cottonwood Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Bring your own water as none is available on-site.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:22PM PST until December 30 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Northeast winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Interstate 5 Corridor, Santa Susana Mountains, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor, and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. * WHEN...Until 3 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Fire Danger Level Downgraded to "High"
The fire danger level for the Angeles National Forest has been lowered from “Very High” to “High”. Despite the change, there are no new fire restrictions.What does this mean to you?
Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Recent storms have brought winter weather to the Angeles National Forest! From the foothills to elevations reaching over 10,000 feet, visitors can encounter a variety of conditions in the mountains.
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.
Bridge Fire Area Closure Terminated
The Bridge Fire Area Closure (Forest Order No. 05-01-25-12) that was in effect from June 5, 2025 through May 22, 2026 has been terminated starting June 20, 2025.
Mt. Baldy Communications Site Project
Renegade Towers, LLC, is proposing to build, operate, and maintain a communication uses facility and tower. The proposed facility would be constructed within the Mt.
Forest Order 05-01-25-09 Eaton Fire Area Closure
On Friday, April 4, several popular trails, forest roads, and a campground reopened after the Eaton Fire, as per a new forest order issued by the Angeles National Forest. To see the full forest order, visit www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.
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.
Angeles National Forest full closure to partial closure
The Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, partially reopened on Thursday, January 30.
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.
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:
About
Cottonwood Campground is a 22-site campground located in the Angeles National Forest near Lake Hughes at an elevation of 2,600 feet. This rustic facility is particularly popular with off-highway vehicle enthusiasts due to its proximity to numerous OHV trails in the surrounding area. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and campsites with fire pits and tables. No potable water is available on-site, so visitors must bring their own water supply or be prepared to treat stream water if it's flowing. The relatively low elevation makes this campground accessible during cooler months when higher elevation sites in the forest may be snow-covered. Cottonwood Campground offers a more primitive camping experience suited for self-sufficient campers seeking access to OHV recreation and a quieter forest setting away from more developed campgrounds.
Directions
From Interstate 10, take exit 168 for Mecca/Twentynine Palms and follow signs to Joshua Tree National Park. The campground is located approximately 25 miles east of Indio, California.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (661) 296-9710 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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