cottonwood Campground
The campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations. Current operational status could not be confirmed from official USFS sources. No potable water is available; campers must bring their own.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
San Dimas Experimental Forest Closure
The San Dimas Experimental Forest, located north of Glendora, is currently closed to public recreation activities. The reason for this closure is that the Experimental Forest's primary purpose is research. Many long-term climate, soil, air pollution, erosion, vegetation, wildlife, and fire studies…
San Gabriel Canyon OHV Area Prohibitions
Be aware of the following restricted activities in the San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Area:Entering or being in the San Gabriel OHV Area when closed. See associated documents and map below.Entering or being in the San Gabriel Reservoir.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted…
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "Moderate"
Effective January 23, 2025, the Angeles National Forest fire danger level and associated restrictions are moving to MODERATE. Visitors to the forest, including recreational cabin owners and concessionaires, are advised of the following updates: All stoves and campfires require a valid California…
Eaton Fire Area Closure
In effort to protect the public and to facilitate natural recovery of the resources affected by the Eaton Fire, this closure extends the Eaton Fire Area Closure through December 31, 2027.The following roads and trails remain closed:RoadsMount Wilson Toll Road (below Mt Wilson Trail) Mount Wilson…
Forest Order No. 05-01-25-13, Camping Equipment Prohibition
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from August 15, 2025, through August 1, 2027.Possessing personal…
Office & Visitor Center Updates - Need Info or Passes?
The information below provides updates to existing information on our webpage about Angeles National Forest offices and visitor centers. Check this alert regularly. Hours and pass availability may change with limited or no notice.When one office is closed, please contact another forest…
Williamson Rock Area and Trail Closure
Hikers and equestrians along the Pacific Crest Trail may be affected by a temporary closure of the Williamson Rock area of the Angeles National Forest. This closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-24-04), in effect through December 31, 2026, is for the protection of natural resources, specifically the…
Planning to Camp? (Stay Limits/Dispersed Camping Restrictions) til Dec. 15, 2026
The following is prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument from Dec. 16, 2022, through Dec. 15, 2026: 1. Camping outside of a Forest Service developed campground for > 7 consecutive days in a calendar year. 2. Camping outside of a Forest Service…
About
Cottonwood Campground offers a primitive camping experience in the western portion of Angeles National Forest, located off Pine Canyon Road near the town of Lake Hughes. At 2,600 feet elevation, the campground sits lower than many Angeles National Forest sites, making it accessible during shoulder seasons when higher-elevation campgrounds may be snow-covered. The 22 sites are arranged in a rustic setting and accommodate tents and smaller RVs. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water on site, so campers must bring their own supply. The campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available. This location is particularly popular among off-highway vehicle riders, as it provides convenient access to numerous OHV trails in the surrounding national forest. The relatively remote setting and lack of amenities attract self-sufficient campers looking for a quiet base camp for backcountry exploration.
Directions
From Interstate 5 in Castaic, turn northeast on Lake Hughes Road and drive approximately 27 miles to the town of Lake Hughes. Turn left (northwest) on County Road N2 (Pine Canyon Road) and continue about 5.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 22ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 22ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (626) 574-1613 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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