How much does camping cost at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Camping fees at Cottonwood Grove Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Cottonwood Grove Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottonwood Grove Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation required.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottonwood Grove Campground before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood Grove Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Cottonwood Grove Campground is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Cottonwood Grove Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Fire policies at Cottonwood Grove Campground: Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cottonwood Grove Campground have?

Cottonwood Grove Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Cottonwood Grove Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Cottonwood Grove Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottonwood Grove Campground?

Popular activities at Cottonwood Grove Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottonwood Grove Campground

4.06

42 reviews

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Montrose Public Lands Center Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Montrose Public Lands Center Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood Grove Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free with no use 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 42 reviews

43 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Cottonwood Grove Campground

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Nearby places

Austin, Colorado (0.9 miles from the start of the route).

Nearby supplies

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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.

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood Grove Campground

Fall delivers the sweet spot: daytime temps in the 55–75°F range, fewer crowds, and active trout fishing as fish shake off summer lethargy. Cottonwoods turn golden, and afternoons stay warm enough for paddling while evenings cool down for campfires. Summer brings intense heat and afternoon winds, though the riverside location and shade help. Spring snowmelt can swell the river beyond its banks. Winter drops to 13°F for the hardy. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a real issue in warmer months. Reviewers stress bringing serious bug repellent.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall preferred by reviewers for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Cottonwood Grove Campground

Cottonwood Grove Campground sits along the Gunnison River in the dramatic Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, offering six first-come, first-served sites beneath mature cottonwoods. The campground is free and includes one ADA-accessible site with its own fishing pier. Expect basic vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but bring everything else.

The campground provides tent and primitive camping accommodations, and is suitable for a secluded outdoor experience.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the sweet spot: daytime temps in the 55–75°F range, fewer crowds, and active trout fishing as fish shake off summer lethargy. Cottonwoods turn golden, and afternoons stay warm enough for paddling while evenings cool down for campfires. Summer brings intense heat and afternoon winds, though the riverside location and shade help. Spring snowmelt can swell the river beyond its banks. Winter drops to 13°F for the hardy. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a real issue in warmer months. Reviewers stress bringing serious bug repellent.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a rare cottonwood oasis where the river carves through semi-arid cliffs and sculpted rock formations. Mature trees shade the riverside corridor, contrasting sharply with the surrounding rugged terrain. The Gunnison here is gold-medal trout water, and reviewers mention seeing river otters. One camper noted the stars are "magical" in this relatively undeveloped pocket of wilderness. Trailheads lead from camp into the gorge, where the river has cut deep through layers of ancient stone.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

7day / 6 night maximum stay length.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No group sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spaced out reasonably along the river corridor under periodic cottonwood shade, though reviewers note crowding and noise during peak times. The access road is narrow and rough in stretches. Several users recommend high-clearance vehicles. Cell signal is weak. One user described sleeping next to the river as beautiful, but be aware that the intimate six-site layout means your neighbors won't be far during busy weekends.

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.

AccessibilityAn ADA-accessible site is available, featuring an adjacent accessible fishing pier.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and suitable for sharing by multiple users.

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 SitesSites near the river are highly recommended for their scenic beauty and proximity to fishing opportunities.

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

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad 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

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Cottonwood Grove Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

42 reviews

Satisfactory

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 42 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 42 reviews

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 42 reviews

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 42 reviews

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 42 reviews

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 42 reviews