Cottonwood Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations required. Book up to six months in advance at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

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About

Cottonwood Campground is located in the southeastern section of Joshua Tree National Park at 3,000 feet elevation, offering a distinctly different desert experience than the park's northern campgrounds. Rather than the iconic Joshua trees and massive rock formations found elsewhere, this facility sits in Colorado Desert shrubland with wide, open views ideal for stargazing. The lack of nearby towns and flat terrain create minimal light pollution, making it a favorite destination for astronomers and night sky enthusiasts. The campground's lower elevation means it's typically 5-10 degrees warmer than northern park areas and experiences earlier wildflower blooms, usually between February and March depending on winter precipitation. With 62 individual sites available by reservation only, the campground provides flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Sites vary in size with parking configurations that accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet, though there are no hookups and some sites only have space for one vehicle. An amphitheater offers ranger programs, and several hiking trails depart directly from the campground. Easy access from Interstate 10 makes Cottonwood a popular choice for travelers, located just 25 miles east of Indio. The facility operates year-round with reservations required at all times, available up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov. Fees are $35 per night for individual sites ($17.50 with Senior/Access pass). Generator use is restricted to specific hours, and standard National Park Service camping regulations apply including leashed pets only and proper food storage.

Directions

From Interstate 10, take exit 168 (Mecca/Twentynine Palms), 25 miles east of Indio. Follow signs to Joshua Tree National Park South Entrance. The campground is on Pinto Basin Road next to Cottonwood Visitor Center.