Cottonwood Lake
Closed for the season. Typically opens June 26 and operates through September 22, weather dependent. First-come, first-served only with no advance reservations.
Fire Weather Watch issued June 29 at 9:46PM MDT until July 1 at 8:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Fire Weather Watch below 8000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Red Flag Warning issued June 29 at 9:46PM MDT until June 30 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Fire Weather Watch below 8000 feet for gusty winds, low relative humidity and dry fuels, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * AFFECTED AREA...In Colorado, Fire Weather Zone 205 Colorado River Headwaters below 8000 feet. * TIMING...For the Red Flag Warning, from noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. For the Fire Weather Watch, from Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * WINDS...Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...7 to 12 percent. * IMPACTS...Fires will catch and spread quickly. Exercise extreme caution with any outdoor burning.
Air Quality Alert issued June 30 at 9:10AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued the following... WHAT...Air Quality Health Advisory for Wildfire Smoke. WHERE...Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Grand, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Mesa, Pitkin, Lake, Park, Delta, Gunnison, Chaffee, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, and northern parts of Montezuma and Saguache Counties. Locations include, but are not limited to Craig, Steamboat Springs, Walden, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling, Meeker, Rangely, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Vail, Breckenridge, Central City, Georgetown, Grand Junction, Aspen, Leadville, Fairplay, Delta, Gunnison, Buena Vista, Salida, Montrose, Nucla, Ouray, Telluride, Dove Creek, and Saguache. WHEN...900 AM Tuesday June 30 to 900 AM Wednesday July 01 IMPACTS...Areas downwind of large fires in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah could have periods of moderate to heavy smoke through at least Wednesday morning. HEALTH INFORMATION...Public Health Recommendations: If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood you may want to remain indoors. This is especially true for those with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the very young, and older adults. Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present. Consider relocating temporarily if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill. If visibility is less than 5 miles in smoke in your neighborhood, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
About
Cottonwood Lake Campground is a secluded high-elevation destination on Colorado's Grand Mesa, perched at 10,100 feet near Collbran. Its position on the north side of Crag Crest ridge keeps the area heavily shaded, which means lingering snowpack delays opening until late June most years. The 36 campsites are almost entirely shaded, providing cool relief during summer months. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Campers can pay on-site using Recreation.gov's Scan and Pay feature via mobile app, though cellular service is limited. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water, so visitors must bring their own supply. Surrounding recreation includes hiking on the nearby Crag Crest National Recreation Trail, ATV trails, fishing at Cottonwood Lake and nearby reservoirs, and scenic jeep roads exploring the mesa. The maximum spur length of 42 feet accommodates modest RVs and trailers. Access involves a winding forest road approach past Bonham-Wells Reservoir.
Directions
From Collbran, Colorado, at the "Access Grand Mesa" sign, take 58.5 Road south 1.9 miles to the T intersection. Turn left, staying on 58.5 Road (which becomes 59 Road), and go 5.8 miles to Forest Road 121. Travel south about 7 miles on Forest Road 121 past Bonham-Wells Reservoir, then turn right onto Forest Road 257 and continue about 5 miles to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 42ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (970) 874-6600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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