Cottonwood Pass Walk In Campground
04 reviewsHighway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545
Cottonwood Pass Walk In Campground
$6.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
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
Overnight use fee is $22 per single site per night. America The Beautiful Access/Senior Passes are honored, providing a 50% discount on single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Payment is accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Perched at a breathtaking 10,000 feet elevation, Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground serves as your gateway to the pristine Golden Trout Wilderness. This intimate collection of 18 secluded sites winds through ancient Lodgepole pine groves, offering backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts the perfect launching point for epic Sierra Nevada adventures. Each site requires a short walk from your vehicle, ensuring a more peaceful, authentic camping experience away from the crowds.
Cottonwood Pass Campground is a small, walk-in only campground with 18 sites, primarily catering to backpackers and hikers.
Historical SignificanceStep into the footsteps of legendary conservationist John Muir as you explore the historic trails connecting two of California's most treasured wilderness areas. This campground serves as a modern-day base camp for nature enthusiasts following the same paths that inspired generations of wilderness advocates. The surrounding Golden Trout and John Muir Wildernesses preserve the untamed spirit of the Sierra Nevada, offering visitors a chance to experience the raw beauty that has captivated explorers for over a century.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high-altitude weather, where crisp mountain mornings give way to pleasantly warm afternoons. Summer temperatures dance between refreshing 27°F dawns and comfortable 65°F peaks, creating ideal conditions for both restful nights and active days. Early and late season adventurers should come prepared for possible snow dustings that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, adding an extra layer of magic to your wilderness escape.
ElevationAt 10,000 feet above sea level, you'll find yourself in a world transformed. The thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and adventure, while panoramic vistas stretch endlessly toward distant peaks. This remarkable elevation places you at the threshold of the high country, where alpine meadows meet rocky pinnacles and every sunrise feels like nature's grand performance. The altitude offers cooler temperatures, crystalline skies, and unparalleled access to some of California's most spectacular wilderness trails.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Lodgepole pines and hardy conifers create a natural cathedral around your campsite, their weathered trunks telling stories of countless seasons at altitude. While the mature forest provides welcome pockets of shade, the open canopy allows stunning views of star-filled skies and surrounding peaks. The landscape here is quintessentially Sierra Nevada – granite boulders scattered like ancient sculptures, wildflower meadows that burst with color in season, and the ever-present sense that you're camping at the edge of something truly wild and wonderful.
Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic convergence of natural wonders in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area, where the southern Sierra Nevada mountains reveal their geological majesty. This unique location sits at the crossroads of the Golden Trout and John Muir Wildernesses, showcasing the raw power of ancient glaciers that carved these peaks and valleys over millennia. The high-altitude terrain, dominated by resilient Lodgepole pines adapted to harsh conditions, tells the story of volcanic activity, glacial sculpting, and the relentless forces that created one of North America's most spectacular mountain ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no mention of specific accessibility features, and the campground does not appear to have wheelchair-friendly restrooms.
Sites SizeThe sites are walk-in and designed for small group usage. Specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are close together, and user reviews describe the campground as crowded and lacking clear demarcation of which site corresponds to specific bear boxes or tables.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
One night stay limit.
Groups
No specific group accommodations are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are scattered among mature Lodgepole pines and arranged around communal picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonMemorial Day weekend through October 10, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; self-registration upon arrival.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up and first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicySites are first-come, first-served; no reservations accepted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground's location offers direct access to exceptional hiking opportunities in the southern Sierra. Hiking is the primary activity supported by the campground due to its adjacency to the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead and Golden Trout Wilderness.
Hiking
Hiking trails include Cottonwood Pass (2 miles to access the Pacific Crest Trail and other networks) and Cottonwood Lakes/New Army Pass Trail (5 miles into Golden Trout, John Muir Wilderness, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks).Fishing
Fishing for Golden Trout is available nearby in Cottonwood Creek.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is frequently observed in this area, and campers are advised to store food securely due to high bear activity.Winter Activities
The area is accessible year-round, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Water-based recreational activities such as kayaking or canoeing are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in metal fire rings provided at the sites.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsActive bear area; improper food storage may result in fines. High elevation at 10,000 feet may pose risks for individuals unaccustomed to altitude.
Active alertsWater spigots may be non-functional, and vault toilets may be periodically closed as reported in user reviews.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center is located at Highway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545. Phone: (760) 876-6200. Hours: Open daily, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash receptacles are available for waste disposal. Trash must not be left accessible to bears.
Proximity to water featuresCottonwood Creek fishing for Golden Trout is nearby.
Common complaintsReviews mention crowded conditions, unclear site organization, and non-functional water facilities.
Campground Map
Highway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545
Driving directionsIn Lone Pine, CA, at intersection of US Rt. 395 and Whitney Portal Rd, take Whitney Portal Rd west and go 3.2 miles to Tuttle Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and go 20 miles to New Army Pass sign. Turn right after sign and go 0.5 miles to campground on right.
Located 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine, California, the campground is accessed via Horseshoe Meadow Road. The road provides a spectacular drive but may be challenging for individuals with vertigo due to the high elevation and winding path.Nearby places
Lone Pine - 24 miles (approximately 45 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including showers, are available at Kirk's Barber Shop in Lone Pine, CA, with additional grocery and camping supplies found in Lone Pine town.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Cottonwood Pass Walk In Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User opinions about the campground vary, with some praising its scenic location and proximity to major trailheads, while others criticize the crowded conditions and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback includes the campground's stunning natural surroundings at 10,000 ft elevation, easy access to hiking trails, and spectacular drives to the site.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the campground's crowded nature, unclear designation of site amenities, and maintenance problems such as closed vault toilets and non-functioning water spigots.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water and being prepared for no cell service. Early arrival is suggested as the sites are first-come, first-served.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is operational from Memorial Day weekend through October 10, subject to weather conditions. User reviews from the summer months highlight maintenance concerns and crowding.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Small campground with 18 sites, all walk-in, all close together. It’s not always clear which bearbox or table belongs to which numbered site." - Ingrid Hutman. "For a camping area it’s too crowded."...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific issues with site designation and bearbox allocation are mentioned, but no specific best or worst sites are identified.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed at all developed recreation sites. No specific user reviews about pet-related experiences are available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025