your site.
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