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California · Federal campground

Cottonwood Campground

7 mi southeast of Mount Laguna, CA · Verizon 4G

Federal campgroundtype
First comebooking
May–Jun & Sep–Octbest months

About Cottonwood Campground

Among the live oaks in southeastern San Diego County is Cottonwood Campground. The campground offers a tranquil and refreshing experience. Cottonwood Campground is an excellent starting point for day hikes, overnight backpacking trips, and equestrian use. The campground is located in the McCain Valley Resource Conservation Area. A trail out of the campground leads to the Sombrero Peak Area, Upper Bow Willow Canyon, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. The Pepperwood Trail and Sombrero Peak Trail are both rated moderate to strenuous. The trails are sandy in composition and meander through public, state, and private lands. Elevations range from 3,000 to 4,500 feet. This makes the area an excellent escape from the hot summer temperatures of lower elevations. Most precipitation is received from December through April. Thundershowers are common during July and August. Winter temperatures…

  • Fees: Fee
  • Managed by: Bureau of Land Management, BLM
  • Where: 7 mi southeast of Mount Laguna, CA · 32.8002, -116.33826

Things to do:

HikingHorseback ridingBikingOff-road (OHV)Wildlife & birdingHunting

Amenities:

Picnic tables

Official page for this camp (fees, closures, booking)

Weather by month

55°
33°Jan
55°
33°Feb
59°
35°Mar
64°
37°Apr
72°
42°May
82°
49°Jun
88°
56°Jul
89°
56°Aug
83°
51°Sep
72°
43°Oct
62°
37°Nov
54°
34°Dec

Typical daily highs and lows (°F), 1991–2020 NOAA normals. Best months: May–Jun & Sep–Oct (comfortable days, mild nights, little rain). Nights below freezing: None.

See Cottonwood Campground from above

Fly over it in 3D, check today's weather and fire news, plan the drive and print a trip plan.

Good to know

Cell signal

Verizon 4G

From the carriers' FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous.
Night sky: Rural edge

The Milky Way is clear overhead but fades toward town glow.

Class 4 of 9, from NASA/NOAA night-light data.

Stargazing nearby: Mount Laguna Observatory (University observatory), 7 mi.

RV essentials

Dump station: 10.6 mi

Nearest of each within 25 miles, straight-line.