Cottonwood Campground (CA)

Cottonwood is a decent campground. Water, Trash, and Restrooms were all in good shape. Other campers were generally quiet and respectful of others. We chose Cottonwood for astronomy because it is farthest from city lights, and it was reasonably dark, though not like the open desert can be. But the campsites here, while functional are not picturesque like many of the other campgrounds in Joshua Tree NP. Mostly flat, mostly mesquite, like much of the surrounding desert. The main advantage is a clear Southern horizon for astronomers. Its also quite far from almost everything else in the Park.

Cottonwood is a decent campground. Water, Trash, and Restrooms were all in good shape. Other campers were generally quiet and respectful of others. We chose Cottonwood for astronomy because it is farthest from city lights, and it was reasonably dark, though not like the open desert can be. But the campsites here, while functional are not picturesque like many of the other campgrounds in Joshua Tree NP. Mostly flat, mostly mesquite, like much of the surrounding desert. The main advantage is a clear Southern horizon for astronomers. Its also quite far from almost everything else in the Park.

Great location! Clean restrooms. Drinking water available as well. Trails off of A Loop Camp grounds. I’ll be coming back.

Great location! Clean restrooms. Drinking water available as well. Trails off of A Loop Camp grounds. I’ll be coming back.

Lights in the bathrooms would be nice. Also the ability to be more flexible in changing locations, having access to internet to see if other options are available. Camp site was clean, as was the rest of the campground.

Lights in the bathrooms would be nice. Also the ability to be more flexible in changing locations, having access to internet to see if other options are available. Camp site was clean, as was the rest of the campground.

Clean campground with clean bathrooms and running water. Lots of families at this campground!

Clean campground with clean bathrooms and running water. Lots of families at this campground!

It was too windy to hike or even cook at the campsite the day I arrived and the following day. 3rd day was my last day and it was fortunately beautiful sunny day. I took Pinto Basin Road all the way to the Park Headquarters and it was a beautiful drive. I plan to be back to hike the trails off Pinto Basin Road next year. If the weather forecast says windy, expect it really will be windy.

We have a 24 ft Class B RV and it barely fit, so we were good, but if you have something larger, check the map to ensure that you’ll fit. Our goal was to hike and there are some great trails that are in walking distance from the campsite. We were there in early November, and the temps were great for hiking. A bit cool (40’s) at night. A low pressure went through, so it was constantly windy. We never saw any park rangers other personnel. But we did see our name and campsite posted on a sign at the entrance to the camp. In addition to the camping fee, there’s a fee to enter the park, but there was nobody at the entrance to collect it. Perhaps they don’t collect the fee in the winter, just a guess.