Cottonwood Campground
The Cottonwood Recreation Area, located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon, is one of the busiest campgrounds in the southeast zone of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Western white pine and white fir offer shade, and aspens turn gold every autumn. Abundant deer and even the occasional black bear can be sighted strolling through the campground. It is essential to pack all food away in vehicles, or hang it high. This campground features 18 campsites, 6 vault toilets, and potable water during the season. Each campground has a picnic table and campfire ring. Additionally, there are 4 walk-in, tent only sites and 1 horse camp site.
More like this: reservable in Oregon · free in Oregon · tent only in Oregon · pets allowed in Oregon
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 18 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Camping: $6/Night for single unit, $2/Night for extra vehicle. Payments can be made with cash or check (make checks out to USDA Forest Service) and deposited in the fee tube using provided envelope, or scan the QR code to pay by phone. Day Use: No Fee. |
3 vault toilets and 4 pit toilets scattered around the lake at different campsite locations, a boat ramp launch with parking area, recreational trailhead, and horse corrals.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | 05/15 to 10/15; 10/16-05/14 Open with reduced services |
| Forest | Fremont-Winema National Forest |
| Fees | $6/Night for single unit, $2/Night for extra vehicle |
| Rules | ONLY electric motors allowed for boating. |
Weather by month
Getting there
Cottonwood Campground is located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon. From Lakeview, Oregon, travel west on Oregon Highway 140 towards Bly, Oregon. Follow HWY 140, then turn right on Forest Service (FS) Road 3870. Continue north on FS Road 3870, then follow signs to the campground.
| Nearest town | Lakeview, Oregon |
| Coordinates | 42.2842° N, 120.6384° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedCoyote Rx
47 mi from the campground
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 25.9 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Cottonwood BLM Campground Tour -- Salmon River Camping in Idaho
Trails nearby
- 0.2 miCottonwood Creek3.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.3 miCougar Peak4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.6 miCottonwood Loop3.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 0.6 miCottonwood Trailhead ↗Fremont-Winema National Forest · Season 06/15 to 09/15
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Fremont-Winema National Forest.
- inFremont-Winema National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 2,815,968 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
Natural features
Cottonwood Meadows Lake and surrounding Fremont-Winema National Forest.
Recreation
Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, horse-back trail riding, picnicking, mountain biking, and nature viewing.
Nearby
Close to Gearhart Wilderness Area and the greater Fishhole Lake Recreation Areas.
Guidebooks for Oregon
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Cottonwood Campground?
Sites at Cottonwood Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Cottonwood Campground?
Nothing. Cottonwood Campground is listed as free. Camping: $6/Night for single unit, $2/Night for extra vehicle.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Cottonwood Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season 05/15 to 10/15; 10/16-05/14 Open with reduced services.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Cottonwood Campground have?
19 sites, including 18 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Cottonwood Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. ONLY electric motors allowed for boating.
Source: Fire nearby
What is the nearest town to Cottonwood Campground?
Lakeview, Oregon. Close to Gearhart Wilderness Area and the greater Fishhole Lake Recreation Areas.
Source: Getting there
What if Cottonwood Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Lofton Reservoir Campground (9.3 mi), Drews Creek Campground (11.7 mi, first-come), and Dairy Point Campground (12.6 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby