Cottonwood Campground

3.80

22 reviews

West side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM

Quick Facts

5,816 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,816 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood 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

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USFS

Provider

(575) 539-2481

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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 22 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

West side of US Highway 180, between mileposts 23 and 24, north of Glenwood, NM

Cottonwood Campground

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm days and cool evenings; creek offers seasonal relief, site stays open in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Four seasons noted; pleasant fall conditions likely in forested highlands, open year-round.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely brings flowing creek and good hiking; seasonal water levels vary by year.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but colder temps and no winter-sport amenities; creek may be dry or frozen.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is 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.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in any of the available sources.

Site 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.

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

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.'

HikingA 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

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife may pose some risks; no potable water is available, so visitors must bring their own.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cottonwood Campground

Reviews

3.8

22 reviews

Mixed 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 22 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

Camper 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 22 reviews

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 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No references to accessibility features or experiences from users with disabilities are available.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-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 22 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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