Cottonwood Campground
Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Opens late May and operates through late September, weather dependent.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Middle Fork Payette Road (698) Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System (NFS) Road 698 (also known as Middle Fork Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning at it's junction with NFS Road 698L1, a snowmobile parking area, and ending at its junction with NFS Road 698G.
Sage Hen Creek Campground & Boat Ramp, and Eastside Campground closed for construction
Sage Hen Creek and Eastside campgrounds, along with Sage Hen Creek Boat Ramp, will be closed through July 1, 2026 while construction and remediation activities occur to update these sites.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Cottonwood Campground is a small, primitive campground situated along Cottonwood Creek in the Boise National Forest, just north of Arrowrock Reservoir. This intimate campground hosts only 3 first-come, first-served campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. A vault toilet is available, but campers must bring their own drinking water as none is provided on-site. The campground's location offers excellent access to outdoor recreation. Arrowrock Reservoir is a premier fishing destination in southwest Idaho, known for excellent rainbow and cutthroat trout fishing. The Middle Fork Boise River, located just north of the campground, also provides great fishing opportunities and good swimming holes. Wildlife watchers can look for deer, elk, waterfowl, eagles, and osprey in the area. The Cottonwood Trail begins nearby, leading to Bald Mountain for those seeking hiking adventures. Access to the campground is via Forest Service roads 268 and 377. The drive from Boise takes travelers north on Highway 21, then east along FS Road 268 past Arrowrock Dam for approximately 16 miles before turning left at the switchback junction with FS Road 377. The road can be rough and narrow in sections, requiring caution. Big game hunting is popular in the area during season, and the campground is easily accessible by car in good weather from late spring through early fall.
Directions
From Boise, travel north on Highway 21 and turn right at Forest Road 268 toward Arrowrock Reservoir. Travel east on FS 268 past Arrowrock Dam for approximately 16 miles. Turn left at the switchback junction with FS Road 377 and continue for less than 1 mile to the campground. Note: FS Road 268 can be rough and narrow in sections.
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 (208) 373-4100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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