How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Creek?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Creek range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Cottonwood Creek 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 Creek before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Creek has 7 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 Creek?

Cottonwood Creek is open May 22 to September 25. 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 Creek?

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

Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Creek?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Creek: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Sierraville Ranger District (530) 994-3401 (voice), (530) 994-3521 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cottonwood Creek have?

Cottonwood Creek has 48 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Creek. 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 Creek?

Cottonwood Creek 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 Creek?

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

Cottonwood Creek

3.98

122 reviews

317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,689 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,689 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Creek

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-994-3401

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Cottonwood Creek

317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89), PO BOX 95, SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126, USA

Nearby places

Truckee (approximately 20 miles north), Sierraville (5 miles south), Lake Tahoe (approximately 40 minutes southeast).

Weather at Cottonwood Creek

Current alerts(7)

6 people and 2 dogs maximum per single site. Dogs shall always be kept on leash no longer than six feet or otherwise confined. Violation notices WILL be issued for non-compliance.
Bears frequent the area; all food should be kept in approved containers.
Campsite check-out time is 12:00pm. Check-in time is 2:00pm.
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Creek

Best season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, clear weather (daytime highs typically 50–70°F, nights dropping into the 30s) and the light golden tones of riparian cottonwoods and understory shrubs against the evergreen firs — making hikes and overlook views especially rewarding. Trails are drier and cooler than summer, fishing is productive in cooler water, and wildlife activity increases while crowds thin after Labor Day. Early October is particularly peaceful, but note the campground closes October 12 so plan for a B- Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as the sweet spot: 50–70°F days, cool nights, thinner crowds after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to October 12, 2025. Reservations can be made starting June 22, 2025.

About Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Creek sits in mid-elevation Tahoe National Forest near Sierraville, operated by the Forest Service with tent, RV, and primitive sites. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables in a shaded forest setting. Visitors hike, bike, and watch for wildlife on nearby trails, with fall bringing crisp weather and golden cottonwood foliage against the evergreens.

Cottonwood Creek Campground provides several types of camping accommodations, including spaces for tents and RVs. It is a primitive campground with no utilities or hookups available. Group sites and cabins are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers crisp, clear weather (daytime highs typically 50–70°F, nights dropping into the 30s) and the light golden tones of riparian cottonwoods and understory shrubs against the evergreen firs — making hikes and overlook views especially rewarding. Trails are drier and cooler than summer, fishing is productive in cooler water, and wildlife activity increases while crowds thin after Labor Day. Early October is particularly peaceful, but note the campground closes October 12 so plan for a B- Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5689 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines, red firs, and white firs create dense shade across the campground. Cottonwood Creek runs through the area, though many sites don't have direct creek views due to forest cover. The outer loop backs onto thicker woods. Inner sites sit in more open groves with less undergrowth between neighbors. Fall brings golden cottonwood color against the evergreens.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people and 2 dogs per campsite.

Groups

Group camping is not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or the mobile app.

AccessibilityInformation on specific accessibility features is not available. Some user reviews suggest that the steep terrain on certain campsites may pose challenges.

Site SizeCampground sites vary in size. Some users report spacious sites suitable for larger vehicles, while others note tight fits, particularly for RVs and trailers. For instance, site #39 is described as unsuitable for RVs despite being listed for them.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary within the campground. Outer loop sites reportedly offer better privacy due to tree cover, while inner loop sites are closer together. A user noted, "The sites on the outside of the loops are all backed up to the woods and spaced out plenty. The inner loop campsites don't have as much privacy.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near vault toilets due to odors (e.g., #4). For more privacy, choose the back loop.

Best CampsitesSite #17 offers shade and trail access. Site #25 backs onto a grove. Site #31 gets mentioned for privacy and quiet. Outer loop sites generally provide better spacing and tree buffers than inner loop sites. Avoid sites near vault toilets due to odor. Site #39 is listed for RVs but reportedly doesn't fit them.

Need help booking Cottonwood Creek?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Cottonwood Creek Campground offers several essential amenities. Each campsite is outfitted with a picnic table and a campfire ring. Vault toilets, potable drinking water, and trash collection services are available on-site. While the campsite provides adequate shade and privacy due to the surrounding Jeffrey pine, red, and white fir trees, noise from the nearby highway can be intrusive. Multiple reviews highlight the clean vault toilets; one states, "The toilets are slightly older vault toilets but they are well maintained." However, another user mentions, "Bathrooms smell so bad you cannot even go into them." This discrepancy suggests that toilet maintenance may vary. It’s also worth noting that the campground does not have bear boxes, as mentioned by a user: "Great site but unfortunately no bear boxes."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and biking. It is also a good base camp for fishing and hunting. Two trails, the Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail, begin within the campground. Nearby attractions, such as Lake Tahoe and Sardine Lakes, offer additional outdoor opportunities.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides vault toilets, which are described by users as clean but sometimes malodorous.

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

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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

4.0

122 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cottonwood Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cottonwood Creek Campground are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the campground's quiet atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to trails. Negative reviews cite issues such as unpleasant smells from vault toilets, limited privacy in certain sites, and noise from the nearby highway.

Review Summaries

Based on 122 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 122 reviews.

Site #17Loved
Site #17: Praised for its shade and proximity to trails.
Site #39Mentioned
Site #39: Not recommended for RVs due to limited space..
Site #4Issues noted
Site #4: Avoid due to proximity to vault toilets and associated odor..

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the "well-maintained vault toilets," "spacious and shaded sites," and "helpful camp hosts." Many commend the scenic trails and the general tranquility of the campground. A user...

Based on 122 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the unpleasant smell of vault toilets, noise from the nearby highway, and lack of privacy in some sites. Reviews like "Bathrooms smell so bad you cannot even go into them"...

Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend choosing sites on the outer loop for more privacy, avoiding sites near the vault toilets due to odor, and bringing all necessary supplies, as there is no camp store. One user...

Based on 122 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention mosquitoes and high temperatures. Weekdays see fewer visitors, making the campground quieter. Multiple users note that noise from Highway 89 subsides at night.

Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "We always look forward to our time at Cottonwood Creek!" - Stacey C. 2. "The sites on the outside of the loops are all backed up to the woods and spaced out plenty. The inner loop campsites don't...

Based on 122 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed, but some users mention steep slopes and narrow pads, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 122 reviews