How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Group?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Group range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Cottonwood Group 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 Group before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Group has 14 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 Group?

Cottonwood Group 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 Group?

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

How many campsites does Cottonwood Group have?

Cottonwood Group has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Group. 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 Group?

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

What activities can I do at Cottonwood Group?

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

Cottonwood Group

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Group?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Group: 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.

4.37

73 reviews

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

Top 2% in CASpring

Stargazing

Featured in:Joshua Tree Camping Near Joshua Tree National Park Desert Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,087 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

January 1, 2025 open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,087 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

January 1, 2025 open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on null Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Group

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC-206168: $55.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

Group Site Fee$55.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

760_367_5554cynthia_lasala@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Cottonwood Group

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

Nearby places

Indio (25 miles), Twentynine Palms (null), Chiriaco (12 miles)

Weather at Cottonwood Group

Current alerts(12)

$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!
FIRE BAN fire restriction are currently in effect that prohibit charcoal fires, wood-burning fires, and charcoal grills. NO Fires! Only gas or propane stoves are permitted. Starting June 15, ending October 1st of every year.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Group

Best season: spring. Spring offers mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), making long hikes, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing comfortable and rewarding. Wildflower displays (usually peaking March–April) transform the creosote and brittlebush into colorful carpets and draw photographers and naturalists. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays — weekdays are best for a quieter experience. Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in CA

March–April wildflower blooms and ideal temps make spring a standout season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: January 1, 2025 opens end December 2025

About Cottonwood Group

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.

Cottonwood Group Campground is exclusively designed for group tent camping. RVs and habitable trailers are prohibited.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers mild daytime temperatures (typically 60–85°F) and cool nights (40–55°F), making long hikes, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing comfortable and rewarding. Wildflower displays (usually peaking March–April) transform the creosote and brittlebush into colorful carpets and draw photographers and naturalists. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays — weekdays are best for a quieter experience. Peak months: April, March, May, November Avoid: July, August

Elevation3087 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies flat, open shrubland where creosote and brittlebush stretch to the horizon. Limited vegetation means wide desert views in every direction. From March through April, wildflowers transform the desert floor into colorful displays that attract photographers. The dark skies here rank among the park's best for stargazing. Reviews consistently praise the nighttime visibility.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or luxury accommodations; the campground is strictly for group tent camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific educational programs or cultural activities are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The campground has three group sites with amenities such as picnic shelters, fire rings, and ample space for tents. These sites can accommodate groups of varying sizes, with reviews mentioning capacities ranging from 15 people to larger groups of 36.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsThrough recreational government structure

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically detailed in the sources.

Site SizeThe group campsites are described as spacious, accommodating multiple large tents. For example, Esther N (2021) noted that their site had space for 2 six-person tents and 1 two-person tent. Amrit S (2022) mentioned that the site could easily fit 15 people.

PrivacyThe sites lack significant natural privacy due to limited vegetation. However, they are equipped with shade shelters that provide some coverage. Several reviews mention that the campground is quiet and secluded, especially during weekdays.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Need help booking Cottonwood Group?

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 electrical hookups, and RVs and habitable trailers are prohibited. Drinking water and flush toilets are provided.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Cottonwood Group Campground offers a variety of activities, primarily focused on its natural surroundings. Stargazing and wildflower viewing are standout attractions, as the campground provides dark, uninterrupted night skies and early spring blooms. Several hiking trails originate at or near the campground, making it a good base for exploring the Colorado Desert.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon’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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly described, but user reviews occasionally note issues with trash left by previous visitors, suggesting a need for better enforcement of Leave No Trace practices.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user-generated sources.

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

4.4

73 reviews

Recommended

Cottonwood Group is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise the campground for its cleanliness, spaciousness, and suitability for group camping. The dark skies for stargazing and the well-maintained facilities are consistent highlights. However, some users reported issues with squatters and disturbances at night, as well as occasional restroom cleanliness concerns during high-use periods.

Review Summaries

Based on 73 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 73 reviews.

Site G01Loved
Site G01: Spacious, clean, and well-maintained.
Site G02Loved
Site G02: Praised for its ample space and clean facilities.
Site G03Loved
Site G03: Described as beautiful, clean, and ideal for large groups.

What Campers Love

1. Clean and spacious facilities. 2. Excellent stargazing opportunities. 3. Well-maintained restrooms with running water. 4. Ample parking and tent space. 5. Shaded picnic areas and fire rings. 6....

Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

1. Occasional issues with unauthorized visitors and noisy groups. 2. Restrooms becoming messy during peak times. 3. Lack of enforcement against disruptive behaviors after visitor center hours. 4....

Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring a dolly or cart to transport equipment, as parking is not directly adjacent to camp areas. 2. Carry extra firewood; one user mentioned going through six bundles during a December stay. 3....

Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular from October through May due to mild daytime temperatures (70-90°F) and cooler nights (40-60°F). Summer sees reduced activity due to extreme heat. Spring brings early...

Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Clean, beautiful campground and surrounding areas for hiking. Great place to disconnect from work and the city." - Mike C, 2020. 2. "The campground's dark skies are amazing for stargazing." -...

Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly discussed in user reviews.

Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain leashed. Some users appreciated the pet-friendly policies, though no specific pet-related amenities were highlighted.

Based on 73 reviews

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4.2

(1161)

Cottonwood Campground (Ca)

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

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.