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 July 21 at 5:59PM MDT until July 21 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in northwest New Mexico, Chuska Mountains and Northwest Plateau. In west central New Mexico, San Francisco River Valley, Southwest Mountains and West Central Plateau. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Storms with heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will move off to the northwest at 5 to 15 mph this afternoon. Storms may continuously move over the same areas, creating localized rainfall totals over 2 inches. - 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…
Ben Lilly and Willow Creek Campground Closure
The Gila National Forest is issuing a temporary closure order for the Ben Lilly Campground and the Willow Creek Campground, in effect from 6 a.m. on July 21, 2026 through October 16, 2026 (or until rescinded). This order serves to protect public health and safety as monsoonal flood events have…
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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