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Camper submitted image from Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Situated at the end of a drive-in road in Inyo National Forest, this trailhead campground serves as the launch point for routes including the Mt. Langley summit approach. Amenities include vault toilets, bear boxes, picnic tables, and trash service, though potable water spigots are shut off before the official October close, sometimes as early as September. Horse use is common here, and equestrian traffic leaves evidence on the surrounding trails. Campers planning backcountry trips into the Cottonwood Pass Walk in Campground corridor or broader camping near Inyo National Forest will find this site most useful as a staging area rather than a destination in itself.

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Map & DirectionsInyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground is located in California near Alabama Hills

Public Campground

Directions

In Lone Pine, CA, at intersection of US Rt. 395 and Whitney Portal Rd, take Whitney Portal Rd west and go 3.2 miles to Tuttle Creek campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Horseshoe Meadow Road and go 20.2 miles to campground on right.

Coordinates

36.45349653 N
118.16848975 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 25 min from Bakersfield, CA
4 hrs 27 min from Visalia, CA
4 hrs 35 min from Hanford, CA
4 hrs 57 min from Fresno, CA

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Inyo National Forest Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Les R.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2023

Trailhead campground for Mt Langley hike

We didn't camp here, rather we used this as the start/finish point for our 2-day hike to the summit of Mt. Langley. It was a convenient place to park, because you drive right up to the trailhead, and there are trash cans, bear boxes, and vault toilets. We stashed some extra toiletries in the bear boxes, rather than risk leaving them in the car. Toilets were pretty clean. Unfortunately, the potable water spigots were already turned off. The national forest website said they are off in the winter, but I didn't expect that already in early September. This is an equestrian campground, so there was some horse dung on the trails around the campground.

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Taylor

Ranger

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020

Breathtaking views

We didn’t camp here, we spent the day backpacking to check out spots for a future trip. We have a trip planned to come back next year for a week and backpack this whole trail. It’s so beautiful!!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground from the trailhead?

The Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground is directly accessible from the trailhead parking area. You can drive right up to the trailhead where there's convenient parking. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the campground sites. This makes it ideal for backpackers planning to begin their journey on the Cottonwood Lakes Trail or those heading toward Mount Langley. The easy access point serves both day hikers and overnight campers.

What do visitors say in reviews about Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground?

Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground is highly regarded for its scenic beauty and serves as an excellent gateway for backpacking adventures. Many visitors use this area as a starting point for multi-day hikes, including trips to Mount Langley. The campground's natural surroundings are frequently described as stunning, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Inyo National Forest. The area attracts hikers planning extended backpacking trips through the region's trail system.

Are there any photos available of Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground?

Photos of Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground can be found on The Dyrt's campground listing page. These images showcase the natural beauty of this high Sierra location, including the surrounding mountain landscapes and camping areas. For additional visual resources, check the Inyo National Forest official website or social media channels where visitors often share their experiences. The area's alpine scenery, with its lakes and mountain backdrops, makes for stunning photography opportunities.

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

Cottonwood Lakes Walk-In Campground offers basic but essential amenities including vault toilets, trash cans, and bear boxes for secure food storage. The bear boxes are particularly useful for storing extra supplies and toiletries when backpacking. The campground serves primarily as a functional basecamp for hikers and backpackers rather than a full-service facility. Campers should bring their own water or water purification systems as running water is not available. The amenities focus on necessities for wilderness camping preparation.

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