OCLB Chapter presents
Cottonwood Campground, Joshua Tree National Park - Jan 7,8,9 2022
Trip Leader Contact: Michael M click email here: jadedtrojan@hotmail.com
Stargazing and camping after the holidays? Let’s go!
Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places for stargazing and camping after the holidays, or year round. Located in the southern section of the park away from light polluting towns or cities, Cottonwood campground offers dark, uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and constellation admirers alike.
Set in Colorado Desert landscape, Cottonwood campground overlooks flat, open desert shrub land, which offers a contrast to the Mojave Desert landscape featuring the Joshua trees of the park’s namesake, predominant in the northern area of the park. Nearby is Cottonwood Springs Oasis, created from geologic activity, offering a verdant island of palm and cottonwood trees encircled by an ocean of desert landscape. Cottonwood Springs’ Oasis is also the trailhead for nearby hiking trails.
Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members
Start: Fri Jan. 7, 2022 2pm
Ends: Sun Jan. 9, 2022 12pm
Space left: 11
Location: Cottonwood is the first campground from the South Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, approximately 33 miles east of Indio.
Directions: From Long Beach and Orange County, take Int. 10 East to Indio. Take Exit 168 Cottonwood Springs Road, turn left, and drive to the South Entrance. There is a $30 per vehicle fee to enter. An America the Beautiful National Park Pass will waive the vehicle entry fee. Drive 7 miles to Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center, turn right. Follow signs to Cottonwood campground. Proceed to Loop B.
Carpooling is encouraged because of limited parking at the campsites. There is no overflow parking.
Important information
Per park policy: NO WOOD OR CHARCOAL FIRE. Propane is allowed.
NO CELL PHONE SERVICE within the park
NO GAS stations within the park.
Schedule:
Fri Jan. 7th
2pm Check in
4pm- Welcome Tea, Meet & Greet
6pm- Dinner on your own
7pm- Group campfire
Sat Jan. 8th
9am- Local hike
2pm- Head to General Patton Museum at Chiriaco Summit for museum visit or BYOB happy hour at camp.
5pm- Dinner at Chiriaco Summit Coffee Shop & Restaurant after museum visit or Dinner on your own at camp.
7pm- Group campfire
Sun Jan. 9th
12pm- Check out
Amenities: Cottonwood campground offers potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, trash cans and recycling cans. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings. There are no showers.
Parking: 3 reserved campsites fit two vehicles each. 1 reserved campsite fits one vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged.
RVs: No RVs on this campout.
What to bring: Ten essentials, Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, lantern with batteries, cooking utensils, warm/cold weather clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, and hand sanitizer. Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs and eating utensils. There is very little shade. You may want to bring a pop shade with anchor.
I will bring a portable propane fire pit for the group campfire. You are welcomed to bring a portable propane fire pit if you have one.
Websites: www.nps.gov/jotr. www.generalpattonmuseum.com
Climate: January Avg. high 63, Avg. low 39. Mornings, evenings and overnight can get cold. Bring warm clothing and dress in layers. Bring an extra blanket. Also, there is very little shade. Wear sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirts.
Fees: $30 per vehicle entrance fee. Camping fee $50 per individual. Museum visit (optional) $11 per adult, $9 per senior or former military.
Food: Bring enough food and snacks for 3 days.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the back country or in park buildings. LEASHED pets are allowed within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Please clean up after your pet.
Special COVID Related Requirements:
These may be updated/amended by the time of the event
Participants must comply with the following requirements as a condition of registering for this event:
1. I will follow Federal, State and local COVID guidelines as well as the directions of the event leader(s).
2. I will maintain distance (min. 6') and wear a mask if social distancing is not possible.
3. I will not attend if feeling ill or have any symptoms of COVID.
4. I will contact Trip Leader if I test positive for COVID within 14 days of the event.
‘I Accept’ and will comply with these requirements as a condition of participating in this event.
