Cottonwood Campground

Star3.41
119 reviews
17645 Hwy. 160, Rio Vista, CA 94571

Quick Facts

40 ft

Price

$36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Cottonwood Campground
$36.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees are $36 per night with an additional reservation fee of $8.25. Fees include one vehicle. Extra vehicles incur additional charges.
Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$36.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(800) 777-0369interp@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

3.41

Mixed Reviews

Based on 119 reviews

1168 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswatersites

"User reviews for Cottonwood Campground are mixed, with some praising its spacious sites and river access while others criticize maintenance issues and hostile staff interactions."

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Campground Map

17645 Hwy. 160, Rio Vista, CA 94571

Cottonwood Campground

17645 Hwy. 160, Rio Vista, CA 94571

Driving directionsThe park is accessible via Highway 160, located a few miles south of Rio Vista in Sacramento County. It is surrounded by the Sacramento River to the west, Three Mile Slough to the southeast, and Seven Mile Slough to the northeast. Visitors should anticipate navigating through a maze of waterways and marshes.
Accessible via Highway 160. Roads are paved but may experience traffic during peak times. The park is open sunrise to sunset, but gates close one hour after sunset.
Nearby places
Rio Vista (3 miles), Isleton (5 miles), and Walnut Grove (19 miles).
Nearby supplies
Rio Vista offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel within 3 miles. Additional options are available in Isleton (5 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground

The Delta's gentle climate makes Cottonwood a year-round destination. Winter brings crisp mornings in the mid-40s warming to comfortable afternoons around 55°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-lover's paradise, with temperatures dancing between 75-95°F. Even when heat waves push the mercury past 100°F, the famous Delta breeze sweeps in like nature's air conditioning, keeping evenings pleasantly cool for campfire gatherings.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season May–Oct brings boating/fishing but also crowds, winds and maintenance strain.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Milder weather and continued water access; fewer peak-season crowd issues than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Pleasant weather but high usage in spring can lead to crowding and maintenance issues.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Quieter season (45–55°F), ideal for fishing and peaceful visits per reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from May to October. Heavy usage is noted during these months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; closure of some campgrounds occurs from October 15 to May 15 with first-come-first-serve availability.
  • Current Alerts: Harmful algae bloom warnings and swimming restrictions are periodically issued. Check park alerts before arrival.

About Cottonwood Campground

Discover the peaceful embrace of Cottonwood Campground, where spacious tent and RV sites nestle among the winding waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Though sites come without hookups, they offer something far more valuable: direct access to a watery wonderland perfect for casting a line, taking a refreshing swim, or spotting elusive river otters at play. Each generously sized site offers its own character, from sun-drenched spots to shaded retreats beneath towering cottonwoods.
Cottonwood Campground offers tent and RV camping but lacks hookups for utilities. Walk-in sites and group sites are also available. Accessibility-adjusted sites are a feature.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Cottonwood Campground provides access to fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Activities like boating and beach-related recreation are present within the Brannan Island area. The campground’s proximity to the Sacramento River enhances opportunities for water-based activities.
HikingHiking trails are accessible, including the Brannan Island Loop Trail, a 3-mile paved loop connecting campgrounds and day-use facilities. "I also liked the hiking loop on-site," one user noted.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, featuring species like striped bass, sturgeon, catfish, and perch. "Boy were we lucky or what! We caught so many fishes - catfish, stripers, and an orange fish which I don't know," said a reviewer.
SwimmingSwimming areas, including Seven Mile Slough, are present. However, reviews highlight limited access and murky water conditions in certain spots. "The swim area wasn't easy to access, and it was a little murky," according to one user.
BikingPaved trails are available for biking. "There are lots of paved trails that would be perfect for biking," suggested one camper.
BoatingThe campground provides access to boating with a ten-lane launch ramp and nearby parking. Boat slips are currently non-functional, requiring boats to be anchored or pulled out each night.
Wildlife viewingThe Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta’s diverse habitats support species such as river otters, mink, and Swainson’s hawks. "The isolated swimming and fishing slough was really refreshing and lush with wildlife," one reviewer stated.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind speeds can reach 25 mph or more, posing tent stability challenges. Harmful algae blooms in water may pose risks; caution is advised near water bodies.
Active AlertsHarmful algae bloom warnings and swimming restrictions are periodically issued. Check park alerts before arrival.

Weather at Cottonwood Campground

Reviews

3.4
119 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cottonwood Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cottonwood Campground are mixed, with some praising its spacious sites and river access while others criticize maintenance issues and hostile staff interactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 119 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the spacious campsites, clean bathrooms, fishing opportunities, and convenient proximity to water activities. "Beautiful area; I went fishing and they have nice campsites," said one...
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Based on 119 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include lack of shade, high winds, poor maintenance, rude staff, and limited swimming access. "Bathrooms were a mess...only 2 of the toilets were working," a user stated.
Based on 119 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, secure tents due to wind, and arrive early for shade-covered sites. "Definitely bring guylines for your tent," advised a camper.
Based on 119 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer months see high usage, leading to crowded facilities and maintenance challenges. Winter months offer quieter experiences, ideal for fishing. "Winter temperatures range from 45 to 55...
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Based on 119 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The camping spaces are near the water, and there is a great fishing pier," said one reviewer. Another added, "The wind pulled the stakes out of our tents and our sun canopy. Our canopy went flying...
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Based on 119 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #38 is noted for its shade and water access. Walk-in sites are praised for cleanliness but face parking challenges.
Based on 119 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible tent campsites are well-reviewed, with users appreciating paved activity areas and accessible restrooms.
Based on 119 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted to campsites and paved areas. "Pets must be kept inside tents or vehicles during nighttime hours," according to park rules.
Based on 119 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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