Wildflower season is a remarkable time in the desert and this is your chance to see one of our infrequent Superblooms as dry desert soils transform into carpets of sunflowers, poppies, and primrose. Tucked away in the south end of Joshua Tree National Park at an elevation of 3,000-feet, the campground offers unparalleled views of the Colorado Desert with wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky. Scenic Cottonwood campground offers a variety of nearby hiking and touring activities and cooler temperatures at the higher elevation. One unique aspect of the region is the presence of Mojave and Colorado plant species. These includes ocotillo, Mojave yucca, Joshua trees, pinion pines, native palms and desert willow.
We have 2 spacious group sites for tents only. Three nights and four days. RV sites are located a short distance just up the hill in Loop A. Enter the Type of RV and Length when registering.
Nearby attractions and hikes:
- Pinto Basin Sand Dunes
- Sylvia Wash
- Sunset hike from site A13 to the boulders on the ridge
- Morton’s Mill
- Mastodon Peak
- Ruby Lee mill site and well
- Lost Palms Oasis
- Petroglyph Canyon
- Travel into the main part of the park to Hidden Valley, Keys View, Skull Rock, Twin Tanks, Split Rock, Live Oak, Cholla Cactus Garden
- Tour WWII desert training camp and General Patton Museum
- Dine at the historic Eagle Café.
- 4WD:Black Eagle road to Kaiser Mine, Old Dale District, Red Canyon
- Mecca hills slot canyon hikes: Painted Canyon Ladders
- Mecca hills: Grotto hike
Prices are based upon each person going being a GO Chapter paid member (day use does not require a GO membership). You can join - click here - and then register for this campout. Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.
For further information or questions, contact Trip Leader:
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 16
- Noon or earlier if sites are open - Check-in
- 4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby trail *
- 6:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB. Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire activities
Friday, April 17
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
- 6:00 pm - Potluck(bring a dish to share)
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)
Saturday, April 18
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted *
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire
Sunday, April 19
- 9:00 am Hike*
- 12:00 pm Check out
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets (no showers); shade Ramada’s, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking. No cell service or WiFi.
RV sites: Fresh water is available at the nearby dump station, no hookups. RV sites are a short walk to our group tent site.
What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, potluck item, two bundles of firewood and the Ten Essentials. Pets welcomed. Park entrance fee $25 or bring you entry pass.
Directions: I-10 east to Cottonwood Spring - exit 168. Go north 8 miles to campground. GPS coordinates: 33° 44.650' -115° 48.848'. Google Map Directions - Click Here
Climate: Day: 70s-80s & mild at night: 60s-50s.
Payments: We accept the following credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund for a tent site must be received by April 8, 2020. Cancellation for a refund for an RV site will be made only if we are able to resell your spot. All cancellations must be sent to the Trip Leader (see email above) and be received by April 04, 2019. Contact the Trip Leader to cancel.
Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet. Be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location. Pets are not permitted on park trails or in the back-country.
Photos: To see some photos from prior trips: 2018, Album-1, Album-2, Album-3
Campground Map and NPS website - Click Here
RV Camping: Campground Map. Generator use is permitted only from 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm.
Health Problems/allergies:It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the trip/ hike leader if you wish.
