Camping is a timeless activity that families and friends have been able to enjoy for ages. Luckily for us North Dakotans, we have some pretty sweet places to camp in North Dakota. They are located in some of the most naturally breathtaking areas, and this particular campground is no different. Pitch a tent at Cottonwood Campground in North Dakota and you’ll be blown away by how amazing it is.
The Cottonwood Campground is located in the South Unit of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park near Medora, North Dakota.
Cindy M/Tripadvisor
The 76 campsites spread throughout this campground are tucked away in a valley between the rugged hills of the badlands. Cottonwood trees surround each campsite and provide a secluded spot to relax and just enjoy nature.
Bobby A/Tripadvisor
The campground is just feet away from the Little Missouri River and can be seen from most of the sites, offering fantastic views.
Libiriam/Tripadvisor
Don’t be surprised if a few visitors pass through the campsites. Wild bison and horse herds as well as smaller critters like prairie dogs are very common in the area.
Greg D/Tripadvisor
Luckily with these visitors, you don’t have to worry as much about them getting into your food or tent - they’re just there to graze!
Greg D/Tripadvisor
At night you can gaze up through the cottonwoods to see a starry sky like no other. In a place like this park, there is little to no light pollution to ruin a sky as incredible as this.
Justin Kern/Flickr
The Cottonwood Campground is open year-round and is not far from the town of Medora, meaning you can be close to restaurants and other amenities while still being out far enough that you can enjoy nature at its best.
Christina Wray/Flickr
The Cottonwood Campground in North Dakota has both reservable and walk-in/pull-up sites that don’t require reservations. For more information on the campsites available and how to make reservations, visit the National Parks Services website.
Cindy M/Tripadvisor
Bobby A/Tripadvisor
Libiriam/Tripadvisor
Greg D/Tripadvisor
Justin Kern/Flickr
Christina Wray/Flickr
What do you think the most beautiful campground in North Dakota is? Tell us about your favorite camping experience. There are so many more camping opportunities in ND that you don’t want to miss, be sure to check out some of these rustic camping spots in North Dakota!
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Address: Cottonwood Campground, 315 2nd Ave, Medora, ND 58645, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park November 16, 2022 Chris Muras Where can you camp near Theodore Roosevelt National Park? You can camp at several nearby campgrounds or the park has two primitive campgrounds with group sites as well as individual sites. There is even a group site that allows camping with horses. Here are some of our favorite campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Cottonwood Campground: Our featured campground above is one of the best campgrounds near Teddy Roosevelt National Park. With 76 sites to choose from you have a wide selection of scenic spots to enjoy the outdoors. White Flats Campground: In beautiful Sully Creek State Park a few minutes from Medora, ND, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park this spot is a quiet getaway in the badlands. With easy access to the Missouri River for kayaking and canoeing or hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails you have plenty to keep you busy. Medora Campground: The Medora Campground has 150 sites nestled among old cottonwood trees that provide a perfect base camp to explore the surrounding badlands. It even has its own general store if you need some quick snacks or supplies. Red Trail Campgrounds: Red Trail is a nice family-owned site that has been providing guests easy access to the surrounding nature, hiking, and mountain views for over 42 years. 120 spaces are available primarily for RV camping, but they do have a few tent-only sites as well. Is dispersed camping allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Dispersed camping is allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a free backcountry permit limited to 14 days. There is no dispersed camping within 0.25 miles of roads and trailheads, or within 200 feet of any water source. What is dispersed camping? Dispersed camping, often called boondocking, is the term given to camping on public land not part of official campgrounds. Typically dispersed camping is popular in National Forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management)land for those that appreciate a more wild camping experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Camping near Theodore Roosevelt National Park
November 16, 2022
Chris Muras
Where can you camp near Theodore Roosevelt National Park? You can camp at several nearby campgrounds or the park has two primitive campgrounds with group sites as well as individual sites. There is even a group site that allows camping with horses. Here are some of our favorite campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park: Cottonwood Campground: Our featured campground above is one of the best campgrounds near Teddy Roosevelt National Park. With 76 sites to choose from you have a wide selection of scenic spots to enjoy the outdoors. White Flats Campground: In beautiful Sully Creek State Park a few minutes from Medora, ND, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park this spot is a quiet getaway in the badlands. With easy access to the Missouri River for kayaking and canoeing or hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails you have plenty to keep you busy. Medora Campground: The Medora Campground has 150 sites nestled among old cottonwood trees that provide a perfect base camp to explore the surrounding badlands. It even has its own general store if you need some quick snacks or supplies. Red Trail Campgrounds: Red Trail is a nice family-owned site that has been providing guests easy access to the surrounding nature, hiking, and mountain views for over 42 years. 120 spaces are available primarily for RV camping, but they do have a few tent-only sites as well. Is dispersed camping allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? Dispersed camping is allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a free backcountry permit limited to 14 days. There is no dispersed camping within 0.25 miles of roads and trailheads, or within 200 feet of any water source. What is dispersed camping? Dispersed camping, often called boondocking, is the term given to camping on public land not part of official campgrounds. Typically dispersed camping is popular in National Forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management)land for those that appreciate a more wild camping experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You can camp at several nearby campgrounds or the park has two primitive campgrounds with group sites as well as individual sites. There is even a group site that allows camping with horses. Here are some of our favorite campgrounds near Theodore Roosevelt National Park:
Cottonwood Campground: Our featured campground above is one of the best campgrounds near Teddy Roosevelt National Park. With 76 sites to choose from you have a wide selection of scenic spots to enjoy the outdoors.
White Flats Campground: In beautiful Sully Creek State Park a few minutes from Medora, ND, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park this spot is a quiet getaway in the badlands. With easy access to the Missouri River for kayaking and canoeing or hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails you have plenty to keep you busy.
Medora Campground: The Medora Campground has 150 sites nestled among old cottonwood trees that provide a perfect base camp to explore the surrounding badlands. It even has its own general store if you need some quick snacks or supplies.
Red Trail Campgrounds: Red Trail is a nice family-owned site that has been providing guests easy access to the surrounding nature, hiking, and mountain views for over 42 years. 120 spaces are available primarily for RV camping, but they do have a few tent-only sites as well.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park?
Dispersed camping is allowed in Theodore Roosevelt National Park with a free backcountry permit limited to 14 days. There is no dispersed camping within 0.25 miles of roads and trailheads, or within 200 feet of any water source.
What is dispersed camping?
Dispersed camping, often called boondocking, is the term given to camping on public land not part of official campgrounds. Typically dispersed camping is popular in National Forests and BLM (Bureau of Land Management)land for those that appreciate a more wild camping experience.
