Cottonwood Campground, nestled along the serene shores of Lake Hughes in Southern California, has long been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature's beauty. Though currently inactive, Cottonwood holds dear memories for many who visited during its operational years.
Cottonwood Campground remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its beauty during its active years. While it currently stands as a reminder of nature's resilience, there is hope that parts of this campground may one day reopen, allowing old trails to be explored once more.
This campground is CLOSED. The gate is locked and the road in is impassable other than by foot. Much has been washed out and overgrown.
A home away from home for me growing up in the 90-2000s. Truly miss it. Hopefully one day we can restore at least the top half of the campground . So we could at least hike those old trails again.
An outstanding campground that's been closed for far too long. You will be missed. Hopefully one day we can all come back.
Cottonwood is a campground built some time in the 60's or 70's. The lower part of the campground was washed out something like two decades ago, leaving only a few campsites remaining. It has only pit toilets and no potable water. There are some nice hikes in the nearby hills. Bring your forest adventure passes (Just buy the $35 year pass for 2 vehicles, help support the forest) and remember to bring a shovel and bucket for your fire, if it is allowed.
No running water, electricity, showers or any running water at all, bathrooms are just smelly fly infested small stalls above a hole in the ground. Very much a roughing-it type of campsite if you're into that sort of thing. Very nice stream that runs nearby and a short trail. You need the Forest Adventure pass for the Los Padres National Forest to camp here and it's first come first served.