The Beaver River flows directly through this 14-site Forest Service campground, creating a constant soundtrack of moving water that masks nearby highway noise. Located just ten minutes east of Interstate 15, Little Cottonwood sits in a narrow canyon where afternoon shade arrives early as the sun dips behind surrounding ridges.
Gravel covers the high-traffic areas around picnic tables and fire pits, eliminating the dust that typically coats gear at other sites. Ian S. notes "one very nice thing about this campground is the gravel covering all the picnic/firepit and frequented areas." Most sites include water spigots, and several feature designated tent pads filled with pea gravel. Site 12 sits directly across from a wheelchair-accessible path leading to a riverside bench, while natural vegetation between sites provides visual separation from neighbors.
The fast-moving Beaver River offers fishing opportunities, though the cold water temperature keeps most waders to brief visits. Hiking trails depart directly from the campground, accessing higher elevations in the surrounding forest. The campground provides flush toilets in separate men's and women's facilities, though no shower houses. Firewood bundles cost $6 from the camp host when available.
Cell service remains nonexistent for most carriers throughout the canyon. Rod D. reports that "no cell service and in reach satellite struggled to get connection." The campground operates from May through September with reservations available through the Forest Service system. A trash collection station sits one mile toward town since no dumpster service operates on-site.
Campers seeking additional options can explore Little Cottonwood Dispersed Camping higher up the canyon for a more primitive experience.
Description
Overview
The Little Cottonwood Campground is conveniently located off Utah's I-15, adjacent to the Beaver River just outside of the community of Beaver in the Fishlake National Forest. At 6,500 feet in elevation, this is a great place to enjoy the mountains where recreation opportunities include stream fishing, hiking, and hunting.
Recreation
Enjoy fishing in the Beaver River; an accessible fishing path is located within the campground. The Piute ATV Trail is nearby; however there is no access directly from the campground. Be prepared to trailer ATVs to the nearby trailheads for access. Nearby Cottonwood Trail is a horse and foot trail that is accessed through the lower part of Cottonwood Campground. This rugged trail will lead southwest for about the first two miles and then takes a sharp turn to the east through Horse Flat.
Facilities
The campground has fourteen single-family campsites, two of which are accessible units available for reservation. All campsites are paved and have picnic tables and grills. An accessible restroom with flush toilets serves the campground. Potable water is available during the summer season. RVs up to 40 feet in length can be accommodated; no hook-ups are available.
Natural Features
Common vegetation includes cottonwood, aspen, pinion, juniper and ponderosa pine trees. A majority of campsites at Little Cottonwood are well-shaded. The Fishlake National Forest offers spectacular vistas and opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Elk, deer, black bear, moose, cougar and mountain goats are some of the large animals that call the forest home.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLittle Cottonwood Campground is located in Utah
Directions
Travel east of Beaver approximately 6 miles on SR 153.
Coordinates
38.2569444 N
112.5433333 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/24/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/24/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 43 min from St. George, UT
- 2 hrs 27 min from Provo, UT
- 2 hrs 58 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 3 hrs 25 min from Las Vegas, NV


















