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.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 11:50AM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of north central, northwest, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in north central New Mexico, Far Northwest Highlands, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands and Tusas Mountains Including Chama. In northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands, West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Another round of widespread rainfall is expected Sunday into Monday with rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches near and west of the Continental Divide. This rainfall will occur over very saturated soils which will increase runoff. These are also areas that are still recovering from the last flood event. River rises are likely, but rises are not expected to be as high as the last flood event. If river flooding materializes, it will likely continue into Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flood Advisory issued October 30 at 11:52AM MDT until November 2 at 4:00PM MST by NWS Albuquerque NM
...The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Advisory for the following rivers in New Mexico... San Francisco River at Reserve affecting Catron County. * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...San Francisco River at Reserve. * WHEN...Rises on the river are expected to begin Sunday night and last through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Bankfull stage. Some minor overbank flow may begin into drainage ditches near Highway 12. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:55 AM MDT Friday the stage was 10.0 feet. - Bankfull stage is 13.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 13.0 feet Monday morning. - Action stage is 13.0 feet. - Flood stage is 15.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
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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