Cottonwood Campground – Joshua Tree National Park, California

Cottonwood Campground is a quiet, scenic desert campground located on the southern edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Known for its wide-open skies, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to diverse desert ecosystems, Cottonwood offers a different experience from the iconic boulder landscapes found in the northern part of the park. Its remote location, dark skies, and access to lesser-traveled trails make it a favorite among stargazers, hikers, and travelers seeking solitude.

Location & Setting

The campground sits near the Cottonwood Visitor Center along Pinto Basin Road, close to the park’s South Entrance off Interstate 10. At roughly 3,000 feet in elevation, Cottonwood lies in a lower, warmer portion of the park where the Colorado Desert begins to dominate. This creates a landscape filled with cholla, ocotillo, and desert wash habitats, offering a striking contrast to the Joshua tree forests farther north. The open terrain and lack of light pollution make this one of the best places in the park for nighttime sky viewing.

Campground Overview

Cottonwood Campground features around 60 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small to mid-sized RVs. The loops are arranged within sandy flats and gentle desert slopes, with distant mountain views in almost every direction. While there are fewer rock formations here than in the northern campgrounds, the expansive desert setting and quiet atmosphere give Cottonwood a serene, wide-horizon feel. Sites are more exposed, offering excellent star visibility and sunrise/sunset views.

Amenities

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and restrooms with flush toilets—features not always found in the more primitive northern campgrounds. The nearby Cottonwood Visitor Center provides maps, trail information, and exhibits about the region’s geology and ecology. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or a dump station directly in the campground. Because this area gets very hot in warmer months, campers should bring plenty of water and prepare for typical Colorado Desert conditions.

Activities & Nearby Trails

Cottonwood is well positioned for exploring the southern end of Joshua Tree National Park, where desert washes, rugged canyons, and fascinating geology dominate. Popular nearby hikes include the Cottonwood Spring Trail, Mastodon Peak Loop, and the Lost Palms Oasis Trail—one of the park’s most impressive palm oasis hikes. Birds and desert wildlife are often active near Cottonwood Spring, making it a great area for nature photography and early morning walks. The open desert sky also makes this one of the best locations in the park for astrophotography and stargazing.

Summary

Cottonwood Campground offers a quieter, more spacious, and more desert-focused experience than the popular campgrounds in northern Joshua Tree. With its warm Colorado Desert setting, easy access to scenic trails, modern restrooms, and exceptional stargazing conditions, it’s an excellent choice for campers seeking tranquility and unique landscapes. For those exploring the southern reaches of the park—or anyone looking for a peaceful night under a massive desert sky—Cottonwood provides a memorable and relaxing stay.