Hikers exploring the eight-mile out-and-back trail will find Cottonwood Pit serves as a convenient base camp in Wheeler's canyon country. This US Forest Service campground operates year-round with free camping, providing basic amenities including drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables. The drive-in access accommodates RVs and trailers, while pets are welcome throughout the grounds.
One camper noted the well-maintained facilities and highlighted the canyon setting that offers clear night sky viewing. The location within Ochoco National Forest provides access to additional camping near Ochoco National Forest and connects to the broader trail system. Alcohol is permitted on-site, making this a suitable option for groups planning extended hiking trips or stargazing sessions.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCottonwood Pit is located in Oregon near Dayville
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.
Coordinates
44.36800058 N
119.87100082 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 17 min from Bend, OR
- 3 hrs 44 min from Kennewick, WA
- 4 hrs 17 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 4 hrs 22 min from Yakima, WA


