
Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Cottonwood Creek Campground is located on Highway 89, four miles south of Sierraville. Its location makes it a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by Lake Tahoe Hospitality LLC for the Tahoe National Forest. Recreation Cottonwood Creek Botanical Trail and Overlook Trail are both short, foot trails that begin in the campground. The surrounding area offers additional trails and fishing opportunities. Facilities The campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Natural Features The campground sits along Cottonwood Creek, in a stand of Jeffrey pine, and red and white fir trees. The forest provides shade and privacy between sites, but noise from the highway can be heard within the campground. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (530) 606-3978 for general information. Nearby Attractions Lake Tahoe is located about 40 minutes from the campground. Scenic Tahoe offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. Sardine Lakes, within the beautiful Lakes Basin, is a 35-minute drive northwest of the campground, via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Stampede Reservoir is a 45-minute drive southeast.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 3.8 mi
fuel station
Sierraville Service and Country Store
- 16 mi
propane
7-Eleven
- 9.6 mi
grocery
Leonard's Grocery
- 15 mi
potable water
Potable water
- < 0.1 mi
trailhead
Cottonwood Botanical Interpretive Trailhead
- 2.5 mi
attraction
Campbell Hot Springs
- 5.1 mi
recreation site
Little Truckee
No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.
Contact & access
- SIERRAVILLE RANGER DISTRICT · SIERRAVILLE, CA 96126
- 530-994-3401
Reservations & demand
July weekends are typically reserved about 15 days ahead.
Based on 118 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/6/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.

