Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cottonwood, CA has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Cottonwood, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cottonwood camping trip.
$20 / night
"Bear boxes. Pit toilets at entry, 200 meters from Campsite 9. River view but access a challenge through brush or steep grade."
"Loved listening to the creek while falling asleep, lots of shade and the staff was friendly. Sites are nicely spread apart #8 #9 being the best that were open. not rv accessible tent sites"
"Some decently shaded areas as well."
"I really love this small campground, especially this year when the lake is full. There's only 10-12 sites, bathrooms are clean. very quiet."
$20 / night
"This site has only 4 camping sites, all for tents only. There is a small stream running on the boarder making for perfect white noise to fall asleep to."
$20 / night
"I was looking for a primitive campsite that was quiet and secluded. This fit the bill 100%. I hammock camp, using a stand when trees aren't available, and I am completely self contained."
"Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands."
"We went in late may and the weather was perfect for traditional camping activities. The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must."
"Luckily the weather was so amazing especially being right next to this beautiful clear clean lake. We stayed at site 14, across from us was a small path that lead you down to the water."
"Did the normal tent camping which is nice at the upper campsites, got a paddle board and pretty much had the whole lake to ourselves"
"The best part about this campground is the proximity to Lassen NP! It is about a 15 min drive to the entrance & Manazanita Lake."
"It’s quiet and if it just rained there is the sound of waterfalls around there. If the spots are filled up, there is another flat area to camp without a table."
$80 / night
"The drive in could be a challenge for an RV, so I'd caution anyone to check it out first, before pulling a trailer in. They have pit toilets and fire-rings in most sites. "
"Advanced hiking 3k-6k summit peek, beautiful trails and swimming holes, nature and wildlife surrounding a dark night sky."
TravelerAs of May 2019, the camp was closed to the public due to safety hazards. Otherwise, it's an ok site. Bear boxes, composting toilet, trash bins, picnic table, and a fire ring. There's a trail that leads down to the creek.
ScoutThis site has only 4 camping sites, all for tents only. There is a small stream running on the boarder making for perfect white noise to fall asleep to. We were camping in mid-October and the only ones here. There’s a fire ban in place so we couldn’t have a fire, but there’s a nice size fire ring for anytime the ban is lifted. Picnic tables and lantern hooks, along with bear lockers make it safe and cozy. We loved camping here with our two pups.
GuideThe campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.
GuideVery glad I got the site I did(SC10). The shoreline sites allow you your own little spot on the lake, although some seemed better then others. Site was sloped and uneven but did have a couple flat spots for tents. Not a ton of shade but what little shade it did have was next to tent flats. Table, fire and bear box were in full sun all day which makes afternoon food prep on a hot day a bit brutal. You do get some noise from the 299 at night. The walk in and out to the parking is a bit steep and further then other sites but it does mean you get a little more privacy. I was there to kayak fish for the weekend and the site was perfect for that. My guess is the place becomes a madhouse in the summertime and the non shoreline sites are pretty close together. I personally wouldn’t stay in a non shoreline site here, but that’s me. The lake is beautiful and there’s a beach at the campground, though really hot in the summer. I would give site SC10 4-stars but the campground overall 3-stars.
TravelerWe camped in Oak Bottom in October when the days were hot and the evenings were cool. Because it's the shoulder season, their were fewer people there, which allowed us to have more space... no one in adjacent sites. However, if you are there during the high season, you will be crammed on top of one another. The only reason to tolerate that would be the close access to water. Again, because we were there during the late season, the water was low enough that it took some strategizing to get down there to get our SUPs in the water. Once we were in, it was perfect... cold and plenty deep. Oak Bottom is a tent only site, which is also a positive in my book. No generators or other vehicle sounds. The others in our area were also very quiet... no annoying music or loud voices during quiet hours. But, of course, that can't be guaranteed and I'm sure is different when the sites are filled since they are so VERY close together. Overall, I would recommend camping at Oak Bottom. If you're going during the busy season and you can afford it, reserve two spots!
RangerThe camp ground was beautiful. Pretty close to the water, however, this year summer 2021 the water is very low. The camp ground offers bathrooms, bear boxes, very nice fire rings and clean water. There is no camp host so bring your own wood. The fee is $25 a night. The trash cans were over flowed and there was bags of trash outside of the garbage. Please don’t do this)-:
Weird vibes: when we pulled up there was only one other truck there. They were two people yelling at each other pretty loud so that was kinda awkward but, nothing crazy. Then we set up our tent and other car came to the spot next to ours and checked the bear box and was walking around the spot. They moved parked at another spot and did the same thing. I’m not sure if they left something or what was going on but, they just walked around to each site checking the bear box’s??
Not sure if I would return unless more people were there because I felt uncomfortable leaving my tent and things there unattended.
RangerWonderful spot. Sites were kinda small, but we we able to fit 2. -6 person tents and a 4 person in a row. Wasn’t windy when we got there in the morning, but that night the wind started and almost blew everything away. STAKE down, no matter the weather. Water was super warm, but gets icky in the summer, so definitely need to go early in the season.
TravelerThe first morning we were there my dog found and ate some weed that someone had carelessly and irresponsibility discarded on the ground and she became extremely ill and had to be rushed to the emergency vet for treatment. Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands.
The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor.
ScoutOur family stayed 3 days and 2 nights, the sites are on the smaller size. We stayed at B13. Restroom were clean, rangers come and clean it almost everyday. Trash is picked up every other day. Bear box was large, easily 2 coolers and more. Lake is just a short walk away and the story carry all the essentials that you might need
Tent camping near Cottonwood, California offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds. From serene creekside spots to secluded retreats, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cottonwood, CA is Peltier Bridge Primitive Campground — Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near Cottonwood, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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