When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was
a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how
his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the
course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR
experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit
from today.

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that TR experienced here would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

## 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.
To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the Cottonwood
Group Site (ND ) page.

## 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

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.

## 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 Great Plains and the West,
blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged
topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover
the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a
land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and
philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite
turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most
of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the
cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical
is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri
National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03
million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is
managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger
District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional
recreation opportunities in the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.   To make a reservation for the group site please visit this the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10294670" rel="nofollow">Cottonwood Group Site (ND</a> ) page.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> 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.   </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> 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.   </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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 Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history.  The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did.  It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south.  The <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dpg/recarea/?recid=79469" rel="nofollow">Little Missouri National Grassland</a> is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha).  It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND.  The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area. </p>

Picture of the Cottonwood Campground registration area. There is snow on the groups and the shelter is brown with three boards explaining the regulations.

The Cottonwood Campground registration area. There is snow on the groups and the shelter is brown with three bulletin boards

View of Cottonwood from the main park road.  There are buttes in the background with a large stand of cottonwoods and a field in between.

Cottonwood Preview Image shows a campsite with a picnic table

View of Cottonwood Campground from the main park road.

View of Cottonwood Campground from the main park road.  There are buttes in the background with a large stand of cottonwoods and a field in between.

Leafy Cottonwood Trees

Cottonwood Campground (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

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.

## 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 Great Plains and the West,
blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged
topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover
the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a
land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and
philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite
turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most
of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the
cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical
is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The Little Missouri
National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03
million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is
managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger
District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional
recreation opportunities in the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251160" rel="nofollow">Cottonwood Campground (ND)</a>   section.  The group site serves as a great central camping area providing easy driving access to a varitey of locations and activities.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information </a> 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.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the estimated 70 miles (21 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information </a> 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.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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 Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately five miles (8 km) to the south. The <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dpg/recarea/?recid=79469" rel="nofollow">Little Missouri National Grassland</a>  is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.</p>

Group Site Rate - $30.00

One night in the Cottonwood Campground Group Site by groups of 7 to 20 people.
By reservation only. Passholder discounts do not apply.

Reservations can be made beginning March 1, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time, of the
desired year.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

## Overview

For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park,
Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles
(6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is
open from May through October.

## Recreation

Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the
facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river
bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to
Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river
to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before
hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail
that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and
badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.

## Facilities

Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the
facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river
bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to
Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river
to the campground. Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before
hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail
that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and
badlands. Visit the Hiking and Trail Information page on the park website.

## 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 Great Plains and the West,
blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged
topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover
the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a
land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and
philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite
turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most
of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the
cold river when temperatures peak during summer.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is
located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north. The Little Missouri
National Grassland is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03
million acres (416,826 ha). It is located in western North Dakota and is
managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger
District in Watford City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional
recreation opportunities in the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>For groups visiting the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground Group Site is a great place to stay. Located four miles (6.4 km) from the entrance to the North Unit of the park, the Group Site is open from May through October.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground.  Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> page on the park website.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Hikers can access the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo Trail directly from the facility. The Achenbach Trail (17.7 miles/28.5 km), climbs from river bottomland up through the Achenbach Hills, drops to the river again, climbs to Oxbow Overlook along the way of a spur trail, and returns north of the river to the campground.  Ask about the conditions of the river crossing before hiking. The Little Mo Trail (1.1 miles/1.8 km) is a self-guiding nature trail that begins at Juniper Campground and goes through river woodlands and badlands. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> page on the park website.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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 Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history.  The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did.  It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall. Although the campground is moderately forested, most of the campsites are in partial to full sun but visitors can cool off in the cold river when temperatures peak during summer.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The town of Watford City has shopping, restaurants, amenities and a theater is located approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the north.  The <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/dpg/recarea/?recid=79469" rel="nofollow">Little Missouri National Grassland</a>  is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres (416,826 ha).  It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND.  The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.</p>

Juniper Campground Group Site (ND)

## Overview

For groups with or without horses visiting the South Unit of Theodore
Roosevelt National Park, Roundup Horse Campground is a great place to stay.
Located 12 miles (19 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the
campground is open from May 1 to October 31.

## Recreation

Hikers and horseback riders can access the estimated 70 miles (113 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.

## Facilities

Hikers and horseback riders can access the estimated 70 miles (113 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.

## 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 Great Plains and the West,
blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history. The rugged
topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover
the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did. It is a place to experience a
land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and
philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite
turn golden in the fall.

## Nearby Attractions

The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical
is located approximately 12 miles to the south. The Little Missouri National
Grasslands is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million
acres. It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora
Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford
City, ND. The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities
in the area.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>For groups with or without horses visiting the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Roundup Horse Campground is a great place to stay. Located 12 miles (19 km) from the entrance to the South Unit of the park, the campground is open from May 1 to October 31.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hikers and horseback riders can access the estimated 70 miles (113 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Hikers and horseback riders can access the estimated 70 miles (113 km) of trails within a short distance of the campground. Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/hiking-and-trail-information.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking and Trail Information</a> page on the park website or stop at a Visitor Center for more details.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
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 Great Plains and the West, blending a rich natural beauty with diverse human history.  The rugged topography, with its flora and fauna, also provides an opportunity to discover the badlands environment as Roosevelt once did.  It is a place to experience a land and way of life that helped shape Theodore Roosevelt's attitudes and philosophy regarding conservation. Cottonwood trees surrounding the campsite turn golden in the fall.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
The town of Medora has shopping, restaurants, amenities and the Medora Musical is located approximately 12 miles to the south.  The Little Missouri National Grasslands is the largest National Grassland in the nation at 1.03 million acres.  It is located in western North Dakota and is managed by the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson, ND and the McKenzie Ranger District in Watford City, ND.  The National Grassland provides additional recreation opportunities in the area.

Site looking east from the picnic area with fire pit and grill int he forefront.

Picnic Shelter at Roundup Group and Horse Camp

Looking at campsite toward the west. There are four corrals located on the east side of the site with dirt driveway

Site looking east from the picnic area with fire pit and grill in he foreground

The four rectangular corrals at the site

A metal sculpture depicting  a cowboy on a bucking bronco at Roundup Horse Camp

The Little Missouri River winding through the Badlands as seen from the Wind Canyon Trail

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Cottonwood Campground (ND)

Cottonwood Group Site (ND)

Juniper Campground Group Site (ND)

Roundup Group Horse Camp