Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Cotton Creek Trailhead
Cotton Creek Trailhead is located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado, offering a terrain of forests and rugged landscapes. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, providing opportunities for hiking and exploration.
Description
US Forest Service
Rio Grande National Forest
The Cotton Creek Trail is 13.1 miles long. It begins at Forest Road 962 and ends at Forest Trail #745. Trail is well marked and maintained. It follow the creek through a rugged, steep canyon and diverse scenery, with views of high peaks and many beautiful wildflowers in season. Some stream crossings can be tricky if water level is high. Attractions are fishing in creeks and lakes, and many good campsites. Teacup Lake presents an opportunity for primitive route finding.
The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Dispersed Camping, and Wildflower Viewing
Location
Cotton Creek Trailhead is located in Colorado
Directions
From Alamosa travel on Highway 17 to county road AA, travel east for 5 miles, turn north on gravel road for 2 miles, turn east, travel 2 miles to trailhead.
Coordinates
38.13157442 N
105.7872448 W
Detours Nearby
Shavano Mountain
56 min away
Ventana Arch Dispersed Camp
1 hr 22 min away
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 30 min from Pueblo
- 2 hrs 51 min from Colorado Springs
- 3 hrs 16 min from Denver
- 3 hrs 26 min from Boulder
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageLast on 10/7/24
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
