Cottonwood Campground, near Navajo Dam, is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with easy access to the San Juan River. This spot is perfect for fishing, especially if you’re into trout, and many campers have raved about the fishing opportunities right from the campground.

The campground features well-shaded sites, most equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, making it a cozy place to unwind after a day of adventure. Clean restrooms are available, and while there are no showers on-site, you can find facilities a short drive away at Navajo Lake State Park. As one visitor noted, “The bathrooms were very clean,” which is always a plus when you’re camping.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby, including a path leading to the river that offers some stunning views. The area is also known for birdwatching, with unique sightings like the local "camp robber" bird. Just keep in mind that the access road can be a bit rough, so be prepared for a little bumpiness on your way in.

If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and fish, Cottonwood Campground has you covered. With its natural beauty and friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the outdoors.

Cottonwood Campground - Navajo Lake

Join the fun near Navajo Dam. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Navajo Dam is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Navajo Dam camping trip.

Navajo Dam

The Best Camping Near Navajo Dam, New Mexico

Campsites are spread out well so you are not too close. They have water and electric at sites with a dump station. There are no showers but you can use the showers at navajo lake state park about a 20 minute drive. Make reservations \o get a spot closer to river. Some sites have covered tables.

quiet and peaceful

This is a campground that has access to the San Juan River below the Navajo Dam. There is direct access to bait Waters as the campground is on the river. The Quality Waters, which are catch and release and barbless fly fishing only, are a short drive away. This campground has shade, which is nice because the summer sun is very intense. It has hookups and is RV friendly, with both drive through and driveway sites available. The campground has bathrooms facilities, but NO SHOWERS. The campground is accessed by a rough dirt road, which may present an issue for some people. Overall, we really enjoyed our time here and we recommend this campground.

State campground with good access to San Juan River fly fishing 

Great place for trout fishing. Not good for other activities. Want to stay out once there due to very rough access road. Despite this, I have traveled to the location four times from Georgia. Rate as 5 for fishing, 2 for all other.

Fishing Mecca

Several sites with concrete pad, table, electric, fire ring, shade and water. Crowded but sites are tucked away. Can be a little loud at night with all the RVs running. River is a short walk from most sites and about 20 mins driving to the marina.

Walk to the river

Sits on the West side of the San Juan about 3 river miles below the dam and across from the Crusher Hole ramp. No pull out for your drift boat on the camp side. About 2/3rds of the sites are very well shaded, most have covered picnic tables and are a mix of asphalt and concrete pads. Bathrooms were very clean. It was Labor Day weekend but the evenings were quiet and the Campground never felt crowded. Easy access to the river from the campground and several hiking trails nearby including some neat ruins. There is about 2miles of dirt road to access but was well maintained. You are a short drive to gas, food and even a winery.

Shady Oasis in the Desert

The campground is right off the main road so there is some noise from traffic. The road is not heavily travelled though, especially at night. I was the only one at the campground, so I chose the rearmost site. This site is partially obscured from the roadway by vegetation and a small hill. Very nice area along a dry wash.

Quiet, lush campground

The campground is reached via 511 to 173 (top of the hill when you see The Sportsman Bar and Grill and a scenic drive). Wind through the little town of Navajo Dam, cross the river and  then you turn on Rd 4280, which is approximately 2 miles of rough washboard gravel. This takes you to the park entrance which is nicely paved. The entrance is currently under construction as of my visit and there is heavy machinery moving earth to make a more elevated entrance road. The need for this was evidenced by signs of washouts on the existing entrance road. However, this construction has nothing to do with the rough gravel road leading to the park entrance road.

Once inside, this campground is a big loop with 47 campsites coming off like spokes on a wheel. The inside sites have views of the other sites across the circle. The outside loop sites are more private.

Overall, the campground is nicely shaded by large cottonwoods and many of the sites back right up to the river. There is a decent amount of space between sites. A few don't have much in the way of vegetation between them, so not much privacy for those. There are back in and pull through sites. Also a dump on site and a group site. Hookups for water and electric. I used the restrooms and they were clean and adequate. Not sure if there were shower facilities. I didn't use them.

There is a paved trail to the river with benches for relaxing and taking in the beauty of the San Juan and there is a trailhead at the end of Rd 4280, but I didn't hike it.

I had zero Verizon cell service. Had to drive up to The Sportsman Bar and Grill in Navajo Dam to get a signal.

This is a fly fishers paradise as you can wade right into the river, fish and then walk back to your campsite with your catch.

Right on the San Juan River

This campground is an excellent location for winter fishing and birding. The restrooms are clean and heated. There are many available sites with hookups. Unless you are lucky on the weather, it is best to have a heater for your tent or camper.

  

The local "camp robber" bird is a white breasted nuthatch, which is a first for me.

  

There is a trail on the north side of the river leading up the Texas Hole that is walkable, but in poor repair. There are some sections where the trail is lost.

  

I expect the new bridge will be completed soon, it looks like they are only waiting on warmer weather so they can lay the asphalt.

Photos of Cottonwood Campground - Navajo Lake

Real photos from real campers