Cottonwood Group Picnic Site
Closed — Closed for the season. The site typically operates from late spring through fall, with seasonal closure due to snow and winter conditions at 7,000 feet elevation. The access road remains open when conditions permit, but water is turned off and restrooms are locked during closure.
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.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Dog Leash Order (Jackson Ranger District)
ORDER 04-03-334 (CACHE CREEK MAP) (TETON PASS MAP) (GAME CREEK MAP
Winter Travel Restrictions (Jackson, Blackrock, Big Piney, & Pinedale Ranger Districts)
ORDER 04-03-24-205 (MAP)
Camping 5-Day Stay Limit (Jackson, Blackrock, Big Piney, & Greys River Ranger Districts)
ORDER 04-03-24-204 (MAP)
Food Storage (Blackrock, Jackson, Pinedale, Greys River, & Big Piney Ranger Districts)
ORDER 04-03-23-201
Winter Travel Restrictions (Kemmerer, Big Piney, Pinedale, & Greys River Ranger Districts)
ORDER 04-03-316
Moose Creek & Star Valley Front Winter Wildlife Closure (Greys River Ranger District)
ORDER 04-03-305
Alpine & Forest Park Feedground Winter Wildlife Closure (Greys River Ranger District)
ORDER 04-03-304
About
Cottonwood Group Picnic Site is a day-use facility located next to scenic Cottonwood Lake in the Salt River Mountains of western Wyoming, approximately 13 miles southeast of Afton. Situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the picnic site sits above the lake near peaceful North Fork Creek, surrounded by a forest of pines and aspens that offer shade. The area is known for vibrant summer wildflowers and serves as a gateway to exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The picnic site can accommodate groups of up to 25 people and 8-10 vehicles. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided on-site. While this is strictly a day-use facility, a group overnight campsite is available for reservations nearby, and the adjacent Cottonwood Lake Campground offers 18 single-family campsites for overnight stays. Cottonwood Lake offers excellent recreation opportunities, including canoeing and boating for smaller craft (no boat ramp available) and fishing for brook and cutthroat trout. The surrounding area features trails for hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicles (with Wyoming State OHV sticker required), and horseback riding. The site is accessed via a narrow gravel road that enters the national forest boundary and continues for approximately 6 miles. Off-road vehicles are permitted only on designated trails and not in the campground's west loop.
Directions
From Afton, Wyoming, take Highway 89 south approximately 7 miles to Smoot and watch for signs for Cottonwood Lake Campground. The forest boundary is about a mile up the access road, and the campground is 6 miles beyond that. Continue past the first loop of the campground, then go right at the 'Y' intersection toward the lake. The group picnic area is on the left side of the road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
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 |
Useful Links
| Print Facility Map | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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