Cottonwood Campground
00 review6914 South 3000 East Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Cottonwood Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / 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
Fees range from $25 to $35 as per Recreation.gov. For the most accurate fee details, visit their website.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of South Willow Canyon, Cottonwood Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience where towering cottonwoods and vibrant maples create a natural canopy overhead. This peaceful primitive campground sits alongside a babbling mountain stream, providing the soothing soundtrack of flowing water throughout your stay. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience, the site maintains essential amenities with seasonal restroom facilities, though visitors should come prepared with their own drinking water for the ultimate self-sufficient outdoor adventure.
Cottonwood Campground offers a primitive camping experience. Leashed pets are permitted, and the campground is situated in a scenic natural setting with no potable water on-site.
Historical SignificanceWhile Cottonwood Campground may not boast ancient ruins or historic landmarks, its significance lies in preserving the raw, untouched beauty of South Willow Canyon for future generations. This pristine pocket of wilderness serves as a living reminder of Utah's natural heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience the landscape much as early explorers and settlers would have encountered it.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of four distinct seasons at Cottonwood Campground, where nature puts on a spectacular show year-round. Summer welcomes campers with pleasantly warm days reaching up to 86°F, perfect for hiking and stream-side relaxation. As autumn arrives, the maples burst into fiery colors against crisp, cool air. Winter transforms the canyon into a snow-laden wonderland, with frequent snowfalls creating pristine white landscapes—peak weeks can see over 5 inches of fresh powder. Spring brings renewal as wildflowers emerge and the stream swells with snowmelt, creating an ever-changing tapestry of mountain weather.
ElevationPerched at 6,080 feet above sea level, Cottonwood Campground offers the perfect elevation for escaping summer's heat while remaining accessible throughout most of the year. This mountain setting in South Willow Canyon provides crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that create ideal camping conditions, while the moderate elevation helps most visitors avoid altitude-related discomfort.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient cottonwoods stretch their gnarled branches skyward and maple trees paint the landscape in seasonal hues. The campground's crown jewel is its crystal-clear mountain stream, which dances over smooth rocks and creates tranquil pools perfect for quiet contemplation. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Stansbury Range, campers wake to stunning mountain vistas and fall asleep to the gentle chorus of rustling leaves and flowing water.
Geological RegionCottonwood Campground sits within the remarkable Stansbury Range, where millions of years of geological forces have carved South Willow Canyon into a dramatic mountain sanctuary. At 6,080 feet, the campground occupies a sweet spot where mountain ecology thrives—cottonwoods and maples flourish in the canyon's protective embrace while a perennial stream has carved its patient path through ancient rock. This unique geological setting creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems that make every visit a discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details about accessibility features were provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeNo site size details like standard, large, or extra-large were given.
Sites PrivacyInformation on campsite privacy is not available.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull; no site-specific advice provided.
Best CampsitesNull; no specific campsites highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
7day stay limit.
Groups
No details regarding group camping sites were provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGravel roads and spurs are mentioned in the campground layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally; reservable May 25, 2025 - September 01, 2025; first-come-first-served September 02, 2025 - September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is September 02, 2025 - September 27, 2025; first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are null; as per Recreation.gov, refer to their site for specifics.
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. The campground is located near South Willow Canyon, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding trails. Fishing opportunities exist at nearby Grantsville Reservoir, which is less than 5 miles away.
Hiking
The campground provides access to local trails in the Stansbury Range, allowing campers to explore the scenic South Willow Canyon. Details on trail difficulty and length were not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at Grantsville Reservoir, located less than 5 miles away. No specific details on fish species or fishing conditions were mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities were mentioned.Water Sports
No information on non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding was provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Null; no fire policy details provided.
- Quiet hours are Null; no quiet hours details provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include gravel road access, lack of potable water, and winter snow accumulation.
Active alertsNull; no current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Salt Lake Ranger District is the closest emergency service provider. Their address is 6914 South 3000 East Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121, and phone number is (801) 733-2660.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay to September 2025
Trash and recyclingNo details about trash or recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresProximity includes a stream at the campground and Grantsville Reservoir less than 5 miles away.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of potable water and primitive facilities.
HostNull; no mention of campground hosts.
Campground Map
6914 South 3000 East Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
Driving directionsThis campground is located 0.7 miles up South Willow Canyon from the Forest boundary. This is a gravel road.
Gravel road access; no mention of paved roads. Seasonal closures are implied due to open/close dates.Nearby places
Grantsville is less than 5 miles away
Salt Lake City is null miles away.
Nearby supplies
Grantsville Reservoir is less than 5 miles away
additional specific supply locations are null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Cottonwood Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user-specific reviews or ratings were provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews were included to highlight positive aspects.
Common Concerns
No user feedback was available to identify common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations were given.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal user review trends were mentioned.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or recommendations were included.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
There were no user reviews specifically discussing pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025