Cottonwood Campground
A peaceful desert oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, offering incredible stargazing and direct access to scenic hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Cottonwood Campground
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful desert oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, offering incredible stargazing and direct access to scenic hiking trails.
"Experience breathtaking night skies and convenient trail access at this serene desert campground."
Bring Extra Water! 💧
Desert camping requires more water than you think. Always pack extra, even with potable water available.
Nighttime Bathroom Light 🔦
Restrooms at Cottonwood Campground don't have lights. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for nighttime visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stargazing Paradise
Experience breathtaking night skies in this designated dark sky area. The Milky Way is often visible, offering a truly awe-inspiring celestial display.
Trailhead Access
Conveniently located near popular trailheads, making it an ideal base for exploring Joshua Tree National Park's diverse landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters
Keep an eye out for local wildlife! Many visitors report seeing various animals, adding an exciting element to the camping experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Sites
Water is Key in the Desert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Extra Water! 💧
Desert camping requires more water than you think. Always pack extra, even with potable water available.
Nighttime Bathroom Light 🔦
Restrooms at Cottonwood Campground don't have lights. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for nighttime visits.
First-Come, First-Served Sites
Some sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a good spot.
Check for Gully Spots
Some sites have minor gulleys from water runoff. Watch your step, especially at night.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Extra Water! 💧
Desert camping requires more water than you think. Always pack extra, even with potable water available.
Nighttime Bathroom Light 🔦
Restrooms at Cottonwood Campground don't have lights. Bring a flashlight or headlamp for nighttime visits.
First-Come, First-Served Sites
Some sites are first-come, first-served. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a good spot.
Check for Gully Spots
Some sites have minor gulleys from water runoff. Watch your step, especially at night.
Embrace the Dark Sky ✨
Joshua Tree is a dark sky park. Experience incredible stargazing, especially during a new moon.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cottonwood Campground for its stunning stargazing, convenient trailhead access, and peaceful desert atmosphere. While not a luxury experience, the essential amenities and opportunities for wildlife viewing make it a highly recommended spot for those seeking to disconnect and explore Joshua Tree National Park. Some sites may have uneven terrain, and nighttime navigation requires a light source.
"A few years ago (September of 2022), my friends planned my bachelor party to JTree. We stayed at site B31. It was a great experience. We had a total of 3 tents that were 2-4 person sized, a large pop-up for shade, and we still had plenty of space for 5 large guys. Restrooms were clean and well maintained, and there was access to water throughout the campgrounds. This trip was the catalyst for my friends and I to plan a similar camping trip annually.
The following year, we came back to this campground and stayed at site A07. This site was great as well, but it did have some gulleys and sloped spots. We were able to get the same 3 tents but we were on the boundary of the site. The gulleys were maybe a foot wide by a foot deep from water runoff. Nothing crazy, but watch your step at night.
JTree is considered a dark sky area. Perfect for seeing the night sky, milky way, and if you've never seen a truly dark sky, go to JTree during a new moon! It will put life into perspective.
Great campground! Would absolutely stay again!"
Corey Krueger
"This is not a place for glamping. If you're looking for a challenging hike with an elevation gain from 9K to just over 11K and bitchin view at the end, then I highly recommend it!
Not for beginners, unless you plan on overnight camping.
I did a turn around that was approximately 5 hours and roughly 11 miles. Definitely felt it the next day.
This review has nothing to do with Cottonwood Campground, it's for Cottonwood Trail, located in Inyo County. The road that leads to the trailhead starts in the city of Lone Pine and takes you to Cirque Lake.
If you get up early, you might catch a local restaurant on the way back down the highway.
Lone Pine closes early."
David Viveros
"Love the Campground, enough room for 2 small families, restroom was close by. The unique landscape is amazing, will come back next time for sure, Didn't get a chance to hike the trails."
jerry sun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cottonwood Campground is located at the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, accessible via Cottonwood Springs Road. You can drive through the park from south to north, exiting near Twentynine Palms or Joshua Tree, CA.
While some sites are first-come, first-served, it's advisable to check reservation availability if possible, as popular spots can fill quickly.
Yes, you can enter from the south entrance (Cottonwood Springs Road) and drive through the park to exit at the north entrances.
