Cottonwood Grove Campground
4.1115 reviewsnull
Cottonwood Grove 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
Camping is free with no use fees.
About this campground
Discover your riverside retreat at Cottonwood Grove Campground, where towering cottonwood trees create a natural canopy along the banks of the Gunnison River. This intimate campground offers six thoughtfully spaced sites, including one fully ADA-accessible site complete with its own fishing pier for anglers of all abilities. Launch your kayak or canoe from the convenient boat ramp, then return to your shaded sanctuary equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and sheltering structures. Best of all, this hidden gem comes without a price tag—camping is completely free on a first-come, first-served basis, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures.
The campground provides tent and primitive camping accommodations, and is suitable for a secluded outdoor experience.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the Colorado landscape at Cottonwood Grove. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, though temperatures can plunge to a brisk 13°F, creating perfect conditions for hardy cold-weather campers. Summer brings intense heat that makes those riverside dips especially refreshing, while the cottonwood shade becomes your best friend during peak afternoon hours. Expect spirited afternoon winds that rustle through the leaves, and be aware that spring snowmelt occasionally causes the river to swell beyond its banks, adding to the wild character of this dynamic landscape.
ElevationPerched at a moderate elevation that strikes the perfect balance, Cottonwood Grove offers comfortable temperatures that make spring and fall camping particularly delightful, while providing a refreshing escape from lower elevation heat during summer months.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where ancient cottonwoods frame the flowing Gunnison River, their leaves whispering stories in the breeze. This riverside sanctuary serves as a natural amphitheater for wildlife watching—keep your eyes peeled for playful river otters gliding through the current. Anglers will find themselves in paradise with direct access to gold-medal fishing waters teeming with trophy trout. When you're ready to explore beyond camp, multiple hiking trails beckon from the campground, inviting you to discover hidden viewpoints and secret swimming holes along this pristine stretch of river.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, Cottonwood Grove Campground occupies a special pocket where water meets stone in spectacular fashion. The campground sits in a rare oasis of mature cottonwoods that thrive along the river corridor, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding semi-arid landscape of rugged cliffs and sculpted rock formations. This unique geological setting creates world-class fishing conditions in the gold-medal waters below, where the river has carved its ancient path through layers of time and stone.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAn ADA-accessible site is available, featuring an adjacent accessible fishing pier.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious and suitable for sharing by multiple users.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are adequate, with some reviewers noting that campsites are 'spaced out well,' while others mentioned crowding during peak times.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river are highly recommended for their scenic beauty and proximity to fishing opportunities.
Best CampsitesOne ADA-accessible site with an adjacent fishing pier is highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
7day / 6 night maximum stay length.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are spaced out well, with periodic shade provided by cottonwood trees. "Camp sites are spaced out well and sleeping next to the river is beautiful," one user mentioned.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation required.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served basis; no reservations required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cottonwood Grove Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities, including fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. The proximity to the river also allows for water-based activities like rafting.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available nearby, with one review citing 'about a half dozen hiking trails' in the area.Fishing
Fishing at the campground is described as excellent by multiple reviewers. The waters are noted as 'gold medal waters,' and one user said 'the fish seemed to be jumping at everything.'Boating
A boat ramp for non-motorized watercraft is available; rafting is mentioned as a popular activity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife observation is possible, with one user reporting sighting a 'pod of river otters' near the campground.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are described.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports like rafting are mentioned, facilitated by the non-motorized boat ramp.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions can be challenging, requiring high-clearance vehicles during dry conditions and becoming impassable when wet. Wildlife hazards reported include biting flies, mosquitoes, and scorpion-like critters.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Dense drizzle
Precipitation: 1.2%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 23 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (1.20% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Dense drizzle
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
Montrose Public Lands Center at 970-240-5300.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo information regarding trash or recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Gunnison River. Fishing on gold-medal waters is available.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention crowding and noise during peak times. Some note the road's difficulty and narrow stretches.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Austin, Colorado drive south on 2200 Rd. for 0.9 miles. Turn left on H75 Rd (there is a sign indicating access to Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area). H75 Rd is a well-maintained gravel road. It enters the National Conservation Area in about 2.8 miles. Another 0.2 miles will bring you to Smith Mountain Saddle, where there is a 4-way intersection. Follow the sign indicating South River Road and the West River Trailhead, a slight right off of H75 Rd. South River Road is a graded natural-surface road, which is passable with high clearance vehicles when dry, and impassable when wet. The campground is 4 miles down this road.
H75 Road is a well-maintained gravel road leading into the National Conservation Area. South River Road is a natural-surface graded road, passable with high-clearance vehicles when dry but becomes impassable during wet conditions. Multiple reviewers mention rough roads and narrow stretches requiring caution.Nearby places
Austin, Colorado (0.9 miles from the start of the route).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.1
15 reviews
Cottonwood Grove Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment for the campground is mixed to positive, with an average general sentiment rating of 4.11. Positive aspects include the scenic riverside location, free camping, and great fishing opportunities. However, negative reviews highlight issues such as crowding, noise, and challenging access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Key positive aspects mentioned by users include the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to the Gunnison River, availability of spacious campsites, and excellent fishing opportunities. One review...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the challenging road access, lack of drinking water, and crowding during peak times. One user noted, 'The road gets rough,' while another pointed out 'too crowded, people...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations from users include bringing adequate bug repellant due to mosquitoes and biting flies, using high-clearance vehicles for access, and considering the season for visiting as it can be...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is described as very hot in the summer, with one reviewer opting to camp in the fall instead. Fall and spring appear to be preferred seasons due to milder weather conditions and fewer...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The stars are magical.' 2. 'Fishing was great! Will definitely visit again!' 3. 'Campground felt safe, but gets buggy next to the river.' 4. 'Didn't make it to the camp, was across the river....
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no specific reviews of individual campsites, though the ADA-accessible site was mentioned positively for its attached fishing pier.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
A reviewer highlighted the ADA-accessible campsite and fishing pier as a significant feature, stating it's well-suited for accessibility needs.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025