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Cottonwood Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cottonwood Lake Campground, near Grand Junction, Colorado, is a beautiful spot surrounded by lush forests and stunning lakes. This place is perfect for those who enjoy fishing, kayaking, or just soaking in the natural beauty of the area.

The campground offers a range of accommodations, including tent sites and RV spots, but be prepared for a more rustic experience—there are no electric hookups or showers. Visitors have noted that the campsites are well spread out, providing a sense of privacy while still being close to hiking trails and water access. One camper mentioned, “The campsites here are well spread out and right on the water,” which highlights the appealing layout.

If you’re planning a weekend trip, make sure to arrive early, as spots fill up quickly. Bug spray is a must, especially during the warmer months. The area can get lively with side-by-sides and four-wheelers zipping around, so expect some noise, but it adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the campground.

For those looking to explore, Cottonwood Lake Campground is situated within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest, offering endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures. Whether you're casting a line or just enjoying the scenery, this campground is a solid choice for a memorable getaway.

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Location

Cottonwood Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.074818 N
107.963264 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Cobbett Lake

Cobbett Lake

1 hr 18 min away

Sage View Ranch

Sage View Ranch

2 hrs 14 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

Cotton wood lakes

Wow ! A lush forest surrounding beautiful Cottonwood lakes 1 &4 great fishing access good for kayak / small boats . (Many other lakes in the area)The rain storms were pretty intense ,so much standing water we could not find a good place to camp dry camping no hookup. Plus the fact we were camping on a weekend the camp grounds were full by Saturday afternoon. We had to opt for basically a trail head parking lot are to setup and wait out the storms. In two days we had 4 hours to get out and fish and walk around the area . The side by side and four wheelers were not deterred by the rain storms zipping up and down the roads, so expect lots of noise and activity in the area of the lakes.Due to the intense storms we were not able to explore as much as we would have liked other than that absolutely beautiful lush forest.

Sitetrail head to cotton wood lake
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Love the space!

The campsites here are well spread out and right on the water. We found we had privacy and still had great hiking spots near by. May need a car that has AWD if you’re going up the hill to more dispersed spots as we had difficult in our smaller car. It was one of our favorites!

  • Review photo of Cottonwood Lake Campground by Hannah R., April 17, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

It’s a mesa

Top notch mountain cut in half. I love it up here. If only someone could find the other half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cottonwood Lake Campground located on Grand Mesa?

Cottonwood Lake Campground is nestled on Grand Mesa in Colorado, situated beside beautiful Cottonwood Lakes (identified as lakes 1 and 4 in the area). The campground sits within a lush forest setting with several lakes in the vicinity. Some sites are located right on the water, while more dispersed camping options are available up the hill, though these may require AWD vehicles due to challenging terrain.

What activities can you do at Cottonwood Lake in Colorado?

Cottonwood Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with good access points around the water. The lake is suitable for kayaking and small boats, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. Hiking trails are available nearby for exploration of the surrounding forest areas. The Grand Mesa area features multiple lakes beyond Cottonwood, providing additional recreation options. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this mountain setting. The natural environment with its lush forest creates ideal conditions for photography, nature appreciation, and relaxation in a serene mountain landscape.

What do reviews say about Cottonwood Lake Campground?

Cottonwood Lake Campground earns high marks for its natural beauty, privacy, and lakeside setting. Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites that offer both privacy and proximity to hiking trails. The campground fills quickly on weekends, so early arrival is strongly recommended. Visitors highlight the surrounding lush forest and beautiful lakes as standout features. Some note challenges with rain and standing water during storms. Bug spray is essential. The campground is particularly appreciated for its access to fishing and small watercraft opportunities.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Lake Campground?

Cottonwood Lake Campground offers primitive camping with no hookups for RVs. The campsites are well-spaced for privacy and many are positioned right along the water. There are multiple camping areas with different site options, including more dispersed sites up the hill from the main camping area. The campground provides basic facilities suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs, though specific amenities like bathrooms and water sources aren't detailed. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping.