OutReserve

Cottonwood Group

Cottonwood Group Campground
COTTONWOOD GROUP
COTTONWOOD GROUP
COTTONWOOD GROUP

About Cottonwood Group

Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park – trail maps and more! Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. The group campground is part of the main Cottonwood Campground and has three sites that are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park and the only campground that lies in the southern section. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers 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. Cottonwood Group Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site.

Number of accommodations: 3

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

Campground Amenities

Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

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

3 Sites Available

Site
Price
G01, Loop: Group Area
15 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G02, Loop: Group Area
20 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
G03, Loop: Group Area
25 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

Reviews (106)

What Guests Are Saying

Joshua Tree offers a fantastic camping experience with large, well-maintained sites, clean facilities, and great hiking opportunities. Campers appreciate the availability of shade, potable water, and flushing toilets, enhancing the comfort of their stay. While some faced issues regarding vehicle access for group sites, the overall feedback is positive, highlighting the beautiful scenery and cleanliness of the campground.

Review Summary

4.8
106 reviews
5
84.9%
90
4
9.4%
10
3
3.8%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
1.9%
2

Amrit S

Verified

December 11, 2022 Stayed at: G01, Loop: Group Area

5

Cottonwood Group is a fantastic spot. It’s in the Southern part of the park so it’s secluded and really nice. The group site is huge and can easily fit 15 people. There were four cement picnic tables under a covered area. A BBQ and a fire ring. In early-December the weather was pleasant during the day - didn’t need a jacket when hiking/walking. But it did get very cold at night. We went through 6 bundles of firewood.

Amrit S

Verified

December 11, 2022 Stayed at: G01, Loop: Group Area

5

Cottonwood Group is a fantastic spot. It’s in the Southern part of the park so it’s secluded and really nice. The group site is huge and can easily fit 15 people. There were four cement picnic tables under a covered area. A BBQ and a fire ring. In early-December the weather was pleasant during the day - didn’t need a jacket when hiking/walking. But it did get very cold at night. We went through 6 bundles of firewood.

Craig L

Verified

November 24, 2022 Stayed at: G03, Loop: Group Area

5

beautiful camp

Craig L

Verified

November 24, 2022 Stayed at: G03, Loop: Group Area

5

beautiful camp

MaryJane H

Verified

November 2, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

Large campsite. Appreciated the running water and flushing toilets. Lots of spots for tents. Also a lot of loud squatters, but that's not the fault of the park.

MaryJane H

Verified

November 2, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

Large campsite. Appreciated the running water and flushing toilets. Lots of spots for tents. Also a lot of loud squatters, but that's not the fault of the park.

Siwei Z

Verified

September 4, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

Nice campsite
Great for family camp
Water supply and bathroom clean and nice

Siwei Z

Verified

September 4, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

Nice campsite
Great for family camp
Water supply and bathroom clean and nice

Caleb H

Verified

August 21, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

The campsite is very nice. There are several sun shade structures, tables, and a couple fire pits. The spot has some bushes and other plants in it that may limit the number of tents, but we had about 5 tents and had plenty of room. There are also nice restrooms close-by and running water. Overall, a beautiful location and great amenities. Me and my group had a very good time there. I would definitely come back!

Caleb H

Verified

August 21, 2022 Stayed at: G02, Loop: Group Area

5

The campsite is very nice. There are several sun shade structures, tables, and a couple fire pits. The spot has some bushes and other plants in it that may limit the number of tents, but we had about 5 tents and had plenty of room. There are also nice restrooms close-by and running water. Overall, a beautiful location and great amenities. Me and my group had a very good time there. I would definitely come back!

Location Cottonwood Group

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

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Interstate 10, with the nearest exit being the Mecca/Twentynine Palms exit, which is approximately 25 miles east of Indio, California.

Latitude & Longitude: 33.75 / -115.825

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

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Last updated: June 3, 2026

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