Cottonwood Cove Campground
3.7488 reviews601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005
Cottonwood Cove Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Park entrance fee is $25 per vehicle for 1-7 days. Interagency and Lake Mead passes are valid for entry.
About this campground
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Mohave near Searchlight, Nevada, Cottonwood Cove Campground offers a desert oasis where adventure meets tranquility. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes equipped with sturdy tables and your choice of fire pits or grills, perfect for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. The paved sites welcome both tent campers seeking simplicity and RV travelers looking for accessible comfort. While you won't find showers here, convenient water spigots and clean restrooms ensure your essential needs are met. What truly sets this campground apart is its lush canopy of vegetation that provides natural shade and creates intimate camping spaces where you can escape the desert sun.
Cottonwood Lower Campground offers a mix of accommodations for tents and RVs, with paved sites and basic amenities. Group camping is not specifically mentioned, and no cabins or glamping options are provided.
Historical SignificanceYour camping experience connects you to the rich tapestry of Nevada's mining heritage through nearby Searchlight, a town born from the desert's hidden treasures. Once a bustling mining community that drew fortune seekers from across the country, Searchlight now preserves its colorful past through the fascinating Searchlight Museum. Here, stories of determined prospectors, notable residents who shaped the region, and the boom-and-bust cycles of desert mining come alive, adding depth and context to your outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal personality of the Mojave Desert at Cottonwood Cove. Summer months from June through August bring intense heat with temperatures soaring above 100°F, perfect for early morning hikes and refreshing lake activities. As May arrives and September departs, the mercury settles into a more comfortable 90°F range, creating ideal conditions for exploring. The transformation continues through autumn into spring, with October through April offering cooler adventures. Winter nights from December through February can surprise visitors with freezing temperatures, making those campfire gatherings all the more memorable and cozy blankets essential.
ElevationInformation about specific elevation coming soon.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an unexpected desert paradise where towering cottonwood trees spread their branches overhead, creating a natural cathedral of shade. The campground surprises visitors with its diverse plant life - graceful palm trees sway in the breeze while vibrant oleanders add splashes of color against the desert backdrop. This verdant oasis attracts an enchanting array of wildlife: melodious birds fill the air with song, curious lizards dart between rocks, playful antelope squirrels scamper through the underbrush, and if you're lucky, you might spot a coyote silhouetted against the evening sky. When spring arrives, the desert erupts in a spectacular wildflower display, painting the landscape in brilliant yellows, purples, and oranges.
Geological RegionCottonwood Cove sits at the fascinating intersection of water and desert, where Lake Mohave's cool waters meet the ancient Mojave Desert landscape. This unique geological position creates a microclimate that supports an unusually diverse ecosystem for the region. The presence of mature palm and cottonwood trees alongside traditional desert flora like oleanders tells the story of water's transformative power in this arid land. The surrounding Mojave Desert, with its distinctive geology shaped by millions of years of wind, water, and tectonic forces, provides a dramatic backdrop for your camping adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, and paved roads lead to and within the campground.
Sites SizeSites are paved and provide space for up to eight people and one camping unit. Some users noted narrow or uneven sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground features lush vegetation that provides some privacy between sites, such as cottonwood and oleander trees. However, some sites are noted to be clustered closely together.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 14 is recommended for shade and restroom access. Prepare for uneven terrain and limited shade at most campsites.
Best CampsitesSite 14 is noted for shade and proximity to clean restrooms. Sites with lake views are considered desirable.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to eight people with one camping unit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are paved but uneven, located near the beach and marina area. Some sites have shade; others are exposed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available. Payment made at kiosk; credit cards not accepted.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be processed at least three days before arrival via the reservation system. Late cancellations may result in forfeiture of fees.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Cottonwood Lower Campground offers various recreational activities, including water-based and land-based options. Being near Lake Mohave, visitors can swim, kayak, boat, or fish. The presence of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing further enhance the recreational appeal.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available in the area, with reviewers noting trails leading to secret coves and other scenic spots.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, with Lake Mohave offering opportunities for anglers. Reviewers have noted the need for a fishing license, which can be enforced by patrols.Swimming
Swimming is available at a sandy beach along Lake Mohave, with free loaner life jackets offered for visitors.Boating
The campground provides a launch ramp for visitors' own boats, and rentals are available at the nearby marina.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes species such as birds, lizards, antelope squirrels, and coyotes. Springtime offers a chance to see wildflowers in bloom.Beach activities
Beach activities include picnics and swimming. The nearby beach features grills and shaded tables.Winter Activities
Winter temperatures are cooler, making the campground more comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking.Water Sports
Opportunities for kayaking and paddle boating, with rentals available at the marina.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted in grills, fire rings, and portable stoves. Fires must be fully extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include extreme heat in summer, wildlife such as coyotes, and limited cell phone service.
Active alertsNo explicit current warnings or alerts noted.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Searchlight, NV offers emergency services including a clinic, police station, and fire department. Boulder City and Las Vegas provide full hospital facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune-August (hot weather); October-April (cooler temperatures).
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, though several user reviews mention litter issues around the beach and campsite areas.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Lake Mohave, with easy access to a sandy beach and a marina.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include unclean restrooms, deteriorating roads, trash, lack of campground maintenance, and noise violations.
HostCampground host services are inconsistent based on reviews; some reviewers report helpful hosts while others note no host presence.
Campground Map
601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV, 89005
Driving directionsFollow U.S. Highway 95 to Searchlight, Nevada. Turn onto Cottonwood Cove Road and follow it east for 14 miles. The campground is located near the lake on the left.
Paved roads lead to each site. Sites are accessible year-round; however, the roads leading to the campground show signs of deterioration based on user reviews.Nearby places
Searchlight: 14 miles (approx. 20 minutes), Boulder City: 60 miles (approx. 1 hour), Las Vegas: 90 miles (approx. 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies are available at the Cottonwood Cove marina store. For more extensive grocery shopping or camping gear, Searchlight and Boulder City have additional options.
Camper Reviews
3.7
88 reviews
Cottonwood Cove Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Cottonwood Lower Campground are mixed, with some praising the quiet and scenic location, while others criticize the lack of maintenance and cleanliness. Positive feedback highlights the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Lake Mohave, while negative reviews focus on issues such as trash, outdated facilities, and noise disturbances.
Review Summaries
Based on 88 reviews
What Campers Love
"Love camping/kayaking Cottonwood Cove," "Great energy & location," "Friendly staff and clean facilities," "Nice basic spot with great parking."
Based on 88 reviewsCommon Concerns
Users frequently mentioned cleanliness issues ('toilets were clogged and dirty'; 'trash all over the beach'), insufficient shade ('very few campsites have any shade'), and noise disturbances ('Quiet...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring shade structures as there is limited natural shade. Be prepared for minimal cell service. Some campers recommend exploring smaller beaches down the lake for a quieter experience.
Based on 88 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures surpassing 100°F. Cooler months from October through April are more favorable for camping.
Based on 88 reviewsCamper Quotes
"There is a sandy beach area with tables and shade for public use." - Noemy R. "The bathrooms were clean and the host was very helpful." - Jeff B. "Sites are uneven but lots of space in between sites...
Based on 88 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight both positive and negative experiences. For example, Site 14 is praised for its large shade tree and proximity to restrooms, while Site 10 is noted as being 'almost...
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Accessibility Features
Accessible sites are available, but some users have raised concerns about restroom accessibility and cleanliness.
Based on 88 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviews noted that dogs are not permitted on certain beaches and that pet areas need better maintenance.
Based on 88 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025