SOUTH UNIT
Cottonwood Campground Cottonwood Group Site Roundup Group/Horse Camp

• Maximum group size is 20 people with 20 horses or 30 people without horses.
• Minimum group size is 6 people.
• Groups are limited to 5 nights during a calendar year.
• Check-out time is 12:00 noon.

Reservations

The camp is available by reservation from approximately May 1 to November 1. The length of the season may vary depending on various environmental factors. Reservations can be made beginning at 8:00 am (MT) the first business day of March by calling (701) 623-4466. All dates are usually reserved for the season by noon that first day.

Reservations must be in the name of the group leader who will be responsible for the payment of fees, cleaning of the area before departure and complying with all rules and regulations.

At the discretion of the Superintendent, use of the area may be restricted in order to protect visitors and the park's resources. Weather conditions may warrant closing the area. If conditions dictate, the use of certain trails and areas in the park may be restricted. Extreme fire conditions may restrict the use of fires and grills within the park.

Facilities

The camping area includes firepit, cooking grills, picnic tables, drinking water, a loading ramp, a hitch rail for horses, designated campsites, a pavilion, corrals, and water tanks for horses.

The entrance to the camping area is kept locked. The key or combination can be picked up at the entrance station upon arrival . Please return the key or combination to the entrance station prior to departure.

The camping fees are $2 per person per day, $1 per horse per day. The minimum daily camping fee is $20. In addition to the camping fee, the park entrance fee is also charged. Camping fees must be paid at the entrance station prior to departure by the person who is listed as the group leader.

General Regulations

• Vehicles must be confined to the roadway and parking areas at all times. Do not park or drive on grass or trails.

• GRAZING IN THE PARK IS PROHIBITED. Bring WEED-FREE feed for your horses. As part of a strategy to control noxious weeds, federal and state agencies in North Dakota require all recreational horse users to utilize weed-free certified feed or pellets (Weed-free hay/feed sources).

• Horses may not roam free, even if hobbled. Hitch horses only at the hitch rail provided or to your trucks or trailers. Do not hitch them to trees, the enclosure fences or any other campground facilities.

• Fires must be confined to the fire grates provided. Bring your own firewood or charcoal; park vegetation may not be collected or burned. You must extinguish all fires before leaving the area. Under extreme fire conditions wood or charcoal fires may not be permitted.

• The use of firearms or any other implement capable of propelling a projectile (bow and arrow, slingshot, air rifle, etc.) is prohibited throughout the park. Similarly, the use of fireworks is also prohibited. All firearms must be unloaded, broken down and out-of-sight.

• Pets must be confined, tied or on a leash at all times while in the park. Pets are NOT permitted on trails or anywhere in the backcountry.

• The collection or possession of any plants (including wildflowers), animals, animal parts (including bones and antlers), and rocks or minerals such as fossils or petrified wood, is prohibited.

• Keep the entrance gate closed and locked to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering the camp area. Please note that hikers and other horse users may pass through the area.

• Harassing (chasing or approaching too closely), molesting or feeding of wildlife, including wild horses, bison, and prairie dogs is prohibited. Please stay 100 yards away from bison and wild horses.

• Follow designated trails into and out of the campground area. Do not use animal trails or create your own trails around the camp. This will help conserve the scenery and prevent excessive erosion.

• Camping is permitted only in the designated sites or in recreational vehicles parked on the roadway/parking areas.

The park's rules and regulations are designed for your safety and to protect the resources that you have come to enjoy. If you have any questions, please contact a park ranger. Regulations, particularly involving grazing and hitching, will be strictly enforced.

Riding horses in the park