Cottonwood Campground (WA)

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

The sound of the river carries through the night at Cottonwood Campground, a small Forest Service site tucked into Snoqualmie National Forest outside Naches, Washington. Sites are compact and heavily vegetated between them, which gives each spot a degree of privacy unusual for a campground this size. The access road is rough, so lower-clearance vehicles should approach with caution.

River access is one of the campground's defining features, though it comes with caveats. Several sites sit directly alongside the water, and Dylan M. notes it was "very nice to hear the river throughout the night." The riverbank itself is narrow and rocky rather than open and sandy, so it functions better as a swimming or fishing spot than a place to set up chairs. Cell service is absent, and the single water spigot is located near the entrance, which means a longer haul for sites at the far end of the loop.

Cottonwood works well as a base for exploring the surrounding Cascades. Nearby day trips include Horseshoe Basin, and the river draws anglers during the season. Whistlin' Jack's Outpost & Lodge sits a few miles northwest along the highway if campers need supplies or a meal. For those weighing camping near Goose Prairie, this campground is among the more low-key options in the corridor.

The site runs from late May through late September. Reservations are available, and given the small number of sites, booking ahead is worth doing, especially for summer weekends.

Fee Info

Extra Vehicle Fee $11.00

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted, but must follow specific rules.

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsCottonwood Campground (WA) is located in Washington near Goose Prairie

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Naches, take Highway 410 northeast 22.5 miles to milepost 99.5.

Address

Hwy 410
Naches, WA 98937

Coordinates

46.9072222 N
121.0261111 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Cottonwood Campground (WA) sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Cottonwood Campground (WA)

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
75%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the campground's excellent privacy and quiet atmosphere, with river sounds masking road noise. Several guests observed the convenient location near Mt Rainier at affordable rates, though basic facilities and limited space suit shorter stays best.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2023

Super Quiet & Small

Loved how quiet and small this campground is, and how much privacy the sites have. Many of the sites have river access, which was lovely in the heat. Downsides - water is close to the entrance, so a bit of a haul, no cell service, and there wasn’t as much around as we expected (no trails from the campground, etc). We had hope to do the Boulder Cave Trail, but they recently switched to reservation-only and you can’t reserve day-of.

Site16
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2019

Great Spot for a Night Passing Through

We stayed here one night while passing through. It is in a great location near Mt Rainier for a fraction of the price of closer campgrounds. It was very small, but very lush between sites which made it extremely private. Some spots are right on the river, but don't expect to lounge by it in your chair. There is only a short narrow opening and the riverbank is lush and rocky. We picked the spot at the very end on the roundabout (can't remember the number) and it was extremely private. Was very nice to hear the river throughout the night! Recommend for a night or two, but a bit cramped for anything more. Halfway-roughing it camping. There is a pit toilet, main shared water spigot, and dumpsters.

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2019

Good Basecamp spot

The Cascades have so many peaks to climb, glaciers to see, and shorter trails. But you have to get deep into the backcountry before you have access to most of them. Cottonwood is a great place to set up camp for a few nights while you spend the days exploring. I recommend seeing horseshoe basin, and if you’re here in the summer, jump in the river! In the hot months, flies can get pretty bad. (Video is from nearby horseshoe basin)

  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Campground (WA) by Emily L., April 30, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Pick a Riverside Site

The sites along the river have good privacy, river access, and the sound of the river drowns out the sound of the nearby road as well as other campers. The bathrooms could have been cleaner but about as expected for a vault toilet.

Site9
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Campground (WA) by Rachel M., August 13, 2018
  • Review photo of Cottonwood Campground (WA) by Rachel M., August 13, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Cottonwood Campground in Naches look like?

Cottonwood Campground features a small, intimate setting with lush vegetation creating excellent privacy between sites. Many campsites are positioned directly along the river, offering both scenic views and the pleasant sound of flowing water that helps mask road noise. The riverside sites provide direct water access, which is particularly refreshing during hot weather. The natural environment is verdant and shady, creating a secluded feel despite the campground's proximity to the road. The overall atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for those seeking a more private camping experience.

Where is Cottonwood Campground located in Naches, Washington?

Cottonwood Campground is located in the Naches area of Washington, positioned near Mount Rainier National Park. The campground sits alongside a river, making it a convenient base camp for exploring the Cascade Mountains. Its location offers good value compared to campgrounds closer to Mount Rainier while still providing access to numerous hiking opportunities including Horseshoe Basin and other trails in the region.

What amenities and facilities are available at Cottonwood Campground in Naches?

Cottonwood Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and a water source located near the entrance. The campground is small and quiet with sites positioned along the river. There's no cell service available, so visitors should plan accordingly. While the campground itself has limited facilities, it serves as a good starting point for exploring nearby trails and outdoor activities, though no trails begin directly from the campground.