Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter. Typically operates late May through mid-October, weather dependent. Horseshoe Meadow Road is closed during winter.

About

Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground sits at 10,000 feet elevation at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road in Inyo National Forest, serving as a staging area for backpackers entering the Golden Trout Wilderness via Cottonwood Pass Trail. This first-come, first-served campground features 18 walk-in sites, each equipped with a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, and bear-proof food storage locker. The area experiences high bear activity, making proper food storage mandatory. The campground provides potable water from a hand pump and vault toilets. Campers are limited to a one-night stay to accommodate the high demand from through-hikers. Campfires are only allowed in the provided metal fire rings, and gathering wood is prohibited, though firewood can be purchased at a roadside stand approximately 7 miles down Horseshoe Meadow Road. There is no cell service at this remote location. The campground is located 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine. From the center of Lone Pine, turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road, continue for 3 miles, then turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road. The road is typically closed during winter months, limiting access to the late spring through fall season.

Directions

Located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road, 24 miles southwest of Lone Pine. From center of Lone Pine, turn west at the stoplight onto Whitney Portal Road for 3 miles, then turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road.

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