Cottonwood Pit

Cottonwood Pit near Wheeler, Oregon, is surrounded by rolling hills and open landscapes. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Visitors can explore the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and the Painted Hills, both offering unique geological features and hiking opportunities.

Description

US Forest Service

Ochoco National Forest

As you may have guessed, this campground is located in an old gravel pit. When the excavation hit the water table and the pit was filled in with water the operations ceased and the site was abandoned. Now this campground is locally known as a swimming hole, and is also occasionally stocked with trout.

This campground has a large parking area associated with it, so it can accommodate several vehicles, thought there are only 3 established campsites. There is ample room to place tents, campers, recreational vehicles and other luxury camping items to make the already impacted areas comfortable to your standards. Please remember to bring all your portable amenities with you when you leave and please do not construct any new features at this developed site. Thank you.

The parking area at this campground can accommodate any sized RV or trailer, however there are no hook-ups of any kind available at this location.

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Location

Cottonwood Pit is located in Oregon

Directions

From Paulina, Oregon: Travel on County Road 112 going east for 3.5 miles, then travel north on Beaver Creek Road (County 113) for 8 miles to Forest Service Road 42. Take Forest Service Road 42 north for another 8 miles to Forest Service Road 12, then go north on Forest Service Road 12 for 6 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 4274 and then take the 080 spur until you run into Cottonwood Pit Campground.