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Campground Overview

Introduction

The Cottonwood Campground is reservation only and has 62 sites, potable water and flush toilets. The Campground is near the Cottonwood Visitor Center in the southeast part of the park. The closest metropolitan area is Indio about 30 miles away. Cottonwood Campground fees will increase to $35 per site starting January 1, 2025. Cottonwood Group Campground fees will increase to $55 per site starting January 1, 2025.

Campsite Details

Reservable62

First Come First Serve0

Total Sites62

Group3

Horse0

Tent Only0

Electrical Hookups0

RV Only0

Walk/Boat To0

Other0

Operating Hours

Campgrounds are open 24 hours a day. Check in and check out are at noon. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. In the summer, Loop B typically closes and Loop A usually becomes first-come, first-served.

Weather

Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. At 3,000 ft, Cottonwood is lower in elevation than other campgrounds and is usually 5-10 degrees warmer than the northern part of the park. The day time temperature is often over 100°F (38°C) in summer and around 60°F (15°C) in winter. Temperatures can drop below freezing during the winter. Weather can change quickly. Check a weather forecast before camping.

Amenities

Trash & Recycling Collection

Toilets

Amphitheater

Dump Station

Potable Water

Directions

Cottonwood Campground is near the South Entrance near Cottonwood Spring. There is an access point along Interstate 10, 25 miles east of Indio. The Campground is off of Pinto Basin Road, next to The Cottonwood Visitor Center.

Rates & Fees

$35.00

Campsite Fee

Individual Campsite Fee. A maximum of six people, three tents, and two cars may occupy an individual campsite, only if there is space available. Some sites only have enough parking for one vehicle.

$55.00

Group Campsite Fee

There are three group campsites. Tents only. RVs and habitable trailers prohibited.

$17.50

Senior/Access Pass Campsite Fee

Nightly camping fee for one site for a camper with a Senior or Access pass. A maximum of six people, three tents, and two cars may occupy an individual campsite, only if there is space available. Some sites only have enough parking for one vehicle.

$27.50

Senior/Access Pass Group Campsite Fee

Nightly camping fee for one site for a camper with a Senior or Access pass. There are three group campsites. Tents only. RVs and habitable trailers prohibited.

Rules & Regulations

Fire/Stove Policy

Because of the park's very dry climate, fire danger in Joshua Tree is almost always very high. Be cautious. Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills that are found in park campgrounds or picnic areas. Keep fires small. Bring your own firewood. You may not gather park vegetation, whether living or dead, to fuel your campfire. If you plan to have a campfire, bring extra water to douse it thoroughly.

Regulations Overview

Each site is varied on size and parking. Ensure you know the specifications of your campsite on recreation.gov before purchasing your permit. A vehicle towing a trailer, popup, tent trailer, or fifth wheel, or a motorhome towing a vehicle, is considered two vehicles. Camping fees must be paid within one hour of selecting a campsite. Check in and check out are at noon. There is a 30-day camping limit each year. Only 14 of these nights may take place from October-May. All tents, tarps, and other camping equipment must be set up within 25 feet (7.6 m) of the picnic table or fire grate. Food must be stored securely where wildlife cannot get to it. Any scented or odorous items, including sunscreen and toiletries, must be secured as if they were food. Campsites left vacant for 24 hours will be treated as vacant. Holding or reserving campsites for persons not present is not allowed. Pets must remain on leash at all times and may not be left unattended. No slacklines in campgrounds.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Most campsites have uneven terrain. Many roads are unpaved. The paved roads are crumbling and uneven. The Cottonwood Visitor Center has ADA access and the parking lot is well paved and flat. There is a wheelchair accessible restroom.
RV Allowed
Yes
RV Information
There are no hookups for RVs at any campground in Joshua Tree. Cottonwood Campground has RV-accessible potable water and dump stations. Generator use is permitted only from 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm. RVs and trailers are allowed in sites if space permits. RVs and trailers are not allowed at the group campsites at Cottonwood Campground.
RV Maximum Length
35
Trailer Maximum Length
35
ADA Information
The Cottonwood Amphitheater is ADA accessible from Loop A. There are no ADA accessible campsites in the campground. Campgrounds with ADA accessible campsites include Indian Cove (site 1), Jumbo Rocks (site 122), and Black Rock (site 61).
Trailer Allowed
Yes
Access Roads
Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Classifications
Developed Campground

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