Cottonwood Campground
4.5511 reviews5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Cottonwood Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cottonwood Campground features a nightly fee of $10 per campsite. Fees include access to pit toilets and picnic tables but do not include hookups. Pets must remain on a leash.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Hungry Valley SVRA, Cottonwood Campground beckons those seeking refuge from crowded camping spots. This intimate hideaway has earned a devoted following among ATV enthusiasts and adventure-seeking families who appreciate its perfect blend of seclusion and trail accessibility. Here, the roar of off-road engines mingles with laughter around evening campfires, creating memories that last long after the dust settles.
The Cottonwood Campground primarily accommodates tent and RV camping, without options for primitive, glamping, or cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceThe land surrounding Cottonwood whispers stories of California's ranching heritage. Within Hungry Valley SVRA lie carefully preserved cultural sites that honor the legacy of ranching families whose sprawling properties once dominated these hills. Though touched by the Post Fire's flames, these historical preserves stand as testament to the enduring spirit of the Old West and the families who shaped this rugged landscape.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints each season with its own palette at Cottonwood. Spring arrives with gentle rains that transform the landscape into a rider's paradise, while autumn's crisp air and golden light create perfect conditions for exploration. Summer cranks up the heat to a sizzling 90-100°F, when early morning rides become a cherished ritual. Winter occasionally dusts the higher peaks with snow, adding drama to the already spectacular vistas. No matter the season, a fine layer of dust serves as a badge of honor for every adventure.
ElevationRising from 3,000 feet to kiss the sky at nearly 6,000 feet, Cottonwood's varied terrain creates a vertical playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter occasionally transforms the highest reaches into a wonderland of white, where snow caps the peaks and creates stunning contrasts against the golden valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryCottonwood Campground serves as your gateway to a tapestry of California's diverse ecosystems. Winding trails lead adventurers through sun-drenched grassy hillsides that ripple like golden waves, into shaded oak woodland preserves where ancient trees stand sentinel, and across the protected Native Grasslands Management Area. Each turn reveals new vistas that showcase nature's artistry in this remarkable corner of Hungry Valley SVRA.
Geological RegionPerched within the dramatic Tejon Pass, Cottonwood Campground sits at the crossroads of mountain and desert. This unique montane desert environment, sculpted across elevations from 3,000 to 6,000 feet, presents a stunning geological canvas. Sandy soils give way to verdant grassy hillsides, while weathered cliffs punctuate the horizon, creating a landscape that challenges riders and rewards explorers with its raw, untamed beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the provided materials.
Sites SizeSites are pull-through with a maximum length of 40 feet, accommodating up to 4 vehicles and 8 occupants.
Sites PrivacyMultiple user reviews highlight the privacy of campsites, which offer seclusion and ample room for parking multiple vehicles.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite-specific recommendations include selecting spots farther from Gold Hill Road to minimize dust intrusion and disturbances from fast-driving vehicles.
Best CampsitesSites with privacy and shared ramadas are noted as preferable; example: sites "4 and 5 have two ramadas that share a fire ring."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
02:00 pm
Check-out
12:00 pm
Stay Limit
Maximum occupancy is 8 people per site, and reservations are limited to specific nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
Details on group camping are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are pull-through types with ample space for vehicles and campers. Sites include pit toilets, picnic tables, and lean-to shelters.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for day use; overnight camping is planned to reopen in 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available via LAZ Parking for day use only.
Walk-in AvailabilityDay use walk-up availability is limited to 100 drive-in vehicles per day, including 25 recreational off-highway vehicles.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellations or refunds are allowed; all sales are final.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cottonwood Campground offers activities tailored to off-road vehicle enthusiasts and campers who enjoy basic outdoor recreation. Wildlife viewing, trail hiking, and off-road vehicle riding are popular, though dust and noise from vehicles may affect the experience.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities exist but are focused on trails shared with off-road vehicles. "Easier trails" are noted in user reviews.Biking
Biking trails are available as part of the off-road trail system.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted in reviews, such as sightings of quail and cotton-tail rabbits.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in available data, though occasional snowfall is mentioned in the SVRA context.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are User reviews indicate quiet hours are not strictly enforced.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include rattlesnakes, barbed wire remnants, cliffs up to 200 feet, and excessive dust. Summer heat and exertion pose risks of heat exhaustion, while winter conditions may lead to hypothermia.
Active alertsEastern portions of Hungry Valley SVRA remain closed due to Post Fire recovery. Visitors must use the north entrance at Gorman.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency medical facilities are at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, located approximately 30 miles south in Valencia. To reach the hospital, drive south on Interstate 5, exit at McBean Parkway, and turn left (east) on McBean Parkway. The hospital is at 23845 McBean Parkway.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober 1 - April 30 (Red Sticker Season Open)
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are provided within Hungry Valley SVRA, but removal of containers or solid waste is prohibited except by solid waste service providers.
Proximity to water featuresNo major water bodies are nearby.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include excessive dust, noise from other campers, limited cell service, and encounters with red ants.
Campground Map
5301 Ralphs Ranch Road, Gorman, CA 93243
Driving directionsTo reach Hungry Valley SVRA, enter via the North Entrance (Gorman) by taking I-5 and exiting at Gorman. Drive to the McDonalds and make a right on Ralph's Ranch Road. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the Hungry Valley SVRA sign (Gold Hill Road). Follow signs and drive approximately 2.5 miles to the Cottonwood Campground on the left-hand side.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from Interstate 5. However, dry, dusty winds and occasional snow may impact driving conditions. The south entrance to Hungry Valley SVRA remains closed due to fire damage, and visitors are advised to use the north entrance.Nearby places
Santa Clarita, CA (approximately 30 miles south)
Bakersfield, CA (approximately 30 miles north)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be obtained in Gorman. Pay phones are available at many business locations in Gorman, although cellular coverage is intermittent throughout Hungry Valley SVRA.
Camper Reviews
4.6
11 reviews
Cottonwood Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cottonwood Campground describe it as a location offering privacy and a mix of pros and cons regarding dust, wildlife encounters, and noise levels. The absence of showers is highlighted, and the campground's proximity to trails is appreciated.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include privacy at campsites, sightings of wildlife such as quail and rabbits, and clean campsite areas. "Beautiful place to camp! Campsites are clean," and "Nice camping spots" are...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on dust from off-road vehicles, noise disturbances from neighboring campsites, and red ant infestations. "Beware for DUST EVERYWHERE AT ALL TIMES," and "People driving too fast and...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring masks and shades to manage dust, keep gloves handy, and pack earplugs for potential noise disturbances.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are described as the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activities due to mild weather, while summer is hot and dusty. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We camped at Cottonwood for the first time on Memorial Day weekend...we slowly loved this place. Mostly because of the privacy." "Fun ATV experience! Easier trails." "Nice camping spots." "Great...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are sparse, but general descriptions suggest sites accommodate up to 40-foot vehicles and offer ample room for parking.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and user reviews note the need to keep pets on a leash within the campground.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025