Fishing draws most visitors to Cottonwood Campground, a three-site Forest Service campground set along water in Boise National Forest. Sites are few, and day-use anglers pass through regularly, so overnight campers should expect company even on weekdays. No pets are allowed. Access follows FS 377, a short road that reviewers report as passable for any vehicle in reasonable mechanical condition. The campground runs April through October, and nearby Arrowrock Reservoir Dispersed provides an overflow option just 1.2 miles south if sites are taken.
Description
Overview: A stay at Cottonwood Campground enables guests to enjoy all the beauty and recreation offered around the Middle Fork Boise River and Arrowrock Reservoir. The tiny campground hosts 3 campsites. Weather is usually good from mid-May through late September and is easily accessible by car in good weather, although the road is sometimes rough and the drive can be seemingly long. Checking with the Mountain Ranger District (208-587-7961) on road conditions before heading out is recommended. Natural Features: The campground is situated just north of the reservoir along Cottonwood Creek. There is at a switchback of Forest Service (FS) roads 268 and 377. It is located less than a mile along FS road 377. Wildlife watchers may want to look for deer and elk. Waterfowl, eagles and osprey are attracted to the river. Recreation: Cottonwood Trail begins nearby, leading to Bald Mountain. Check the Idaho City Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for trails in the area that are open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers and off-road vehicles. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. Arrowrock Reservoir is a premier fishing destination in southwest Idaho. It offers excellent trout fishing for rainbow and cutthroat trout. There are also good swimming holes. Big game hunting is a popular activity in season. The Middle Fork Boise River is just north of the campground and also offers great fishing.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCottonwood Campground is located in Idaho near Idaho City
Directions
From Boise, Idaho, travel north along State Highway 21 and turn right at the Forest Service (FS) road 268 junction that goes to Arrowrock Reservoir. Travel along FS road 268 east past the Arrowrock Dam approximately 16 miles to the Cottonwood Campground. Turn left on the switchback that junctions with FS road 377. Reminder, use caution when traveling FS road 268, it road can be quite hazardous in narrow and rough sections.
Coordinates
43.63176279 N
115.82505036 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 15 min from Boise, ID
- 3 hrs 49 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 5 hrs 8 min from Pocatello, ID
- 5 hrs 42 min from Idaho Falls, ID
