Cottonwood Complex
Open — Open year-round with reduced services from October 16 through May 14. Full services available May 15 through October 15. The high-elevation site is generally free of snow mid-June through mid-October.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Fremont-Winema National Forest 14 Day Stay Limit
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited upon all lands, roads, and trails administered by the Fremont-Winema National Forest as described in this order.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 2:25PM PST until December 31 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Air quality is likely to worsen through Wednesday afternoon. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will trap pollutants. * WHERE...Valley areas, both west of the Cascades in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, and east of the Cascades in Klamath and Lake counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
About
Located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon, the Cottonwood Complex is one of the busiest campgrounds in the southeast zone of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. The high-elevation setting features western white pine, ponderosa, and white fir providing shade, while aspens turn golden in autumn. The campground offers 22 total sites including four walk-in tent-only sites and one dedicated horse camp with its own corral, water area, and trailer turn-around. Cottonwood Meadows Lake is the centerpiece of the recreation area, stocked with rainbow and brook trout and offering excellent fishing opportunities. Two day-use areas and a boat launch provide lake access, though only non-motorized boats and electric motors are permitted. The campground serves as a gateway to hiking trails including the Cottonwood Loop Trail and Fremont National Recreation Trail. Deer are frequently spotted throughout the campground, and black bear sightings occur occasionally, making proper food storage essential. The high elevation means the area is generally snow-free mid-June through mid-October. A seasonal camp host is present during peak season, and the rustic facilities include vault toilets and picnic tables with fire rings at each site.
Directions
From Lakeview, travel west on Oregon Highway 140 toward Bly. Turn right on Forest Service Road 3870 and continue north. Follow signs to the campground. Located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $6 - $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 947-2151 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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