How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Campground?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Campground range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cottonwood Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottonwood Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottonwood Campground before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Campground has 17 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Campground?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Campground: Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near the park and burning it on-site, and do not use park vegetation, living or dead, for fuel.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cottonwood Campground have?

Cottonwood Campground has 62 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Campground?

Cottonwood Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottonwood Campground?

Popular activities at Cottonwood Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

4.20

1.2K reviews

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Top 10% in CASpring

Stargazing

Featured in:Joshua Tree Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

62 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$55.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760-367-5554

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

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Campground Map

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA

Nearby places

Indio (30 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)

Chiriaco Summit (12 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)

Weather at Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

Current alerts(13)

$30 per vehicle entrance fee is in addition to camping fee. Passes can be purchased ahead of time online here.
All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; contact the Special Park Use Coordinator , jotr_permit_office@nps.gov.
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more!
Due to narrow parking areas, most campsites cannot accommodate RV slideouts.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 70–90°F in October–November) and cool, clear nights (40s–50s) that are ideal for hiking, daytime exploration, and world-class stargazing. Daylight conditions and reduced summer heat make long hikes and photography especially pleasant, while weekend crowding can be moderate—plan weekdays for more solitude. Loop A is fully open after the summer partial closure, so you’ll have full access to the campground infrastructure, & Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Spring wildflower blooms and mild weather make spring a preferred season per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

Cottonwood Campground sits in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Indio. This mid-sized campground offers flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station in a serene desert setting known for world-class stargazing. Visitors come for nearby hiking trails and wildlife viewing, with tent, RV, and group camping options available during peak season.

Cottonwood Campground is a developed campground with 62 individual sites. There are no primitive, RV-only, or glamping options. The campground is more suited for smaller camper units and tents.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 70–90°F in October–November) and cool, clear nights (40s–50s) that are ideal for hiking, daytime exploration, and world-class stargazing. Daylight conditions and reduced summer heat make long hikes and photography especially pleasant, while weekend crowding can be moderate—plan weekdays for more solitude. Loop A is fully open after the summer partial closure, so you’ll have full access to the campground infrastructure, & Peak months: October, November, March, April Avoid: June, July, August

Elevation3000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryFlat desert shrubland stretches in all directions, with gentle terrain opening up 360-degree views to distant mountains. The Colorado Desert ecosystem here supports hardy vegetation adapted to harsh conditions. At 3,000 feet elevation, the campground sits low enough to catch spring wildflower blooms that transform the landscape. Light pollution is minimal, and the Milky Way stretches across the sky on clear nights. The openness makes both sunset photography and stargazing reliably excellent.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground provides only standard campsites, with no hotel-style accommodations or cabins.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-led programs are occasionally held at the amphitheater, offering educational insights about the park's natural and cultural history.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights during a visit, and a 30-day annual limit with no more than 14 nights allowed October-May.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per site, depending on the site size.

Groups

There are three group campsites available. These sites are designed for tents only and prohibit RVs or habitable trailers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground amphitheater is ADA accessible from Loop A, but there are no ADA-accessible campsites at Cottonwood. Many roads are unpaved, and paved areas are reported to be uneven. The visitor center nearby offers ADA access and well-maintained parking.

Site SizeThe sites vary in size but are generally described as tight or small. Larger RVs often face difficulties fitting, especially with slide-outs.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as campsites are close together, though some perimeter sites offer slightly more seclusion.

Total Campsites62 campsites

Recommended SitesFor stargazing and privacy, outer-loop sites like B23 are ideal. Avoid sites near restrooms (e.g., A08) for quieter experiences.

Best CampsitesPerimeter sites offer slightly better views and privacy in an otherwise tight layout. Site B23 on the outer loop gets mentioned for its size and proximity to facilities. Larger RVs struggle here. Sites are narrow, often unlevel, and difficult for slide-outs.

Need help booking Cottonwood Campground (Ca)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; a dump station ($5 additional fee) is located nearby. Flush toilets and potable water are available in the campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cottonwood Campground is known for its excellent stargazing and wildflower viewing. Recreational activities include hiking, with trails such as Mastodon Peak and Lost Palms Oasis accessible directly from the campground. Wildlife viewing is also popular. The campground is away from the park's main attractions, offering a quieter experience.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

1.2K reviews

Satisfactory

Cottonwood Campground (Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cottonwood Campground receives a wide range of feedback, with many campers praising its cleanliness, proximity to hiking trails, and excellent stargazing opportunities. However, complaints often focus on small or uneven sites, noise levels, and the lack of cell service or on-site hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 1161 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 1161 reviews.

A31Loved
Site-specific feedback indicates that perimeter sites such as A31 and B23 are more spacious and offer better views.
A08Issues noted
Sites closer to the restroom, like A08, received mixed reviews for convenience versus noise.

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean bathrooms, running water, and serene desert environment. Stargazing and the nearby hiking trails were frequently mentioned as highlights.

Based on 1161 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include tight or uneven campsites, lack of privacy, early morning garbage collection noise, and the absence of cell service. Several reviews mentioned noisy neighbors and limited ranger...

Based on 1161 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient lighting for nighttime bathroom trips as there is no lighting in the restrooms. Stock up on supplies before arriving, as there are no camp stores nearby. Prefer perimeter sites for...

Based on 1161 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and spring are preferred seasons due to mild temperatures and the wildflower bloom. Summer visits are less common due to extreme heat.

Based on 1161 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The stars were phenomenal at this site!" "Clean bathrooms are a luxury in the desert." "Campsites are tight, but the hiking trails make it worthwhile."

Based on 1161 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with uneven terrain and no ADA campsites. However, the amphitheater and visitor center are accessible.

Based on 1161 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on hiking trails. Many reviewers appreciated the flexibility of bringing pets to the campground.

Based on 1161 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA, USA, 92277

Cottonwood Group sits in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park near Twentynine Palms, offering group camping with flush toilets and potable water. The campground operates seasonally during peak months and enforces a strict no-show policy. Visitors come for spring wildflower displays, dark-sky stargazing, and access to desert hiking trails.