Cottonwood Campground
03 reviews: null
Cottonwood Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 is a free facility.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Ochoco National Forest, Cottonwood Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate, primitive campground features seven secluded sites tucked beneath a canopy of whispering aspens and towering conifers, where the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong and the gentle murmur of nearby Rock Creek. For those who crave solitude and simplicity, this rustic retreat offers the perfect basecamp for exploring the Historic Summit Trail's storied paths. Mountain bikers will discover a network of challenging two-track roads that wind through the forest, while summer visitors can cool off in a unique swimming hole—a former gravel pit transformed by nature into a refreshing mountain oasis.
Cottonwood Campground provides primitive camping facilities. The focus is on a natural and basic camping experience with minimal amenities.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the Historic Summit Trail, accessible directly from Cottonwood Campground. This significant pathway carries whispers of the past, connecting modern adventurers to the pioneers, Native Americans, and early settlers who once traversed these mountain passages. The trail serves as a living museum of the region's rich heritage, offering glimpses into the stories that shaped Oregon's rugged interior.
Weather and SeasonsCottonwood Campground transforms with the seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-dappled days perfect for swimming and trail exploration, with temperatures ideal for camping under star-filled skies. As autumn arrives, the aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those properly equipped for freezing temperatures. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing creeks. Visitors consistently praise the campground's peaceful atmosphere and note that limited cell service creates the perfect digital detox opportunity.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits official confirmation, Cottonwood Campground sits at a mountain elevation that provides refreshing relief from summer heat and creates ideal conditions for the diverse forest ecosystem that thrives here.
Natural Features and SceneryCottonwood Campground showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The campground rests within a stunning tapestry of mixed conifer forest, where stately pines and firs create a protective canopy overhead. Graceful aspen groves add splashes of movement and color, their leaves dancing in the mountain breeze and turning brilliant gold each fall. Rock Creek meanders nearby, its crystal-clear waters providing both a soothing soundtrack and habitat for local wildlife. Perhaps most intriguing is the transformed gravel pit—now a natural swimming hole that offers a refreshing respite on warm summer days, proving nature's remarkable ability to reclaim and beautify.
Geological RegionPositioned within the diverse landscape of Ochoco National Forest, Cottonwood Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where Rock Creek has carved its path through ancient volcanic formations. The surrounding terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, with mixed conifer forests thriving in soils enriched by volcanic ash and mountain streams. Stands of quaking aspen mark areas of past disturbance, their presence indicating the forest's natural cycles of renewal. This unique combination of geological features creates the perfect environment for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore Oregon's lesser-known mountain wilderness.
Campsite details
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
14-day stay limit on all National Grassland and US Forest Service land including but not limited to campgrounds and other developed facilities.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSeven campsites interspersed with aspen trees and surrounded by mixed conifer forests.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for visitors seeking a rustic and serene experience in nature. Activities include summer swimming in a nearby water-filled former gravel pit and mountain biking on old two-track roads. The campground is also suitable for wildlife viewing and general exploration of the surrounding area.
Swimming
Visitors can swim during summer months in a nearby former gravel pit filled with water.Biking
The campground offers mountain biking on old two-track roads, providing a remote and challenging setting.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsLimited cell service noted in user reviews, no potable water available, and no dump stations. Users should be prepared to bring sufficient supplies.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rock Creek and a swimming hole created from a former gravel pit.
Common complaintsLimited amenities; no potable water is available. One user review expressed a concern about sharing the campground with others due to its quiet and scenic nature.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Prineville, Oregon (1): Travel on Highway 26 going east for 47 miles to Mitchell, Oregon. Continue east on Highway 26 for 13 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go south on Forest Service Road 12 for 14 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 200 and continue to Cottonwood Campground. From Prineville, Oregon (2): Travel on Highway 26 going east for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Travel east on Forest Service Road 42 for 32 miles to Forest Service Road 4270. Follow Forest Service Road 4270 northeast for 9 miles to Forest Service Road 12. Turn left and head north on Forest Service Road 12 for 4 more miles, then turn right on to Forest Service Road 200 and continue to the campground. From Paulina, Oregon: Travel on County Road 112 going east for 3.5 miles, then travel north on Beaver Creek Road (County 113) for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Take Forest Service Road 42 north for another 8 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go north on Forest Service Road 12 for 7 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 200 and continue to the campground. From John Day, Oregon: Travel on Highway 26 going west for 31 miles to Dayville, Oregon. Continue west on Highway 26 for 25 miles to Forest Service Road 12, and go south on Forest Service Road 12 for 14 miles to Forest Service Road 200. Turn left and continue to the campground.
Forest Service roads are utilized for access, which may include unpaved sections. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Prineville, Oregon (47 miles from Highway 26)
Mitchell, Oregon (47 miles from Highway 26)
Dayville, Oregon (31 miles west along Highway 26)
John Day, Oregon (31 miles west along Highway 26).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Cottonwood Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, opportunities for wildlife watching, and the lack of cell service, which allows for a 'reset from life.'
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Restroom is clean and stocked.' (User review, Jim Martin) - 'Quiet and peaceful' environment. (User review, Jim Martin) - Opportunities for wildlife watching and exploring. - Simplicity and rustic...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Limited cell service, though some may view this as a positive. - Lack of potable water at the site.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Be prepared for a rustic camping experience with no potable water available. - Bring all essential supplies, including drinking water, as facilities are minimal.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the most popular time for visiting Cottonwood Campground due to opportunities for swimming and wildlife viewing. Visitors enjoy the shade provided by the surrounding trees during...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Been coming here with my family for years, and they have been coming here before I was even thought of.' (Jessica Helms) - 'A great place to get a good reset from life with very little cell...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No information on specific sites within the campground was provided in the sources.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025