Cottonwood Canyon
Open year-round, first-come first-served with no reservations. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026; campfires are permitted only in provided fire structures. No fee required. 14-day stay limit applies.
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Quemado Lake Area/Trail Closure - Harmful Algal Blooms
The Gila National Forest has issued a public health and safety area closure of Quemado Lake due to a harmful algal bloom. The area closure will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 at 6 a.m., or until NMED advises that the lake is safe for public use.
Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office Phones Down
Phones at the Silver City Ranger District and Supervisor's Office are down as of July 22, 2026. This alert will be removed once the phones are back in working order.
About
Cottonwood Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled in the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico. Located on the west side of US Highway 180 between mileposts 23 and 24, approximately 20 miles north of Glenwood, this quiet campground sits at an elevation of 5,816 feet. The campground is free and operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Amenities are basic but functional: vault toilets are available, and each site has a picnic table. Potable water is not provided, so campers must bring an adequate supply. Parking is limited to two vehicles per site, and a 14-day stay limit applies. OHVs, ATVs, hunting, shooting, and stock animals are prohibited within the campground. The campground provides a good base for exploring the surrounding Gila National Forest, which encompasses over 3.3 million acres of rugged mountain terrain, wilderness areas, and diverse ecosystems. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Directions
Located 20 miles north of Glenwood on US Highway 180, on the west side of the highway between mileposts 23 and 24.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 539-2481 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Cottonwood Campground | |
| Gila NF Fire Restrictions |
Photos
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