Cottonwood Campground
A stunning desert oasis campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, famous for bison encounters and dark night skies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a first-come spot
Cottonwood Campground
Best Time
Secure a first-come spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning desert oasis campground in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, famous for bison encounters and dark night skies.
"Spectacular landscapes, lots of wildlife, great hiking trails, dark night skies and beautiful sunsets."
🎯 Bison Safety First!
Keep a safe distance from bison. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. :seenoevil:
💧 Pack Water for RVs
There's a fill station at the entrance, but no dump site nearby. Empty tanks before arriving. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bison Encounters
Throughout the campground
Witness majestic bison roaming freely through the campground – a truly wild and unforgettable experience.
Spectacular Desert Oasis
Campground surroundings
Experience the unique beauty of this desert oasis, offering a serene escape with stunning mountain views.
Stargazing Paradise
Night sky above campground
Enjoy incredibly dark night skies, perfect for amateur astronomers and anyone seeking a celestial spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Spot Early
RV Size Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bison Safety First!
Keep a safe distance from bison. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. :seenoevil:
💧 Pack Water for RVs
There's a fill station at the entrance, but no dump site nearby. Empty tanks before arriving. :water_wave:
📱 Embrace the Disconnect
Enjoy the lack of cell service and internet – a perfect digital detox! :iphone:
🥾 Explore the Oasis
Discover the unique desert flora and fauna surrounding this beautiful campground. :hiking_boot:
Cottonwood Campground, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora ND
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bison Safety First!
Keep a safe distance from bison. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable. :seenoevil:
💧 Pack Water for RVs
There's a fill station at the entrance, but no dump site nearby. Empty tanks before arriving. :water_wave:
📱 Embrace the Disconnect
Enjoy the lack of cell service and internet – a perfect digital detox! :iphone:
🥾 Explore the Oasis
Discover the unique desert flora and fauna surrounding this beautiful campground. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cottonwood Campground for its spectacular location, spacious and private sites, and the thrilling opportunity to see bison up close. The new, clean bathrooms are a definite plus. However, the lack of showers and the limited dump station facilities are noted drawbacks.
"Very nice campground in a spectacular location! The only thing needed for a five star rating from me would be showers. The sites are spacious and fairly private, each with a picnic table and either fire pit or charcoal grill. The very nice clean, new bathrooms are located in the center of the loops with back door paths to them, and you do have to be watchful of bison wandering through the campground! Water spigots and dumpsters are located throughout the campground, and they have recycling for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Handicap sites have spigots and trash cans at the site.
The campground was full every night we were there, so get there early if you don’t have a reservation. Odd numbered sites are reservable and even numbers are first come first serve.
The park is amazing! Spectacular landscapes, lots of wildlife, great hiking trails, dark night skies and beautiful sunsets."
Amanda Mueller
"We stopped here on a roadtrip to Montana from Indiana. The campground is right in the middle of the park in the south unit. This makes the location pretty good. The views from the campground are pretty cool and we seen bison right outside the campground. The bathrooms are clean though there are no showers. Theodore Roosevelt is definitely a hide gem. I would definitely stay here again whenever I come back to the area."
MrDjdoughd
"We loved the beautiful view of the site we camped at. It was very close to the field and Mountain View behind it. Very quiet the Saturday night we stayed. A convenient place to stay to explore Theodore National Park. The bathrooms are clean, new and nice, with an outdoor utility sink. No showers though."
Rachel Buell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cottonwood Campground is located in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Access is via the park's main road. For those on a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim journey in the Grand Canyon, it's a significant waypoint on the North Kaibab Trail.
While some sites can accommodate larger rigs, be cautious. Some Class A motorhomes have found access challenging. It's advisable to check site dimensions and consider your RV's size before booking.
The roads within Theodore Roosevelt National Park are generally well-maintained. However, be aware of potential wildlife, especially bison, on the roads.
Yes, Cottonwood Campground is a key stop for ultra-runners and hikers on the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim journey in the Grand Canyon, located about 14.5 miles in on the North Kaibab Trail.
