Cottonwood Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically closes due to snow and road conditions, with seasonal access generally from late spring through fall depending on weather.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
14 Day Stay Order
Pursuant to 16 USC §551 and 36 CFR §261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited upon lands administered by the OCHOCO National Forest as described in this order. PROHIBITIONS:
Prescribed Fire information
Each year, prescribed burning is done in the spring and fall to improve forest health and protect communities. Visit our Prescribed Fire in Central Oregon page to learn more.
About
Cottonwood Campground is a rustic, primitive campground nestled in the Ochoco National Forest near Rock Creek and the route of the Historic Summit Trail. This small, quiet facility offers seven campsites interspersed among aspen trees and surrounded by mixed conifer forest, providing natural shade during the summer months. The campground's remote location and primitive nature make it an ideal destination for campers seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system and no camping fees. Amenities are minimal, consistent with its primitive designation. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water available, so visitors must bring their own. The size and number of trailer sites are limited, and there is no dump station. Each campsite includes basic amenities typical of forest service campgrounds. Access to Cottonwood Campground requires traveling on forest service roads, with multiple route options from Prineville, Mitchell, Paulina, or John Day. The campground is subject to a 14-day stay limit, consistent with all National Grassland and US Forest Service land regulations. Due to its elevation and location, the campground is typically accessible during summer and early fall months, with winter road closures limiting access during snow season.
Directions
From Prineville: Travel east on Highway 26 for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 42, then east on FR 42 for 32 miles to FR 4270. Follow FR 4270 northeast for 9 miles to FR 12, turn left and head north on FR 12 for 4 miles, then turn right onto FR 200 to the campground. Alternative route from Prineville: Travel east on Highway 26 for 47 miles to Mitchell, continue east for 13 miles to FR 12, go south on FR 12 for 14 miles, then turn left onto FR 200 to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 416-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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