Established Camping
Cottonwood Campground
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Extra vehicles can now be paid for when making your reservation! Just use the add-on feature in Recreation.gov and display receipt upon arrival.
Extra vehicles can now be paid for when making your reservation! Just use the add-on feature in Recreation.gov and display receipt upon arrival.Although this is a great feature, you are still responsible for ensuring all your vehicles fit within your driveway as we have extrememly limited overflow parking. Please double check the driveway length before booking your site to ensure that all your vehicles will fit properly.
Cottonwood Campground, near Sierraville, California, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from civilization. This campground features well-spaced sites that offer a good amount of privacy, making it a nice spot for families and groups to set up camp.
You’ll find essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, along with drinking water available nearby. Many visitors have appreciated the towering trees that provide ample shade, especially during those hot summer afternoons. As one camper noted, “The campground has towering trees and most sites are very well shaded,” which is a big plus compared to other nearby spots.
For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a botanical trail right at the campground that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s a half-mile round trip and follows the creek, with markers highlighting various plants along the way. If you’re up for a bit more of a challenge, there’s an offshoot trail that leads to a lookout with some nice views of the valley.
Cottonwood Campground is conveniently located just a few miles from Sierraville, where you can find a small grocery store and gas station for any last-minute supplies. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this campground offers a friendly atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to unwind in nature.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest
Overview
Cottonwood Creek Campground is located on Highway 89, four miles south of Sierraville. Its location makes it a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Recreation
Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail are both short, foot trails that begin in the campground. The surrounding area offers additional trails and fishing opportunities.
Natural Features
The campground sits along Cottonwood Creek, in a stand of Jeffrey pine, and red and white fir trees. The forest provides shade and privacy between sites, but noise from the highway can be heard within the campground.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Tahoe is located about 40 minutes from the campground. Scenic Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. Sardine Lakes, within the beautiful Lakes Basin, is a 35-minute drive northwest of the campground, via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is a 45-minute drive southeast.
Location
Cottonwood Campground is located in California
Directions
From Truckee, travel north on Highway 80 to Highway 89 approximately 20 miles to the campground. From Sierraville, travel approximately 5 miles south on Hwy 89, the campground will be on the left side of the highway.
Address
SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT
317 SOUTH LINCOLN ST (HWY 89)
PO BOX 95
Sierraville, CA 96126
Coordinates
39.5494444 N
120.3163889 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly