Details
National Park ServiceLast Updated: February 25, 2026
Table Of Contents
Campground Overview
Introduction
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.
Campsite Details
Operating Hours
Cottonwood Campground is open year-round. Check out time is noon. Check in any time (self-registration kiosk).
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.
Amenities
Trash & Recycling Collection
Toilets
Amphitheater
Staff or Host On-Site
Potable Water
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.
Rates & Fees
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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.
Rules & Regulations
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.Regulations Overview
Check out time is noon. Check in any time.Accessibility
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.
Cell Phone Information
Depending on your cellular provider, you may have moderate to limited cell signal or none at all.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV 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 Maximum Length
0
Trailer Maximum Length
0
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.
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground
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. Cottonwood Campground does not have a dump station. Commercial dump stations in Medora charge fees for use.
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