The campground is within Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering a remote experience. Services like dump stations are limited, so plan accordingly before entering the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Odd-numbered sites at Cottonwood Campground are reservable, while even-numbered sites are first-come, first-served. It's highly recommended to book in advance or arrive very early to secure a spot, as the campground often fills up.
Campgrounds in national parks are typically open 24/7, but check the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park website for any specific seasonal closures or access restrictions.
Camping fees can vary. It's best to check the official Theodore Roosevelt National Park website or Recreation.gov for the most current pricing information for Cottonwood Campground.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This fee typically covers access to the park for a set period. Check the park's official website for current fee structures.
Yes, even-numbered sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, these sites are popular and can be taken quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the day is advised.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cottonwood Campground offers spacious and fairly private sites, each with a picnic table and either a fire pit or charcoal grill. New, clean bathrooms are centrally located, and water spigots are available throughout. There are no showers.
No, there are no showers available at Cottonwood Campground. Visitors should plan to be without shower facilities during their stay.
Yes, most sites are equipped with a fire pit or charcoal grill, allowing for campfires, weather permitting. Always check for fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
Cell service and Wi-Fi are generally unavailable at Cottonwood Campground, offering a chance to disconnect and enjoy nature.
The campground is known for frequent bison sightings, with herds often wandering through. You might also see other wildlife native to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cottonwood Campground does not have on-site restaurants or food services. It's a campground within a national park, so you'll need to bring all your own food and supplies.
The nearest significant town with grocery stores is Medora, located a short drive from the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Plan to stock up before entering the park.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with a picnic table and either a fire pit or charcoal grill, making it ideal for cooking your own meals.
The town of Medora offers several dining options, ranging from casual cafes to restaurants, if you're visiting the park for the day or staying elsewhere.
Yes, water spigots are located throughout the campground for potable water access.
📸 📸 Photography
The campground itself offers unique photo ops with bison frequently visiting. The surrounding desert landscape, mountain views, and dark night skies are also prime subjects.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for landscape photography. The dark night skies are perfect for astrophotography.
Bison are the star attraction for wildlife photographers. Capturing them in their natural habitat, sometimes even within the campground, is a highlight.
While the campground itself is scenic, the surrounding Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers numerous pull-offs and overlooks with spectacular vistas for photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for night sky photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Pack plenty of games and activities for downtime. Ensure you bring all necessary food and supplies, as services are limited. Emphasize wildlife safety rules to children, teaching them to observe from a distance. The clean, new bathrooms are a convenient feature for families.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Ultra-Runners
Key recommendations for hikers/runners: Plan your water and food resupply carefully, as services are minimal. Be prepared for the desert environment and potential wildlife encounters. Utilize the campground as a strategic stop to manage your energy and hydration for the demanding trails ahead.
📸 Photographers
Key recommendations for photographers: Bring a versatile lens kit, including a telephoto for wildlife and a wide-angle for landscapes. A tripod is essential for capturing the incredibly dark night skies, perfect for astrophotography. Be patient and observant, as wildlife encounters can happen at any time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Cottonwood Campground
When exploring the area around Cottonwood Campground, always be aware of your surroundings. While the close proximity of wildlife is a major draw, it also requires respect and caution. Never feed the animals, and store your food properly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors. The park rangers often provide guidance on safe wildlife viewing practices, so it's worth checking in with them upon arrival.
Camping with Family and Friends
This campground is ideal for creating lasting memories through shared outdoor adventures. Imagine evenings spent around a campfire, sharing stories under the vast, dark skies, or daytime explorations of the unique desert landscape. The opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with loved ones in such a spectacular natural setting is a significant draw.
RV Travel and Site Considerations
Furthermore, a critical point for RVers is the lack of an on-site dump station. Visitors are strongly advised to empty their RV tanks before arriving at Cottonwood Campground, as finding suitable dump sites in the vicinity can be challenging. Planning your route to include a stop at a dump station before entering the park is essential for a hassle-free stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit