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NatureMap showing campground location near Alabama Hills, California

Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via a paved road that transitions to gravel, Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground sits at high elevation in the Alabama Hills region of Inyo National Forest. This established US Forest Service campground functions as a staging area for Sierra Nevada backpacking trips, with campers using it to acclimate before tackling peaks like Mount Whitney and Mount Langley. Each site includes a fire pit and bear box, essential given the active bear population in the area.

The campground features vault toilets and fresh water access. Jennifer D. notes it's a "pretty campground with tons and tons of trees" that sits "steps away from multiple trails." Multiple trailheads provide direct access to wilderness areas, including the popular Cottonwood Lakes trail. Campers report leaving vehicles here for extended backpacking trips lasting over a week.

Sites are spacious and well-maintained according to reviews, though noise from neighboring campers can occasionally be an issue. The elevation helps with acclimatization for high-altitude adventures. For those exploring beyond this location, camping near Alabama Hills offers additional options in the eastern Sierra region.

The combination of amenities, trailhead access, and extended parking makes this campground particularly valuable for serious backcountry enthusiasts planning multi-day wilderness excursions.

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Location

Public Campground

Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road, 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine, California. From center of Lone Pine, turn west at the stoplight and follow Whitney Portal Road for 3 miles. Then turn south onto Horseshoe Meadow Road.

Coordinates

36.44791758 N
118.16904582 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
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    Verizon
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

Drive Time

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Reviews

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5.0

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6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, well-maintained sites with individual amenities and excellent access to bear storage. Visitors often highlighted the peaceful, tree-covered setting perfect for high-altitude acclimatization before Sierra adventures.

Taylor The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020

Very nice

The campgrounds look very dispersed and well kept. The people were very encouraging of us on our adventure. We’d go back for the people alone.

Michael A.
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2019

Hidden Gem

I’ve used this spot for more 2-5 day jaunts than I can remember. My kids have been treated to this place for weekends off the grid since they’ve been toddlers. Peaceful. Beautiful. Accessible.

Jennifer D.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2018

camp at elevation

get acclimated to higher elevation prior to your Sierras backpacking trip. restrooms and bear lockers are provided. use them as there is a lot of bear activity. cover any odorous items in your vehicle. pretty campground with tons and tons of trees. steps away from multiple trails.

  • Review photo of Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground by Jennifer D., July 31, 2018
Erin M.
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2017

Backpacking to cottonwood lakes

The trail head camp ground was very nice and well maintained. Vault toilets and fresh water with plenty of access to bear boxes to properly store your food. The trail to cottonwood lakes (JM93) was an amazing hike. I picked up permits for this trail in Lone Pine at the visitor center.

SiteJust parked and slept in the bed of our truck
Month of VisitAugust
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  • Review photo of Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground by Erin M., August 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground by Erin M., August 7, 2017
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Anya L.
Reviewed Jun. 27, 2017

Nice views, close to golden trout wilderness

Great campground, acclimated here the night before heading up mount Whitney. Spacious, a nice trailhead for an acclimation hike and bear boxes. Only issue was our campsite neighbors thought it would be good fun to throw rocks at other, larger rocks to kill the time and we couldn't get to sleep for a while.

Month of VisitJuly
Kristen C.
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Great high alpine campsite!

We stayed here the end of August before backpacking Mt Langley and Whitney. It's a great campsite to stay at to acclimate ahead of time for your trips and to get a good early start on the trail. The hiking opportunities are endless from here,as this is a popular campsite for those climbing Mt.Langley. We were able to leave our car here for the 8 days we backpacked through Inyo NF and coming out of the Whitney Portal eventually. The sites are all really nice,they've got their own firepits and bear boxes to store all your stuff. Definitely recommend it for a nice weekend getaway or use for longer trips!

  • Review photo of Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground by Kristen C., September 24, 2016
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground by Kristen C., September 24, 2016
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground located and how do I access the trailhead?

Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground is located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains near Lone Pine, California. The campground sits at a higher elevation, making it excellent for acclimation before mountain treks. To access the trailhead, visitors typically get permits from the Lone Pine Visitor Center. The campground itself is steps away from multiple trails, including the Cottonwood Lakes trail (JM93), providing immediate access to wilderness hiking opportunities.

What hiking trails are accessible from Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground?

The campground provides direct access to several notable trails. The Cottonwood Lakes trail (JM93) is a primary route and described as an amazing hike. The area serves as a gateway for those climbing Mt. Langley and continuing to Mt. Whitney. There are also shorter acclimation hikes available directly from the trailhead, making it ideal for day hikes or as starting points for longer backpacking expeditions. The campground's strategic location offers endless hiking opportunities into the Sierra Nevada wilderness.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground?

The campground features vault toilets and fresh water access. Bear boxes are provided throughout the site and their use is strongly encouraged due to significant bear activity in the area. The campsites are well-maintained, spacious, and offer plenty of shade with numerous trees throughout the grounds. The campground has a dispersed layout providing a sense of privacy and wilderness immersion. This walk-in campground balances basic amenities with a true outdoor experience, making it suitable for families and backpackers preparing for wilderness adventures.

Is Cottonwood Pass Campground the same as Cottonwood Lakes Walk-in Campground?

No, they are not the same. Cottonwood Pass Walk-in Campground is a specific campground located at the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead in the Eastern Sierra. This campground serves as a popular starting point for backpackers heading into the Sierra Nevada mountains, especially those planning to climb Mt. Langley or Mt. Whitney. It's primarily used as an acclimation site before higher-elevation backpacking trips.

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