Cottonwood Campground
46.9499, -103.5313 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground. Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are by reservation at recreation.gov. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September.
- Every day
- All Day
Cottonwood Campground is open year-round. Check out time is noon. Check in any time (self-registration kiosk).
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Summer rates are in effect May through September.
One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Summer rates are in effect May through September. This discounted rate applies to sites occupied by a person with a valid Senior or Access Pass. (Note: this does not include Interagency, TRNP, or Military Annual Pass holders.)
One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Winter rates are in effect October through April.
One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Winter rates are in effect October through April. This discounted rate applies to sites occupied by a person with a valid Senior or Access Pass. (Note: this does not include Interagency, TRNP, or Military Annual Pass holders.)
One night in the Cottonwood Campground Group Site by groups of 7 to 20 people. By reservation only - see the Reservations section. Passholder discounts do not apply.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Beginning May 1, 2026 all sites are by reservation at recreation.gov 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.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Flush Toilets - seasonal · Vault Toilets - year round
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - year round
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Food storage lockers
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Allowed
- Trailers
- Allowed
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
- Cell service
- Depending on your cellular provider, you may have moderate to limited cell signal or none at all.
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.
There are two accessible campsites designated for wheelchair users, one is operated on a first-come first-served basis. Accessible routes along paved roadway, and paved pathways leading to amphitheater and accessible restrooms.
All fires must be contained in the provided grills (one at each site), or in a fully contained fire pan. Campfires and use of camp stoves may be restricted during times of high fire danger. Save our trees! Never transport firewood to the park from outside North Dakota. You could introduce harmful pests to the park.
Each camp site has a picnic table, raised grill for campfires and for cooking with wood or charcoal, and a cleared, flat area for a tent. Cottonwood Campground does not have a dump station. Commercial dump stations in Medora charge fees for use.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
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.
Summers are warm (highs 80 - 100 degrees) with occasional thunderstorms and lots of wind. Winter is very cold with night time temperatures dropping well below zero.
Check out time is noon. Check in any time.
Drive to Cottonwood Campground
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