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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

Medora, North Dakota · Billings County · Campground

Overview For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. This reservation section is for reserving the group site at the Cottonwood Campgr…

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46.95263, -103.52967
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High72°F
Avg Low53°F
Peak Rain Chance53%
Humidity72%
UV (avg)7
Air Quality39 · Good
Today
🌧
Rain Showers
74°/64°
💧 10%🌬 17mph
5:04 AM8:39 PM
Sun
☁️
Overcast
72°/55°
💧 21%🌬 25mph
5:03 AM8:40 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
74°/48°
💧 4%🌬 21mph
5:02 AM8:41 PM
Tue
🌦
Rain Showers
71°/50°
💧 53%🌬 14mph
5:02 AM8:42 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
70°/48°
💧 24%🌬 18mph
5:01 AM8:42 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

Overview For people visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Cottonwood Campground is a great place to stay. Located five miles (8 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open year-round. This reservation section is for reserving the group site at the Cottonwood Campground. Reservations for the group campsite go on sale March 1 for the camping season. If you are interested in reservations for an individual camp site at the Cottonwood Campground please see the Cottonwood Campground (ND) section. The group site serves as a great central camping area providing easy driving access to a varitey of locations and activities. Recreation Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details. Located immediately adjacent to the Little Missouri River and filled with Cottonwood trees bird watching in the campground can be a rewarding experience. Watch for Bison that can be seen traveling through the campground on their way to a stop at the river. Just a few miles from the campground is the Peaceful Valley Ranch. A former ranch from Theodore Roosevelt's time, the location also serves as one of the best sites in the park for outstanding night sky viewing. Facilities Toilets, drinking water and picnic tables are provided in the campground. The group site can accomodate 7-20 people. There are no hookups or a dump station. A water fill station is available for campers (through October 1 each year). All wheeled vehicles and trailers must remain on roadways or pads. The Group Site (site #25) goes on sale the first business day of March for the upcoming summer season. Natural Features The Little Missouri River is the central, unifying feature of this wild and broken land where, as a young man, Theodore Roosevelt ranched and hunted in the 1880s. The park is part of both the Northern

How to Get There

DIRECTIONS Enter the South Unit in Medora. Travel 5.5 miles on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    53% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 7)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

Heading to Cottonwood Group Site (ND)? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Cottonwood Group Site (ND)?

No central reservation system listed for Cottonwood Group Site (ND). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10294670) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Cottonwood Group Site (ND)?

DIRECTIONS Enter the South Unit in Medora. Travel 5.5 miles on the scenic drive (East River Road). Cottonwood Campground is on the left.