Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground
The campground operates seasonally from late May through mid-October. Horseshoe Meadow Road is typically closed November through May due to snow. First-come, first-served only with a one-night stay limit. No reservations.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
ESCCRP PANORAMA PROJECT AREA CLOSURE
To provide for public safety while contractors perform forest health and fuels reduction work for the Panorama portion of the ESCCRP project.
About
Situated at 10,000 feet in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area, Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground serves as a staging area for backpackers heading into the Golden Trout Wilderness and Cottonwood Lakes basin. The 13 walk-in sites are a short distance from the parking area shared with the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead, making it convenient for early-morning departures. Each site features a tent pad, picnic table, metal fire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker (48" x 30" x 36"). All food and scented items must be stored in the provided bear boxes. Potable water is available from a hand pump, and vault toilets serve the campground. Bear-proof trash receptacles are provided. Wood gathering is prohibited; bring your own firewood. The campground operates first-come, first-served with a strict one-night stay limit to ensure availability for arriving backpackers. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed in all developed areas.
Directions
From Highway 395 at the center of Lone Pine, turn west onto Whitney Portal Road and follow it for 3 miles. Turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and continue 24 miles to the campground. The walk-in sites share parking with the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead.
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 | $11 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (760) 876-6200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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