Many visitors prefer driving the park south to north, starting at Cottonwood Campground. This route offers stunning scenery as you ascend out of the canyon.
Cottonwood Springs Road is the main access route. Be prepared for desert driving conditions and potential wildlife on the road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid Joshua Tree National Park entrance pass is required for all visitors, including campers. Passes can be purchased at park entrances or online.
Campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park are generally open 24/7, but it's always a good idea to check the official park website for any temporary closures or alerts.
Camping fees are typically very affordable, especially for COE (Corps of Engineers) campgrounds like Cottonwood, offering great value for amenities.
Some sites may be reservable, while others are first-come, first-served. Check the official Joshua Tree National Park website or recreation.gov for the most up-to-date reservation information.
Standard campground check-in is usually in the afternoon, and check-out is in the morning. Confirm specific times with the park service.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers restrooms and potable water. Some sites are spacious enough for multiple tents and RVs, with some having unique landscape features.
No, there is generally no cell service at Cottonwood Campground, making it a great place to disconnect.
Showers are typically not available at Cottonwood Campground. Visitors should plan accordingly.
The ground can vary; some sites have soft ground suitable for tent stakes with some effort, while others might have gulleys or sloped areas.
Yes, recreational vehicles are allowed at Cottonwood Campground, and many sites can accommodate them.
🎫 🥾 Hiking & Activities
Cottonwood Campground provides access to several trailheads, including those leading to unique desert landscapes and challenging hikes.
Cottonwood Trail can be challenging, especially if you're aiming for significant elevation gain. It's recommended for experienced hikers or those planning an overnight stay.
Early mornings are ideal for hiking to avoid the desert heat. Be sure to carry plenty of water.
Yes, many visitors report seeing a variety of wildlife, which enhances the overall camping and hiking experience.
While Cottonwood Campground is in Joshua Tree, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim hike is a separate, very strenuous endeavor. Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree is not related to the Grand Canyon's Cottonwood Campground.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique desert landscape, rock formations, and the incredible night sky offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! As a designated dark sky area, it's perfect for capturing stunning images of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful light for landscape photography. Nighttime is unparalleled for astrophotography.
The campground itself and the surrounding desert flora and rock formations are photogenic. Nearby trails also offer scenic vistas.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a sturdy tripod for night shots, and extra batteries are recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendations: Focus on shorter, easier trails like the Cottonwood Spring Oasis Trail. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make stargazing a family activity. Explain the importance of respecting wildlife and the desert environment.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Tips: Utilize the potable water and restrooms to minimize the need for extra supplies. Pack your own food and drinks, as dining options are limited within the park. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for potentially lower crowds and pleasant weather.
🏃♀️ Hikers & Adventurers
+1Must-dos: Tackle the Cottonwood Trail for a substantial workout and incredible views. Be prepared with ample water, proper gear, and a good understanding of the trail conditions. Consider an overnight backpacking trip if you're seeking a deeper immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Dark Sky Stargazing
For the best stargazing experience, plan your visit during a new moon phase. Bring a red-light headlamp to preserve your night vision, and consider a star chart app to identify constellations and planets. The quiet desert nights amplify the visual spectacle, making it a highlight for many campers.
Photography tip: A wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod are essential for capturing the vastness of the night sky. Experiment with long exposure settings to bring out the faintest stars and nebulae.
Hiking Adventures from Cottonwood
Popular trails accessible from or near Cottonwood include the Cottonwood Spring Oasis Trail, a relatively easy walk to a natural spring, and the more strenuous Cottonwood Trail which can be part of longer routes. For those seeking a significant challenge, the trails can connect to longer treks that involve substantial elevation gain, testing even experienced hikers.
Key advice for hikers: Always carry more water than you think you'll need, wear appropriate footwear, and start your hikes early in the morning to avoid the peak desert heat. Inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time.
Campground Amenities and Comfort
Sites vary in their layout, with some offering ample space for multiple tents and RVs, while others might have gentle slopes or minor gulleys from natural water runoff. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when navigating the campground at night.
Pro tip: Since restrooms lack lighting, a headlamp or flashlight is a must-have for nighttime visits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit