Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground is at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road in the Inyo National Forest. The campground is 24 miles southwest of the town of Lone Pine. At 10,000 feet in elevation, Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground makes a good place to spend a night before setting off into the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park.
Many hikers set out for Cottonwood Lakes (6 miles) either as a day hike or overnight trip. The summit of nearby Mount Langley attracts adventurous mountaineers. Other backpackers cross New Army Pass to connect with the Pacific Crest Trail or press on to climb Mt. Whitney from the western side. Some hikers continue west into the magnificent Kern River Canyon.
Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground has 12 walk-in campsites with tent pads. Visitors are limited to a one-night stay at the campground. Picnic tables and fire grates are shared. Those who want a campfire should bring their own firewood (obtained locally) since none is available at the campground. Boxes of firewood are sold at a roadside stand about 7 miles up Horseshoe Meadow Road. Cottonwood Pass Trailhead Campground and Horseshoe Meadow Equestrian Campground are nearby.
Picnic table, fire ring, bear-proof food storage locker; no hook-ups
Campground:
Vault toilets, tap water
Showers:
No
Dump station:
No
Attractions near Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground:
Follow hiking trails to Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail and other destinations in the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park.
Lone Pine - 24 miles northeast of PCT on Highway 395
Post Office, grocery, lodging, restaurants, laundry, outfitter, public transportation (Eastern Sierra Transit)
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Purchase firewood locally to avoid spreading pests.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground
Set Out on Adventure
A Backpacker's Guide to California's Most Spectacular Sierra Nevada Destinations
Southern Eastern Sierra Attractions and Activities
South of Mammoth Lakes are a number of wonderful camping areas along the Eastern Sierra. Among them are Convict Lake, Rock Creek, Sabrina Lake, South Lake, and Big Pine.
Those visiting Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead Campground may enjoy stopping by some of these destinations before or after their hikes.
Find great fishing at Convict Lake, Rock Creek Lake, and Lake Crowley.
Enjoy wonderful hiking trails leading into the Sierra Nevada.
Spend days among the beautiful Mammoth Lakes.
Take a day hike up the trail into Little Lakes Valley at Rock Creek.
Enjoy a day at Rock Creek Lake's beach area, swimming and fishing.
Fish for trout in popular Bishop Creek or nearby Lake Sabrina and South Lake.
Hike up Big Pine Creek past waterfalls to actor Lon Chaney's wilderness cabin.
