Cottonwood Creek
Closed — Closed for the season. Campground operates May 24 through October 14. Reservations available on Recreation.gov.
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
About
Cottonwood Creek Campground is located on Highway 89, four miles south of Sierraville in Tahoe National Forest. The campground sits along Cottonwood Creek in a stand of Jeffrey pine, red and white fir trees. The forest provides shade and privacy between sites, though highway noise can be heard within the campground. The campground offers 48 single-family sites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Trash collection is provided. Two short trails begin at the campground: the Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail (a half-mile interpretive trail identifying common trees and plants) and the Overlook Trail. The surrounding area offers additional trails and fishing opportunities along Cottonwood Creek. The location makes it a great base camp for exploring the region. Lake Tahoe is about 40 minutes southeast, offering excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Sardine Lakes in the beautiful Lakes Basin is 35 minutes northwest via Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is 45 minutes southeast. Bears frequent the area, and all food must be stored in approved containers.
Directions
From Sierraville: Travel approximately five miles south on Highway 89, the campground will be on the left side of the highway. From Truckee: Travel north on Interstate 80 to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 994-3401 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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