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Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/campground

Open

Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. No fee.

Flood Watch issued September 18 at 1:10PM MDT until September 20 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Riverton WY

1:10 PM — September 19th, 7:00 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by moderate to heavy rainfall is possible, especially in terrain and poor drainage areas. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and northwest Wyoming, including the following areas, in central Wyoming, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains. In north central Wyoming, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Bighorn Mountains West, Northeast Johnson County and Southeast Johnson County. In northwest Wyoming, Absaroka Mountains and Cody Foothills. * WHEN...Through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive rainfall may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas and around steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A slow moving weather system will move across Wyoming today through Sunday and bring rounds of showers and thunderstorms to the region, especially northern Wyoming. Any shower or thunderstorm could produce moderate to heavy rainfall across the Watch Area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Hydrologic Outlook issued September 18 at 10:20AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY

10:20 AM — September 19th, 12:00 PM

ESFRIW A wet weather system will support periods of showers and thunderstorms across Wyoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This weather system is funneling abundant tropical moisture into the state. Given this anomalously high moisture, many thunderstorms will feature heavy rainfall, possibly leading to localized flooding. Poor drainage areas, urban areas, and steep terrain will be the most susceptible locations for this isolated flooding. Many locations could see rainfall totals anywhere between 0.75" to 1.75" through Sunday afternoon, with a majority of this rain falling quickly in thunderstorms. Remember, if you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around don't down!

About

Cottonwood Creek Trailhead/Campground is a primitive Bureau of Land Management campground located near the eastern shore of Bighorn Lake in Big Horn County, Wyoming. The campground features five campsites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, along with a toilet facility, interpretive kiosk, and food storage boxes for bear-safe food storage. The campground doubles as the trailhead for the Cottonwood Creek Trail, a highly scenic 4.5-mile route winding through BLM, Bighorn National Forest, and State of Wyoming lands. The trail is suitable for hiking and horseback riding, with experienced riders in mind. Equestrian campers will appreciate the four horse corrals and horse watering trough on-site. Cottonwood Canyon features dramatic vertical cliffs, with elevation ranging from 4,800 feet at the canyon mouth to 7,200 feet at the rim. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound in this rugged landscape adjacent to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

Directions

From Lovell, take Highway 14A east for approximately 10 miles. Immediately after the causeway on the east side of Bighorn Lake, turn left onto John Blue Canyon Road (BLM Road 1122). Take the first road on the right and travel roughly 5 miles to the campground and trailhead.

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
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

Email cody_wymail@blm.gov
Phone +1 (307) 578-5900

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

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