Cottonwood Campground

About

Cottonwood Campground occupies the southeastern corner of Joshua Tree National Park at 3,000 feet elevation in the Colorado Desert zone. Unlike the park's northern campgrounds surrounded by massive rock formations and Joshua trees, Cottonwood overlooks flat, open desert shrubland. This landscape provides unobstructed views of the night sky with minimal light pollution, making it one of the park's premier stargazing locations. The lower elevation brings warmer temperatures and earlier spring wildflowers, typically blooming February through March depending on winter precipitation. Easy access from Interstate 10 (exit 168) makes Cottonwood a convenient stopover for travelers, though summer heat often exceeds 100°F. The campground has 62 individual sites plus three group sites for tents only. All individual sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Amenities include flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station between the campground and Cottonwood Visitor Center. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet combined length are permitted at individual sites, though most sites have narrow parking that cannot accommodate slideouts. Generator use is restricted to 7-9 AM, noon-2 PM, and 5-7 PM.

Directions

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