Attractions and Places To See in Billings County - Top 20

Cottonwood Campground is a fantastic spot, with shaded sites beneath mature cottonwoods and sweeping views of the surrounding badlands near the South Unit entrance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It offers 76 sites—some reservable, others first-come, first-served—with flush toilets, potable water (seasonal), and a group site. During peak season (May 1–Sept 30), the nightly rate is $20; in the off-season (Oct 1–Apr 30), first-come, first-served sites are available for $10, making it a scenic and affordable overnight for Maah Daah Hey Trail hikers looking to regroup or explore nearby park highlights. **You can reserve a spot here: https://www.nps.gov/thro/planyourvisit/cottonwood-campground.htm, which also lists site availability and additional fee details.

Tom’s Wash Trailhead sits at mile 15.5 of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, about 22 miles south of Medora, and serves as a water cache point and access spot for hikers and riders. While there’s no formal campground at Tom’s Wash (300 feet from the parking area) itself, dispersed camping is allowed here and in the surrounding Little Missouri National Grassland—just be sure to stay on public land and follow Leave No Trace principles. The terrain here features rolling hills and switchbacks, with scenic views of the Little Missouri River, making it a quiet and practical waypoint for backpackers navigating the southern section of the trail.

This junction marks the starting point of a short trail that leads into Medora, a tiny but iconic town nestled in the Badlands, and is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Founded in 1883 by French nobleman Marquis de Mores and named after his wife, Medora blends Old West charm with outdoor adventure, history, and culture. Today, it’s best known for the Medora Musical, pitchfork steak dinners, and its deep ties to Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy.

Little only by comparison to the longest river in the US, the Little Missouri River flows for over 500 miles across Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The river has played an important role in the for those living in the Great Plains since humans arrived in the area over 12,000 years ago. Today it can be enjoyed for its beauty as well as the multitude of recreational activities it supports such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, camping, and biking.

From here you can take a short detour into Medora, North Dakota, the only town of any size you'll find along the trail. Whether you're running short on supplies or just want a nice cooked meal you can find it here. Also, if you are having any trouble with your bike Dakota Cyclery has everything you need from advice, to components, to maps, and shuttle service for the Maah Daah Hey Trail.

Little only by comparison to the longest river in the US, the Little Missouri River flows for over 500 miles across Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The river has played an important role in the for those living in the Great Plains since humans arrived in the area over 12,000 years ago. Today it can be enjoyed for its beauty as well as the multitude of recreational activities it supports such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, camping, and biking.

Most of the Big Plateau Trail runs over (surprise!) a big plateau with grasslands. This means little elevation changes on most of the trail. The only elevation changes are at the start and the end of the trail, going up and down the canyons. It's never a certainty, but the big plateau is known for big herds of bison hanging out. A river crossing is mandatory to make it out to both Big Plateau and Lone Tree Spring Loop Trail. Check-in with the visitor center about water depth and safety measures.

Most of the Big Plateau Trail runs over (surprise!) a big plateau with grasslands. This means little elevation changes on most of the trail. The only elevation changes are at the start and the end of the trail, going up and down the canyons. It's never a certainty, but the big plateau is known for big herds of bison hanging out. A river crossing is mandatory to make it out to both Big Plateau and Lone Tree Spring Loop Trail. Check-in with the visitor center about water depth and safety measures.