Cottonwood Group

Star4.49
73 reviews
74485 National Park Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA, USA, 92277
Stargazing

Quick Facts

3,087 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

January 1, 2025 open...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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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 Group
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Tent Only Area, Non-electric sites available at $55 per night, valid through the year.
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$55.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 73 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomsshade

"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."

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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

Driving directionsTake Interstate 10 to the Mecca/Twentynine Palms exit and follow signs to Joshua Tree National Park. The exit is 25 miles east of Indio, California.
Accessible via Interstate 10 with signage directing visitors.
Nearby places
Indio (25 miles), Twentynine Palms (null), Chiriaco (12 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are not explicitly described in both authoritative and user-provided content
thus marked as null.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Group

Experience the desert's dramatic seasonal transitions, from mild winter days perfect for hiking to warm summer nights ideal for stargazing. Spring brings wildflower blooms that transform the landscape, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures and crystal-clear skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Extreme summer heat reduces activity and visitor numbers; less comfortable for camping.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Campground popular Oct–May with mild fall temps (70–90°F) suited to hiking and camping.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 7% in CA

Spring wildflower blooms transform the landscape; one of the most popular seasons to visit.

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

Mild winter days noted as perfect for hiking; campground open through winter season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: January 1, 2025 opens end December 2025

About Cottonwood Group

Discover the raw beauty of the Colorado Desert, where expansive vistas and remarkable wildlife viewing opportunities await at every turn. This pristine desert landscape offers campers an authentic wilderness experience, with strategically positioned sites that serve as perfect vantage points for observing the desert's diverse inhabitants in their natural habitat.
Cottonwood Group Campground is exclusively designed for group tent camping. RVs and habitable trailers are prohibited.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground serves as a starting point for several hiking trails, and additional trailheads are within a 1-2 hour drive. The trails cater to various experience levels, though specific trails and their details are not provided in the data.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingSome user reviews suggest biking is possible in the area, though no specific trails or paths are detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as coyotes, quail, and rattlesnakes have been frequently observed. One user stated, "Coyotes, rattles, and quail are easy to spot" (Javier T, 2021).
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety


Weather at Cottonwood Group

Reviews

4.5
73 reviews
Recommended
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

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....
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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....
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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....
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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...
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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." -...
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Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. Site G01: Spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Accommodates multiple tents. 2. Site G02: Praised for its ample space and clean facilities. Users appreciated the shaded picnic areas and fire...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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