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North Fork Cottonwood Creek

Cottonwood Group Campsite

Open

Open for the 2026 season. Services operate May 1 through October 1. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Year-round access is available outside the service season, though water and other amenities are disabled.

Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 11:39AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY

August 8th, 11:39 AM — August 10th, 12:00 PM

The following message is transmitted on behalf of the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division, and the Wyoming Department of Health. * WHAT...Air Quality Alert for Wildfire Smoke. * WHERE...All of Western and Central Wyoming * WHEN...Now through Noon Monday. * IMPACTS...Smoke from western United States wildfires continues to be observed across much of western and central Wyoming. The smoke is limiting visibilities at times. HEALTH INFORMATION...The Wyoming Department of Health recommends that the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions. CURRENT CONDITIONS...The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Air Quality Division offers near real-time air quality data for Wyoming's monitoring stations and health effects information to help the public interpret current conditions. Current air quality conditions across the state of Wyoming can be found at http://www.wyvisnet.com/.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…

About

Cottonwood Group Campsite is a reservable group camping area located near scenic Cottonwood Lake below Salt River Pass in western Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest. The site sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation where North Fork Creek flows through dense stands of pines and aspens, providing shade and privacy. The group site can accommodate up to 25 guests and is best suited for tent camping, with parking available for two van-sized vehicles at the site and six additional spaces at the adjacent day-use area. The campground offers vault toilets and drinking water. The lake provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing for brook and cutthroat trout. The surrounding area features trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The east loop where the group site is located includes a motorized trailhead for OHV use on designated routes. Visitors with horses should note that corrals are available on the west loop of the main campground, and out-of-state horses require proof of a current Coggins test. Access is via a narrow gravel road approximately 14 miles southeast of Afton, Wyoming. The campground operates with services from May 1 through October 1, though year-round access is available. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov.

Directions

From Afton, Wyoming, take Highway 89 south approximately 7 miles to Smoot. After a half-mile, look for directional signs to Cottonwood Lake Campground. The Forest boundary is about one mile up the access road, and the campground is 6 miles beyond that. Continue past the first loop of the campground, then turn left at the Y intersection onto the east loop. The group site is at the far northern edge of this loop, just past the water pump.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $45

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (307) 886-5300

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

North Fork Cottonwood Creek
tent site with picnic tables
picnic tables
Trail Fork Trail--open to non-motorized uses and trail vehicles up to 50" wide
Cottonwood Lake

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