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Map showing campground location near Mesa Lakes, Colorado
Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Lake CampgroundView 3 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Mesa Lakes, Colorado

Cottonwood Lake Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Multiple lakes dot the high-elevation terrain around this Forest Service campground, with Cottonwood Lakes 1 and 4 providing the primary water access. The campground operates from June through September at elevation in Grand Mesa National Forest, where late-season storms can create standing water conditions.

Sites here spread out with ample space between them, many positioned close enough to the lakes that water views become secondary to proximity. Sue G. notes the campground has "some of the best sites ever, large, flat areas and well laid out, with plenty of room." The layout accommodates various access methods including drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in options, though dispersed sites higher up the hill may require all-wheel drive vehicles.

Weekend arrivals should plan for afternoon competition, as sites fill by Saturday afternoon during peak season. The area sees regular ATV and side-by-side traffic on surrounding roads, adding mechanical noise to the mountain environment. Fishing access proves solid from the shoreline, and the lakes accommodate kayaks and small watercraft.

Standard amenities include drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, with firewood available for purchase. The location serves as a launching point for fourteener attempts via Cottonwood Pass. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore campgrounds near Mesa Lakes. Note that pets are not permitted at this campground.

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Location

Public Campground

Cottonwood Lake Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

39.074818 N
107.963264 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the large, well-spaced sites right on the water with good fishing access. Some feedback indicated weekend crowding and ATV noise, though most found it an excellent base camp for hiking.

Sue G.
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2025

A hidden gem by the lke

First the campground has some of the best sites  ever,large,flat, areas and well laid out,with plenty of room. Some have views,but all are so close to the lake, it doesn’t matter. Great base camp for high a fourteener or other lake hikes up Cottonwood pass.

Month of VisitAugust
N
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2021

Cotton wood lakes

Wow ! A lush forest surrounding beautiful Cottonwood lakes 1 &4 great fishing access good for kayak / small boats . (Many other lakes in the area)The rain storms were pretty intense ,so much standing water we could not find a good place to camp dry camping no hookup. Plus the fact we were camping on a weekend the camp grounds were full by Saturday afternoon. We had to opt for basically a trail head parking lot are to setup and wait out the storms. In two days we had 4 hours to get out and fish and walk around the area . The side by side and four wheelers were not deterred by the rain storms zipping up and down the roads, so expect lots of noise and activity in the area of the lakes.Due to the intense storms we were not able to explore as much as we would have liked other than that absolutely beautiful lush forest.

Sitetrail head to cotton wood lake
Month of VisitJuly
Hannah R.
Reviewed Apr. 17, 2021

Love the space!

The campsites here are well spread out and right on the water. We found we had privacy and still had great hiking spots near by. May need a car that has AWD if you’re going up the hill to more dispersed spots as we had difficult in our smaller car. It was one of our favorites!

  • Review photo of Cottonwood Lake Campground by Hannah R., April 17, 2021
C
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

It’s a mesa

Top notch mountain cut in half. I love it up here. If only someone could find the other half.

Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cottonwood Lake Campground located on Grand Mesa?

Cottonwood Lake Campground is nestled on Grand Mesa in Colorado, situated beside beautiful Cottonwood Lakes (identified as lakes 1 and 4 in the area). The campground sits within a lush forest setting with several lakes in the vicinity. Some sites are located right on the water, while more dispersed camping options are available up the hill, though these may require AWD vehicles due to challenging terrain.

What activities can you do at Cottonwood Lake in Colorado?

Cottonwood Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with good access points around the water. The lake is suitable for kayaking and small boats, making it perfect for water enthusiasts. Hiking trails are available nearby for exploration of the surrounding forest areas. The Grand Mesa area features multiple lakes beyond Cottonwood, providing additional recreation options. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this mountain setting. The natural environment with its lush forest creates ideal conditions for photography, nature appreciation, and relaxation in a serene mountain landscape.

What do reviews say about Cottonwood Lake Campground?

Cottonwood Lake Campground earns high marks for its natural beauty, privacy, and lakeside setting. Campers appreciate the well-spaced sites that offer both privacy and proximity to hiking trails. The campground fills quickly on weekends, so early arrival is strongly recommended. Visitors highlight the surrounding lush forest and beautiful lakes as standout features. Some note challenges with rain and standing water during storms. Bug spray is essential. The campground is particularly appreciated for its access to fishing and small watercraft opportunities.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood Lake Campground?

Cottonwood Lake Campground offers primitive camping with no hookups for RVs. The campsites are well-spaced for privacy and many are positioned right along the water. There are multiple camping areas with different site options, including more dispersed sites up the hill from the main camping area. The campground provides basic facilities suitable for tent camping and smaller RVs, though specific amenities like bathrooms and water sources aren't detailed. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

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