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Cottonwood Campground (CA)

Cottonwood - CA
Cottonwood Campground (CA)
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

About Cottonwood Campground (CA)

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Cottonwood Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. Easy access from Interstate 10, makes it a popular stopover for travelers. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger  Visitors who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat; however, reservations are required year-round. Cottonwood Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation.

Number of accommodations: 59

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

59 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 A01, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A02, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A03, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A04, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A05, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A06, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A07, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
A08, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 A09, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A10, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
A11, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
A12, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
A14, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 A15, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A16, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A17, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A18, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A19, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A20, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A21, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A23, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A24, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A25, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A26, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A27, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A28, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A29, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A30, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 A31, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B01, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B02, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B03, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B04, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B05, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B06, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B07, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B08, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B09, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B10, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
B11, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 B12, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
B13, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 B14, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B15, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B16, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B17, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B18, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B19, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B20, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B22, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B23, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B24, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B25, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B26, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B27, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B28, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B29, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B30, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 B31, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (1105)

What Guests Are Saying

Cottonwood Campground is highly praised for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and excellent stargazing opportunities, making it a favorite among campers. Many visitors enjoyed the nearby hiking trails and the campground's peaceful atmosphere, noting the friendly park rangers and accessible restroom facilities. Some challenges include parking difficulties for larger vehicles and a lack of amenities nearby, but overall, guests recommend it for its beautiful location and enjoyable camping experience.

Review Summary

4.4
1105 reviews
5
57.9%
640
4
26.8%
296
3
9.8%
108
2
3.8%
42
1
1.7%
19

Margine H

Verified

January 6, 2024 Stayed at: B17, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

5

Great campground very clean!!!

Rob M

Verified

January 5, 2024 Stayed at: A28, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

4

This campground is in the south east section of the park close to the cottonwood visitors center. It features level spots with a picnic table and fire pit. Some spots are back in while others are simply turn outs from the main road. Very clean CG and excellent bathroom facilities. There is also a nice dump station off the entrance road. It can get very, very windy here at times and there is NO natural protection from the elements. Great stargazing from here and very, very quiet at night. Highly recommended.

Rob M

Verified

January 5, 2024 Stayed at: A28, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

4

This campground is in the south east section of the park close to the cottonwood visitors center. It features level spots with a picnic table and fire pit. Some spots are back in while others are simply turn outs from the main road. Very clean CG and excellent bathroom facilities. There is also a nice dump station off the entrance road. It can get very, very windy here at times and there is NO natural protection from the elements. Great stargazing from here and very, very quiet at night. Highly recommended.

Carol B

Verified

January 3, 2024 Stayed at: A25, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

4

The campground is beautiful and it's possible to walk to a very nice trail. The bathrooms were clean and large. The campsite itself was large. Our parking spot was not level, so much so that our levelers were not enough to compensate.

Carol B

Verified

January 3, 2024 Stayed at: A25, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

4

The campground is beautiful and it's possible to walk to a very nice trail. The bathrooms were clean and large. The campsite itself was large. Our parking spot was not level, so much so that our levelers were not enough to compensate.

Jimmy H

Verified

January 2, 2024 Stayed at: A17, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

3

Beautiful Campsite and location, but little enforcement of campsite rules. Neighbors were still partying at 4pm. Other neighbors had their generators running at full volume at 5:30am. It's hard blame the actual campsite or hosts for people's bad behavior, but it does make it difficult to enjoy the experience when you can't sleep because of people blatantly violating quiet hour rules.

pamela b

Verified

January 2, 2024 Stayed at: A02, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

3

I enjoyed my stay very much, the location is beautifully located with lovely desert all around. I took log walks out into the desert enjoying the plants, rocks and solitude. I would have liked one of the campsites a bit farther out but selection was limited due to the holidays.

Jimmy H

Verified

January 2, 2024 Stayed at: A17, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

3

Beautiful Campsite and location, but little enforcement of campsite rules. Neighbors were still partying at 4pm. Other neighbors had their generators running at full volume at 5:30am. It's hard blame the actual campsite or hosts for people's bad behavior, but it does make it difficult to enjoy the experience when you can't sleep because of people blatantly violating quiet hour rules.

pamela b

Verified

January 2, 2024 Stayed at: A02, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

3

I enjoyed my stay very much, the location is beautifully located with lovely desert all around. I took log walks out into the desert enjoying the plants, rocks and solitude. I would have liked one of the campsites a bit farther out but selection was limited due to the holidays.

Melissa W

Verified

January 1, 2024 Stayed at: A25, Loop: COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND (CA)

4

Nice campground with flush toilets, fresh water, and a dump station which us RV'ers appreciate. Found it a little strange that the bathrooms have no electricity whatsoever - bring a flashlight. There is also no cell coverage whatsoever. We would have liked to communicate with family members that were joining us in the campground as well as research other areas and hikes within the park. Even book another night, which is only possible to do online. It's a shame the visitors center a short ways down the road does not provide an open wifi connection like other parks, for this purpose. Site 25 was adequately sized for our 25 ft. RV, even with our driver's side slide out, though it is tight. Most sites are like this it seems. We also had to level a bit as there was a slight slope. #25 also has a nice open area around the fire pit which made it excellent for visiting family to gather around the campfire.

Location Cottonwood Campground (CA)

Address:
74485 National Park Drive
Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277
United States

Highway access

Cottonwood Campground is accessible via Interstate 10, with the I-10 exit 168 Mecca/Twentynine Palms exit located approximately 25 miles to the west.

Latitude & Longitude: 33.75 / -115.825

Nearby Campgrounds


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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