Cottonwood Campground (CA)

We love the high desert, so it's an easy five star rating. But there are things we'd do different returning to this campground. Due to the booked-up nature of Cottonwood for spring, we had to choose an interior site on Loop B. This made it difficult and time-consuming (especially on the curved section of road) to back in our 22 foot R-Pod with our 20 foot RAM 1500. Then having to disconnect and re-park the truck next to the camper left no space under our retractable canopy to sit in the shade; we had to set everything up behind the camper and truck, where the awning doesn't cover. So in the future we'd try to pick a "pull-in" site on the outer edge, where the truck and camper can stay in-line. The star-gazing here is great, but we had a 96% full moon, so among our party of 4 (2 other friends had adjacent site), we only saw like 5 meteors combined from the Lyrids over two nights! Darn moon! So, for long rigs, pick a site on the outer ring, and try to time your stargazing with the new moon. Bathrooms were clean, but bring your own hand soap as this Nat'l park does not provide it. And don't forget your levelling blocks.

Great campsite, away from the crowds at the northern end of the park. Several good hikes from the campsite.

We love the high desert, so it's an easy five star rating. But there are things we'd do different returning to this campground. Due to the booked-up nature of Cottonwood for spring, we had to choose an interior site on Loop B. This made it difficult and time-consuming (especially on the curved section of road) to back in our 22 foot R-Pod with our 20 foot RAM 1500. Then having to disconnect and re-park the truck next to the camper left no space under our retractable canopy to sit in the shade; we had to set everything up behind the camper and truck, where the awning doesn't cover. So in the future we'd try to pick a "pull-in" site on the outer edge, where the truck and camper can stay in-line. The star-gazing here is great, but we had a 96% full moon, so among our party of 4 (2 other friends had adjacent site), we only saw like 5 meteors combined from the Lyrids over two nights! Darn moon! So, for long rigs, pick a site on the outer ring, and try to time your stargazing with the new moon. Bathrooms were clean, but bring your own hand soap as this Nat'l park does not provide it. And don't forget your levelling blocks.

It was Coachella week so I think some of those people were around, but not troublesome. Water stations were in strange places. I liked being on the edge because it felt private, except when people would be driving down the road. (Light from headlights) But that wasn't really a problem. There was some sort of medium size animal that carried off my sausage bag. I found it and brought it back, lacking a sausage of course.

It was Coachella week so I think some of those people were around, but not troublesome. Water stations were in strange places. I liked being on the edge because it felt private, except when people would be driving down the road. (Light from headlights) But that wasn't really a problem. There was some sort of medium size animal that carried off my sausage bag. I found it and brought it back, lacking a sausage of course.

All good.

All good.

A little cramped since most of the sites include only pull outs for parking and small campers, but overall a nice place and I had a great stay. Start your day with a beautiful hike out to the Mastodon Mine.

Nice campground, a bit exposed to wind. Loved the night sky!

A little cramped since most of the sites include only pull outs for parking and small campers, but overall a nice place and I had a great stay. Start your day with a beautiful hike out to the Mastodon Mine.