Cottonwood Campground

Overview

Shaded by towering cottonwoods along the Little Missouri River, this is the South Unit’s main campground and the park’s classic basecamp vibe. Expect quiet nights, dark skies, and a real chance of bison ambling right through the loops.

Campsites & Amenities

There are 76 sites, including a dozen walk‑to tent sites and one reservable group site. Half the campground is reservable up to six months out; the rest is first‑come, first‑served. Sites are simple but well‑spaced, each with a picnic table; many accommodate RVs and trailers, with several long pull‑throughs. Utilities are primitive: no hookups, no showers, and no dump station. Restrooms are clean with seasonal flush toilets and cold running water, and a potable water fill is typically available until about October 1.

Wildlife & Setting

You’re camping right in prime wildlife real estate. Bison frequently move through the campground en route to the river; keep your distance and secure all food. The cottonwoods turn golden in fall, and evenings can be wonderfully still—perfect for listening to coyotes and watching the sky fade over the badlands. Night sky viewing is excellent; Peaceful Valley Ranch nearby is a favorite stargazing spot.

Getting a Site

From mid‑May through mid‑September, the campground commonly fills each afternoon. If you’re aiming for first‑come sites, show up before the noon checkout window to poach departing spots; weekdays beat weekends. Otherwise, book early when your six‑month window opens. The group site’s summer reservations open the first business day of March and go fast.

RV Notes & Logistics

Big rigs fit, but mind the trees—low limbs and uneven pads mean slow, careful maneuvering. Several pull‑throughs handle long combined lengths, but there’s still zero hookups and no dump station anywhere in the park, so arrive with empty tanks and a full fresh‑water plan. Generators are allowed 8 am–8 pm. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in the campground.

Nearby & What to Do

You’re about five miles from Medora for supplies and food. Trailheads and ~70 miles of hiking are a short drive away. Even a simple evening walk from camp can turn into a wildlife safari—deer, prairie dogs, and bison are routine sights.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer: Long days and reliable services, but arrive before noon for first‑come sites and expect company.
• Shoulder seasons (spring/fall): Cooler temps, better odds at snagging a site, gorgeous foliage; water may be limited early spring or after Oct 1.
• Photography: Golden hour lights up the cottonwoods and badlands; mornings and evenings also boost wildlife activity.