Cottonwood Campground

About

Cottonwood Campground is a year-round BLM facility nestled among live oaks in southeastern San Diego County's McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area. The campground serves as an excellent staging area for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and equestrian adventures. Trails departing from the campground connect to the Sombrero Peak Area, Upper Bow Willow Canyon, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park via the moderate-to-strenuous Pepperwood and Sombrero Peak Trails. The 25 developed campsites are split between east and west loops on either side of McCain Valley Road. Each site includes a fire ring with grill attachment and a picnic table. Vault toilets are available in each loop. The campground has no potable water, showers, dump station, or hookups. Horses are permitted only in the east loop, where stables are available. Elevations range from 3,000 to 4,500 feet, making this an excellent summer escape from lower desert temperatures. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall, while summer highs reach the mid-90s. Most precipitation falls December through April, with thundershowers common in July and August. A campfire permit from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection may be required.

Directions

From Interstate 8, take the Boulevard exit and proceed south to the first stop sign. Turn left (east) on Old Highway 80. After approximately 2 miles, turn left on McCain Valley Road. A sign with mileage information is located at the junction.