## Overview

 This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. 
## Facilities

 The campground is situated on a gently sloping hillside surrounded by aspen trees, within walking distance to the lake. It is a popular campground for anglers and sites fill up quickly on weekends. If the campground is full, dispersed camping is permitted along road 344 half-mile west of Cottonwood Lake.

Cottonwood Lake Campground

This campground has what I desire most in one, a lake, and rushing waters within walking distance of campsite.  It has decent fishing for small rainbow trout and is stocked on the regular.  The sites have trees around them or in them and that is always a plus for me when choosing a campground.  There are vaulted toilets, in both the campground itself and near the fishing pier's at the lake.  FCFS-(1st come, 1st serve), which I like.  It isnt too long of a drive back in to town for supplies and I have always felt safe camping here!  Enjoy

Most everything needed but showers and electrical.

This campground is a decent size, not too big but has several sites available if you are looking for basic car camping. No showers, vault toilets and beautiful scenery. It's a short walk to access natural water and has moderate shade. It's especially beautiful for Aspen Fall colors. 

First come first serve has never seemed to let our family down; 4 out of 5 times we'll get a spot on a late Sautrday morning. It's great for multi-tent car camping with family & friends. Very well kept & clean sites with fire/grilling pits & picnic tables. Well placed sites allow for a more secluded feel & your neighbors aren't 5 feet from your tent. It's pricey, but for good reason I suppose 

Beautifully Pricey 

We came here last year during the summer and it was so beautiful and quiet. Great scenery, not crowded, plenty of sites to choose from. Mosquitos were killer, so bring plenty of bug spray or whatever you use for repellant! We will be coming back this summer!

Quiet and beautiful 

this campground is always a beautiful time. the weather was cool, but warm in the sun. plenty of things to do like fishing, hiking, ATV trails, etc. the lake is just breathtaking scenery. Highly recommend!

Just as beautiful as last time!

Awesome spot for what ever you like to do while you camp!

Best spot

Cottonwood Lake campground near Buena Vista is my favorite campground on this particular road (my other favorite campground in the vicinity is Cascade). Some of the campsites are roomy and have a fair amount of privacy due to the Aspen trees around the area. Sunrise was nice and the lake was pretty. It’s far enough from the main road that there isn’t any traffic noise. Some of the campsites are on hilly terrain and are terraced with steps between different levels of the campsite. The lake is just a short walk from the campground.

Cottonwood Lake is a pleasant campground in a nice setting.

This is a great campground, as most sites are spread out... Feels fairly private. 

Really beautiful!

Sites are spaced decently. 
Near lots of great dispersed camping &amp; great alternative if unable to grab nice dispersed site. 

Beautiful

A beautiful campground nestled in an aspen grove and evergreens. Cottonwood creek and Cottonwood lake are close by. The first come first serve sites are spacious and well laid out. There is a very nice day use picnic and fishing docks on the lake. Beautiful lake for SUP, kayaking, fishing or just passing time. Easy access to the lake and surrounding area. Added bonus if you head further down the road from the campground there is ample disbursed camping in the area if that works for you!