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Basic Information
 Cottonwood Campground lies inside the park, about 5 miles from Medora, ND. It is the South Unit's only campground.
Half the sites are by reservation at recreation.gov while all remaining sites are first come, first served. Most sites are suitable for tents and RVs (no hookups). Cottonwood Campground fills to capacity each afternoon, mid-May through mid-September. TOTAL SITES: 76 Electric Hookups: 0 RV Only: 0 Tent Only: 12 Walk to/Boat to: 12 Group: 1 Horse: 0 Other: 0 Amenities
Fire/Stove Policy 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. Toilet Types
Shower Types
Weather 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. Standard Campsite - Summer Rate One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Summer rates are in effect May through September. $20.00 Standard Campsite - Summer Rate - Senior/Access Pass 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.) $10.00 Standard Campsite - Winter Rate One night in a standard campsite, limited to 1 family or 6 people. Winter rates are in effect October through April. $10.00 Standard Campsite - Winter Rate - Senior/Access Pass 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.) $5.00 Group Site Rate 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. $60.00 Email Address Send this campground an email Phone number (Voice) 7016234466 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.Additional Information 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. Cell Phone Additional Information Depending on your cellular provider, you may have moderate to limited cell signal or none at all. 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.
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Accessibility Information
ADA Information - 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. Wheelchair Access - 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. RV & Trailer Information - Maximum vehicle length among pull-through sites varies. Many sites are quite larger (over 50 feet). Back-in sites accommodate vehicles between 20 to 40 feet in length. Most of the RV and trailer sites are fairly level, which can be navigated by wheelchair users. RV Allowed - Yes Trailer Allowed - Yes Classification - This campground is a developed campground. Cottonwood Campground Quick LinksCampground RegulationsReserve a Standard Site in Cottonwood Reserve up to 6 months in advance but no less than 5 days before arrival. Reserve the Cottonwood Group Site Group site reservations open each year on March 1 at 8:00 am MST. 
*Walk-to sites are limited to one passenger vehicle per site (no trailers or oversized vehicles.) |
Last updated: March 1, 2024