Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest)

Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest)

Part of Fremont-Winema National Forest

Overview

The Cottonwood Recreation Area, located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon, is one of the busiest campgrounds in the southeast zone of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Western white pine and white fir offer shade, and aspens turn gold every autumn. Abundant deer and even the occasional black bear can be sighted strolling through the campground. It is essential to pack all food away in vehicles, or hang it high.

This campground features 18 campsites, 6 vault toilets, and potable water during the season. Each campground has a picnic table and campfire ring.

Additionally, there are 4 walk-in, tent only sites and 1 horse camp site. The horse camp includes its own corral and water area, as well as a trailer turn-around. This high-elevation camp is generally free of snow mid-June through mid-October.

Cottonwood Meadows Lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout, offering excellent fishing opportunity. There are 2 day-use areas and a boat launch on the north side of the lake. Only non-motorized and electric boat motors are allowed. Other recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, and exploring.

Facilities

3 vault toilets and 4 pit toilets scattered around the lake at different campsite locations, a boat ramp launch with parking area, recreational trailhead, and horse corrals.

Natural Features

Cottonwood Meadows Lake and surrounding Fremont-Winema National Forest.

Recreation

Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, horse-back trail riding, picnicking, mountain biking, and nature viewing.

Nearby Attractions

Close to Gearhart Wilderness Area and the greater Fishhole Lake Recreation Areas.

Important Notices

  • Dogs must be kept on a leash. Camping stay is only allowed for 14 days maximum. There is no trash services, so pack it in, pack it out. Practice leave-no-trace policy.

    Potable water is only available during the fee-season, at spigots scattered across the campground. Water system is turned off and drained during the winter months. Signage will be posted at designated kiosks regarding water quality, testing, and safety.

Available Activities

  • Accessible Swimming - Accessible Swimming
  • Backpacking - Backpacking
  • Birding - Birding
  • Camping - Camping
  • Hiking - Hiking
  • Horse Camping - Horse Camping
  • Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating
  • Paddling - Paddling
  • Picnicking - Picnicking
  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Water Access - Water Access
  • Swimming - Swimming
  • Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
  • Day Use Area - Day Use Area
  • Canoeing - Canoeing
  • Boating - Boating

Directions

<p>Cottonwood Campground is located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon.</p><p>From Lakeview, Oregon, travel west on Oregon Highway 140 towards Bly, Oregon. Follow HWY 140, then turn right on Forest Service (FS) Road 3870. Continue north on FS Road 3870, then follow signs to the campground.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: Lakeview Ranger District (541)-947-3334

18049 HWY 395
Lakeview Ranger Station
Lakeview, OR 97630

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites