Cottonwood Campground - Slrd

Star3.98
24 reviews
Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT, 84022

Quick Facts

6,080 ft

Price

$15 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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

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Provider
385-273-1100
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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 24 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."

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Campground Map

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Dugway, UT, 84022

Cottonwood Campground - Slrd

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Sep; sun-drenched summer days with hiking and fishing opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Maples and canyon scenery suggest good fall color; campground open into September.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open season begins May 16; late spring use feasible but limited earlier spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season closed in winter; not available for winter camping.

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.
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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.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingWillow Creek, flowing through the campground, offers opportunities for fishing rainbow and brown trout.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear 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.
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 - Slrd

Reviews

4.0
24 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cottonwood Campground - Slrd has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 24 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...
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Based on 24 reviews

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 24 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends are not highlighted in the reviews.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 24 reviews

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...
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Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features are provided.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-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 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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