Cottonwood Campground

About

Cottonwood Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. Easy access from Interstate 10, makes it a popular stopover for travelers. Visitors who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park’s off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat. Cottonwood Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site. There are no electric, water or sewer hook-ups available at individual campsites; drinkable water spigot is located nearby. There is no overflow parking. Check in at Cottonwood Visitor Center, right near the campground. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If arriving one or more days late, call (760)-367-5554; your reservation will be forfeited if you do not call or visibly occupy your campsite within 24 hours of your arrival date. All organized events require a special use permit and must be held in designated areas; call (760) 367-5518 for more information Resale or auction of advance reservations is prohibited. Gathering firewood is not allowed in the park. Pets are not allowed on trails and must be restricted to stay within developed areas only. For additional park information, call (760) 367-5500 or visit www.nps.gov/jotr .