Cottonwood Campground

4.22

11 reviews

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Quick Facts

5,804 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,804 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ochoco National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cottonwood Campground is a free facility.

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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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife watching, and the lack of cell service, which allows for a 'reset from life.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Cottonwood Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon (1): Travel on Highway 26 going east for 47 miles to Mitchell, Oregon. Continue east on Highway 26 for 13 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go south on Forest Service Road 12 for 14 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 200 and continue to Cottonwood Campground. From Prineville, Oregon (2): Travel on Highway 26 going east for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel east on Forest Service Road 42 for 32 miles to Forest Service Road 4270. Follow Forest Service Road 4270 northeast for 9 miles to Forest Service Road 12. Turn left and head north on Forest Service Road 12 for 4 more miles, then turn right on to Forest Service Road 200 and continue to the campground. From Paulina, Oregon: Travel on County Road 112 going east for 3.5 miles, then travel north on Beaver Creek Road (County 113) for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Take Forest Service Road 42 north for another 8 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go north on Forest Service Road 12 for 7 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 200 and continue to the campground. From John Day, Oregon: Travel on Highway 26 going west for 31 miles to Dayville, Oregon. Continue west on Highway 26 for 25 miles to Forest Service Road 12, and go south on Forest Service Road 12 for 14 miles to Forest Service Road 200. Turn left and continue to the campground.

Forest Service roads are utilized for access, which may include unpaved sections. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Prineville, Oregon (47 miles from Highway 26)

Mitchell, Oregon (47 miles from Highway 26)

Dayville, Oregon (31 miles west along Highway 26)

John Day, Oregon (31 miles west along Highway 26).

Nearby supplies

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Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for swimming and trail exploration, with temperatures ideal for camping under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those properly equipped for freezing temperatures. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing creeks. Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere and note that limited cell service creates the perfect digital detox opportunity.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is most popular for swimming, shade and wildlife viewing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspen groves suggest strong fall color and scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers wildlife and greening forest but no specific spring programming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but primitive sites and likely cold/snow reduce comfort.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round
Current Alerts: null

About Cottonwood Campground

Nestled in the heart of Ochoco National Forest, Cottonwood Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate, primitive campground features seven secluded sites tucked beneath a canopy of whispering aspens and towering conifers, where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and the gentle murmur of nearby Rock Creek. For those who crave solitude and simplicity, this rustic retreat offers the perfect basecamp for exploring the Historic Summit Trail's storied paths. Mountain bikers will discover a network of challenging two-track roads that wind through the forest, while summer visitors can cool off in a unique swimming hole—a former gravel pit transformed by nature into a refreshing mountain oasis.

Cottonwood Campground provides primitive camping facilities. The focus is on a natural and basic camping experience with minimal amenities.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the Historic Summit Trail, accessible directly from Cottonwood Campground. This significant pathway carries whispers of the past, connecting modern adventurers to the pioneers, Native Americans, and early settlers who once traversed these mountain passages. The trail serves as a living museum of the region's rich heritage, offering glimpses into the stories that shaped Oregon's rugged interior.

Weather and SeasonsCottonwood Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for swimming and trail exploration, with temperatures ideal for camping under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those properly equipped for freezing temperatures. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing creeks. Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere and note that limited cell service creates the perfect digital detox opportunity.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits official confirmation, Cottonwood Campground sits at a mountain elevation that provides refreshing relief from summer heat and creates ideal conditions for the diverse forest ecosystem that thrives here.

Natural Features and SceneryCottonwood Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The campground rests within a stunning tapestry of mixed conifer forest, where stately pines and firs create a protective canopy overhead. Graceful aspen groves add splashes of movement and color, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and turning brilliant gold each fall. Rock Creek meanders nearby, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and habitat for local wildlife. Perhaps most intriguing is the transformed gravel pit—now a natural swimming hole that offers a refreshing respite on warm summer days, proving nature's remarkable ability to reclaim and beautify.

Geological RegionPositioned within the diverse landscape of Ochoco National Forest, Cottonwood Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where Rock Creek has carved its path through ancient volcanic formations. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with mixed conifer forests thriving in soils enriched by volcanic ash and mountain streams. Stands of quaking aspen mark areas of past disturbance, their presence indicating the forest's natural cycles of renewal. This unique combination of geological features creates the perfect environment for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore Oregon's lesser-known mountain wilderness.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

14-day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSeven campsites interspersed with aspen trees and surrounded by mixed conifer forests.

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilitySites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation Policynull

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for visitors seeking a rustic and serene experience in nature. Activities include summer swimming in a nearby water-filled former gravel pit and mountain biking on old two-track roads. The campground is also suitable for wildlife viewing and general exploration of the surrounding area.

SwimmingVisitors can swim during summer months in a nearby former gravel pit filled with water.

BikingThe campground offers mountain biking on old two-track roads, providing a remote and challenging setting.

Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service noted in user reviews, no potable water available, and no dump stations. Users should be prepared to bring sufficient supplies.

Active Alertsnull

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

4.2

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Cottonwood Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife watching, and the lack of cell service, which allows for a 'reset from life.'

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Restroom is clean and stocked.' (User review, Jim Martin) - 'Quiet and peaceful' environment. (User review, Jim Martin) - Opportunities for wildlife watching and exploring. - Simplicity and rustic...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited cell service, though some may view this as a positive. - Lack of potable water at the site.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Be prepared for a rustic camping experience with no potable water available. - Bring all essential supplies, including drinking water, as facilities are minimal.

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular time for visiting Cottonwood Campground due to opportunities for swimming and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy the shade provided by the surrounding trees during...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Been coming here with my family for years, and they have been coming here before I was even thought of.' (Jessica Helms) - 'A great place to get a good reset from life with very little cell...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No information on specific sites within the campground was provided in the sources.

Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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