Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
05 reviewsUinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT, 84022
Quick Facts
6,080 ftPrice
$15 - $36/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Open season is May 1...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
6,080 ftPrice
$15 - $36/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
2 campsites
Season
Open season is May 1...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
$15.00 - $36.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Payment methods include cash, check, or Scan & Pay. Fees are $15 for day use, $22 for a single site (8 people + 1 vehicle), $38 for a double site (16...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider385-273-1100
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
23 Google reviews
Most mentioned
shade
"User reviews indicate that Cottonwood Campground provides a basic and rustic camping experience. Campers appreciate the stream running through the site and the proximity to hiking trails, but some mention the lack of privacy and dust from passing vehicles."
Fees & Passes at Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
$15 - $36/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limit not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled online or via the call center before arrival. Late cancellations incur ...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Utah Recreation Company website.
Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
From May through September, Cottonwood Campground welcomes visitors to experience the dynamic beauty of high desert canyon country. Sun-drenched summer days invite exploration of surrounding trails and creek-side relaxation, while crisp mountain evenings call for campfire stories and stargazing. Pack layers to embrace the canyon's temperature swings—where warm afternoons gracefully yield to cool, refreshing nights that promise perfect sleeping weather in your tent.
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
- Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 1, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season is May 16 to September 1 for reservations, and September 2 to September 27 for first-come, first-served availability.
- Current Alerts: No specific alerts provided.
About Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
Escape to Cottonwood Campground, where authentic wilderness camping awaits at 6,080 feet in the heart of South Willow Canyon. This primitive gem in the Stansbury Range rewards adventurous souls with an unspoiled backcountry experience, where vault toilets are your only modern convenience and the absence of running water reconnects you with nature's raw beauty. Here, beneath a canopy of ancient trees and star-filled skies, discover what camping was meant to be.
The campground provides primitive camping facilities with minimal amenities. It is suitable for small groups and families.
Historical SignificanceWhile Cottonwood Campground's recorded history may be brief, its timeless landscape tells a deeper story. These canyon walls have sheltered countless generations of adventurers, from indigenous peoples following seasonal game to modern explorers seeking solitude in Utah's hidden corners. Today, your footsteps join this ongoing narrative of discovery and connection with the land.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Cottonwood Campground welcomes visitors to experience the dynamic beauty of high desert canyon country. Sun-drenched summer days invite exploration of surrounding trails and creek-side relaxation, while crisp mountain evenings call for campfire stories and stargazing. Pack layers to embrace the canyon's temperature swings—where warm afternoons gracefully yield to cool, refreshing nights that promise perfect sleeping weather in your tent.
ElevationPerched at 6,080 feet above sea level, Cottonwood Campground offers a refreshing retreat from the desert heat below. This sweet spot elevation creates an ideal microclimate where mountain breezes dance through the canyon, temperatures remain comfortable even in summer's peak, and the thin, clear air reveals breathtaking views of the surrounding Stansbury peaks. Here, you'll breathe easier and sleep deeper in the crisp mountain atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece at Cottonwood Campground, where towering oaks spread their protective branches alongside vibrant maples and aromatic junipers. The melodic babble of Willow Creek provides nature's soundtrack as it winds through camp, creating peaceful pools and gentle cascades that invite contemplation. This remote desert canyon surprises visitors with its lush pockets of greenery, where dappled sunlight filters through leaves and wildlife emerges at dawn and dusk to share in the canyon's tranquility.
Geological RegionCottonwood Campground sits nestled within the dramatic Stansbury Range, where ancient geological forces have carved a spectacular desert canyon unlike anywhere else. This remote sanctuary showcases nature's artistry through weathered rock formations, while groves of oak, maple, and juniper create an unexpected oasis. Willow Creek has patiently sculpted this canyon over millennia, leaving behind a landscape that balances rugged desert beauty with surprising pockets of riparian paradise.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground has one single site for up to 8 people and one double site for up to 16 people.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as the sites are located close to the road. A user review states, 'Right off the road, no privacy, lots of dust from every vehicle driving up the canyon.'
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #1 is recommended for smaller groups (up to 8 people), while Site #2 accommodates larger groups.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Up to 8 people per single site
- up to 16 people per double site.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo campsites: one single site and one double site, both close to the road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May 16 to September 1 for reservations, and September 2 to September 27 for first-come, first-served availability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, phone line 1-877-444-6777, or on-site with Scan & Pay.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites available September 2 - September 27, but availability updates are not provided in real-time.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online or via the call center before arrival. Late cancellations incur a $10 service fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. No refunds for Scan & Pay payments.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include access to the Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail for hiking. Willow Creek, which runs through the campground, offers fishing for rainbow and brown trout.
Hiking
The Stansbury Front Trail and Medina Flat Trail are located across the road from the campground entrance. These trails provide access to the Deseret Peak Wilderness.Fishing
Willow Creek, flowing through the campground, offers opportunities for fishing rainbow and brown trout.Water Sports
Details about water sports are not provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must adhere to fire safety rules.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBear country warnings are in effect; improper food storage can result in fines up to $5,000. No water available on-site. Visitors must pack in and pack out all trash.
Active alertsNo specific alerts provided.
Weather at Cottonwood Campground - Slrd
28
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned, but Grantsville likely offers hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out campground. There are no trash or recycling facilities available. 'Oh there is no garbage cans whatever garbage you end up, you take out,' notes a user review.
Proximity to water featuresWillow Creek runs through the campground, providing opportunities for fishing.
Common complaintsDust from passing vehicles is frequently mentioned in reviews. Lack of privacy and proximity to the road are also noted.
HostNo specific host information provided; firewood is available for purchase from the host at Boy Scout Campground.
Campground Map
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT, 84022
Driving directionsThis campground is located 0.7 miles up South Willow Canyon from the Forest boundary. This is a gravel road.
Access is via South Willow Canyon gravel road. Visitors must bring their own supplies and be prepared for primitive conditions.Nearby places
Grantsville (approximately 15 miles, 30 minutes), Dugway (null, travel time not provided)
Nearby supplies
Visitors must bring supplies as there are no water systems or garbage cans on-site. Firewood is available for $9 from the host at Boy Scout Campground.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Cottonwood Campground - Slrd has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate that Cottonwood Campground provides a basic and rustic camping experience. Campers appreciate the stream running through the site and the proximity to hiking trails, but some mention the lack of privacy and dust from passing vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers enjoy the scenic setting, the sound of the creek, and the availability of picnic tables and grills. One user states, 'It has a fast running stream running by. Not a ton of shade but still...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the lack of privacy, dust from vehicles, and limited facilities. A reviewer mentions, 'Right off the road, no privacy, lots of dust from every vehicle driving up the canyon.'
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water as there is no water system, and being prepared to pack out all trash. 'Bring your own water!! Also there is no garbage cans whatever garbage you end up, you...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'It has a fast running stream running by. Not a ton of shade but still pretty it had a picnic table and a grill already.'
2. 'Only 1 campsite since some downed trees and what looks like some...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is a single site available for $20 per night, and Site #2 is a double site priced at $36 per night. 'If you choose #1 is a single $20 a night #2 it is considered a double so they charge $36...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews about accessibility features are provided.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Specific user experiences regarding pets are not mentioned.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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