Cottonwood Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $35.00
- Type
- Campground
- Season
- June 1 to August 28
- Sites
- 62 total · 62 reservable · 0 first come
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 33.7449, -115.8128
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
The Cottonwood Campground is reservation only and has 62 sites, potable water and flush toilets. The Campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast part of the park. The closest metropolitan area is Indio about 30 miles away. Cottonwood Campground fees will increase to $35 per site starting January 1, 2025. Cottonwood Group Campground fees will increase to $55 per site starting January 1, 2025.
From the managing agency.Official page
Is Cottonwood Campground free?
No. Cottonwood Campground charges $35.00. 62 of its sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
Can I bring an RV to Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood Campground has 62 sites on record. 62 sites are reservable and 0 are first come.
When is Cottonwood Campground open?
The season on record runs June 1 to August 28. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.
How do I get to Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood Campground is near the South Entrance near Cottonwood Spring. There is an access point along Interstate 10, 25 miles east of Indio. The Campground is off of Pinto Basin Road, next to The Cottonwood Visitor Center.
What is the weather like at Cottonwood Campground?
Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. At 3,000 ft, Cottonwood is lower in elevation than other campgrounds and is usually 5-10 degrees warmer than the northern part of the park. The day time temperature is often over 100°F (38°C) in summer and around 60°F (15°C) in winter. Temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter. Weather can change quickly. Check a weather forecast before camping.
What are the rules at Cottonwood Campground?
Each site is varied on size and parking. Ensure you know the specifications of your campsite on recreation.gov before purchasing your permit. A vehicle towing a trailer, popup, tent trailer, or fifth wheel, or a motorhome towing a vehicle, is considered two vehicles. Camping fees must be paid within one hour of selecting a campsite. Check in and check out are at noon. There is a 30-day camping limit each year. Only 14 of these nights may take place from October-May. All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate. Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it. Any scented or odorous items, including sunscreen and toiletries, must be secured as if they were food. Campsites left vacant for 24 hours will be treated as vacant. Holding or reserving campsites for persons not present is not allowed. Pets must remain on leash at all times and may not be left unattended. No slacklines in campgrounds.
Nearby
- COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)0.8 mi
- COTTONWOOD GROUP0.8 mi
- JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND22.3 mi
- SHEEP PASS GROUP24.8 mi
- Sheep Pass Group Campground24.9 mi
- Ryan Campground25.6 mi
- Corn Springs Campground29.2 mi
- Indian Cove Group31.1 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
