Springtime in the desert is the perfect time to visit. Our camp is located at the south end of Joshua Tree National Park at an elevation of 3,000-feet. Unparalleled views of the Colorado Desert with wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky. A variety of nearby hiking and touring activities and cooler temperatures at the higher elevation. The southern section of the park is often overlooked and less visited. It provides a more remote experience and offers a variety of sites to explore.
The weather is warming up in April so join us for a campout at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP! Come explore Joshua Tree! We'll arrive on Sunday April 10 and stay for three nights and depart on April 13. There will be hikes, 4x4 excursions, potluck dinner and other fun stuff! Join us!
Tents will set up in three large group sites. RVs will park a short distance just up the hill in individual sites in Loop A. RV owners will need to enter their vehicle dimension information when registering. There are water spigots in the campgrounds, flush toilets, but no power or showers. There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park, so if you have a senior or veteran pass, bring it with you! Registration for this event is limited to Great Outdoors members.
Contact Leader: Dennis Curran at dlcurran52@gmail.com and Joey Duhon at joey@j1958.com
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: Pinto Basin Rd, Corn Springs, Red Canyon, Meccacopia Trail
- Mecca hills slot canyon hikes: Painted Canyon Ladders
- Dutch oven food preparation
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.
Contact Trip Leaders:
Contact Leader: Dennis Curran at dlcurran52@gmail.com and Joey Duhon at joey@j1958.com
Schedule of Events
Sunday, April 10
- Noon or earlier if sites are open - Check-in
- 4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
- 6:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB. Dinner on your own
- 7:00 pm - Group campfire activities
Monday, April 11
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
- 6:00 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)
Tuesday, April 12
- 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted *
- 7:00 pm - Group Campfire
Wednesday, April 13
- 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 $30 or bring your Senior or other National Park 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; Ave high 77, Avg low 47
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 March 28, 2022. 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).
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.
