Cottonwood Lakes Walk in Campground

in Inyo National Forest

The numbers that decide it

Recreation.gov publishes no site-level detail for this campground, so we cannot say what length of rig it takes. Call the managing office before committing to it in a large vehicle.

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.

Cottonwood Lakes Walk in Campground

Located in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area, the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead campground has 13 walk-in sites suitable for backpackers and hikers to use the night before they are going to hike to Cottonwood Lakes. Self-register when you arrive. Sites include food storage boxes, tent pads, tables, fire grates, and toilet facilities. Potable water available. The backpackers walk in campsites share parking with the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead.

Before you go

Reservations

Reservations accepted

Fees

$10.00 per night during summer season.

Restrictions

One night stay limit at campgrounds. • Campfires only in metal fire rings provided • Wood gathering is prohibited • Active bear area, bear boxes are provided and must be used (typical bear box size 48" x 30" x 36")

Make it a night on a better road

Byway plans the drive in — real stops, real weather, nothing invented.