Cottonwood Creek Campground Tahoe National Forest California
Cottonwood Creek Overview
Cottonwood Creek campground offers 49 single-family campsites next to the creek in a beautiful pine tree setting in the Tahoe National Forest. The back loop (further from Hwy 89) has generally smaller sites. Larger RV’s would do better from sites 26-49. Cottonwood Creek itself is usually a mere trickle. Cold Creek (just across Highway 89) is more substantial and has fishing.
Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Campground amenities include drinking water and vault toilets. Firewood is also available for sale from the camp host. Cell service is not available.
Cottonwood Creek – Area Recreation
The campground is located on Highway 89 about 4 miles south of Sierraville. This location makes a great “base camp” for activities like fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and wildlife viewing. Lake Tahoe is also located about 40 miles south of the campground.
You may also like Yuba Pass campground. Cold Creek Campground is also less than a mile away with 13 first-come first-service campsites.
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Amenities
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - None
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Grills
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
Activities
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Creek
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Hunting
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Rock Climbing
- Stargazing
- Walking Trails
- Wildlife Viewing
Tahoe City, California 96145
530 862-1030
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- ADA
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
49
Campsite Vehicle Size:
25 ro 40 feet.
Season:
Early May – Late September
Elevation:
5,808
Cottonwood Creek Comments & Reviews
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We enjoyed this campsite. The creek was so tiny and located at the back of the campground. Cold Creek across 89 was a bit better for the kids. Most spaces seemed level for RVs. Many were small and tent only. About 10 spaces are FF and they seem to be the best ones. We were in space 20 and our friends were in 44 both of which were very good sites. Long driveaway and no trees on either side so we could put our awning out. The campfire area drops down from the parking pad at #20 so be careful walking out 😉 My kids said they wanted to come back here. They liked scootering down the hills. I would prefer if it was a little closer to the Sierra Butte lakes but its only about 35 min, so not too bad for a day trip. Many other campgrounds in the same area but most seemed to be right on the highway and in full sun. This one is tucked back just enough with plenty of trees. Packed on the weekends but sparse during the week.
Quick correction – on the campground map shown here, Site 9 is incorrectly displayed on the outside of the loop road. It actually is on the inside of loop road.