Cottonwood Campground
3.809 reviewsWest side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM
Quick Facts
5,816 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
5,816 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCottonwood Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground does not charge any fees for camping, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious visitors.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider(575) 539-2481
What Campers Say
3.80
Mixed Reviews
Based on 9 reviews
20 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanhiking
Some mention
noiseroad noise
"User reviews highlight the campground's small size, proximity to the highway, and quiet atmosphere. Some users appreciate its cleanliness and the availability of basic facilities, while others find it too close to the road or lacking in privacy. Quotes such as 'Surprisingly clean, even the bathroom' and 'Very pretty but just off the road' summarize the mixed experiences."
Fees & Passes at Cottonwood Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14-day stay limit applies
Cancellation: N/A as reservations are not required.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gila National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground
Four distinct seasons paint Cottonwood Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Summer visitors bask in warm, sun-drenched days that give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire storytelling. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the transition to winter, when occasional snow dustings transform the landscape into a quiet wonderland. The region's characteristically dry climate means rain rarely interrupts outdoor plans, though wise campers come prepared for the occasional surprise shower that makes the desert bloom.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
About Cottonwood Campground
Nestled along the scenic US Highway 180, Cottonwood Campground beckons to those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience in the heart of the Gila National Forest. This intimate, tent-focused retreat offers adventurers a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the wilderness, all without breaking the bank. While its proximity to the highway ensures easy access for road-trippers and weekend warriors, the campground maintains a rustic charm that appeals to purists who prefer their camping experiences simple and unadorned.
The Cottonwood Campground is primarily suited for tent camping with minimal facilities. Based on user reviews and official data, RVs are not recommended due to the small site size and proximity to the highway, with one user specifying 'not suitable for an RV over 24 ft.'
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Cottonwood Campground in ever-changing hues throughout the year. Summer visitors bask in warm, sun-drenched days that give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire storytelling. As autumn arrives, crisp air signals the transition to winter, when occasional snow dustings transform the landscape into a quiet wonderland. The region's characteristically dry climate means rain rarely interrupts outdoor plans, though wise campers come prepared for the occasional surprise shower that makes the desert bloom.
ElevationPerched at 5,816 feet above sea level, Cottonwood Campground offers a natural escape into the high country where the air feels crisp and clean. This mountain elevation creates a refreshing retreat from lower desert heat, though newcomers to altitude should take it easy their first day as their bodies adjust. The height advantage rewards campers with noticeably cooler temperatures year-round and star-filled skies that seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryThe surrounding Gila National Forest creates a stunning backdrop where towering pines mingle with sun-dappled meadows, offering campers the best of both worlds. At 5,816 feet, this elevation nurtures a remarkable tapestry of life where desert species meet mountain dwellers, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Morning light filters through the forest canopy while evening shadows dance across open spaces, providing photographers and nature lovers with an ever-changing canvas of southwestern beauty.
Geological RegionCottonwood Campground sits within the magnificent expanse of the Gila National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. At 5,816 feet elevation, the terrain showcases nature's artistry through a captivating blend of dense forest groves and sweeping open vistas. This unique positioning in the high country creates a biological crossroads where varied plant communities thrive, from hardy desert adaptations to mountain-loving species, all coexisting in this elevated sanctuary.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in any of the available sources.
Sites SizeThe campground is small, with only three to eight campsites, depending on the source. Official sources state, 'There are 4 campsites at the campground,' while user reviews range from three to eight spaces.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located just off the highway, which may affect the level of privacy. One user commented, 'right by the highway,' while another described it as 'a hidden campground.'
Total Campsites4 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit applies
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit noted, but limited to 2 vehicles per site.
Groups
No group camping opportunities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small with approximately four campsites arranged just off the highway. The layout is simple, with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required; first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyN/A as reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Cottonwood Campground provides opportunities for hiking and creek exploration. A nearby steep trail is mentioned by a user: 'The trail/road that continues behind the campground is some of the steepest I've ever hiked.' The creek adjacent to the campground may sometimes have water, as noted by a reviewer, 'The creek sometimes has water.'
Hiking
A trail or road behind the campground offers hiking opportunities, and one user described it as 'some of the steepest I've ever hiked.' Specific details about the trail's length or difficulty aside from its steepness are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, although the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife may pose some risks; no potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own.
Weather at Cottonwood Campground
48
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 35%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The Glenwood Ranger District office is 20 miles away in Glenwood, at Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials, leaving their availability unclear.
Proximity to water featuresA small creek runs near the campground, though reviewers note that it may dry up in some seasons.
Common complaintsSeveral reviewers mentioned the campground’s proximity to the highway as a downside, citing road noise and lack of privacy.
Campground Map
West side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM
Driving directionsThe campground is located 20 miles north of Glenwood on US Highway 180 – west side of the highway.
The campground is directly accessible from US Highway 180, with no mention of unpaved sections or seasonal closures. It is noted to be just off the highway, which may result in some noise or lack of seclusion.Nearby places
Glenwood (~20 miles), Alma (~25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closet supplies can likely be accessed in Glenwood, approximately 20 miles south of the campground, including groceries and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.8
9 reviews
Cottonwood Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's small size, proximity to the highway, and quiet atmosphere. Some users appreciate its cleanliness and the availability of basic facilities, while others find it too close to the road or lacking in privacy. Quotes such as 'Surprisingly clean, even the bathroom' and 'Very pretty but just off the road' summarize the mixed experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the cleanliness of the campground, with one stating, 'Surprisingly clean, even the bathroom.' Another noted the steep hiking trail as a positive feature, describing it as 'good to...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the campground's proximity to the highway, lack of privacy, and limited number of sites. One reviewer remarked, 'right by the highway,' while another mentioned it was 'not...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water since none is available on-site. Additionally, RV users should note that the campground is only suited for smaller vehicles, as one reviewer...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, but the creek's water levels vary by season. Winter visitors should prepare for colder weather, as indicated by the average minimum temperature data.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Surprisingly clean, even the bathroom.' 2. 'The trail/road that continues behind the campground is some of the steepest I've ever hiked.' 3. 'Very pretty but just off the road and not suitable...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews indicate that the campground has between three and eight campsites, but official sources confirm there are four. The sites are noted for being 'right by the highway,' which affects privacy...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No references to accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities are available.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground, but they must be leashed, according to official rules. There are no user reviews specific to pet-related experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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