Overview
The Cottonwood Recreation Area, located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon, is one of the busiest campgrounds in the southeast zone of the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Western white pine and white fir offer shade, and aspens turn gold every autumn. Abundant deer and even the occasional black bear can be sighted strolling through the campground. It is essential to pack all food away in vehicles, or hang it high.
This campground features 18 campsites, 6 vault toilets, and potable water during the season. Each campground has a picnic table and campfire ring.
Additionally, there are 4 walk-in, tent only sites and 1 horse camp site. The horse camp includes its own corral and water area, as well as a trailer turn-around. This high-elevation camp is generally free of snow mid-June through mid-October.
Cottonwood Meadows Lake is stocked with rainbow and brook trout, offering excellent fishing opportunity. There are 2 day-use areas and a boat launch on the north side of the lake. Only non-motorized and electric boat motors are allowed. Other recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, and exploring.
Recreation
Recreational activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, horse-back trail riding, picnicking, mountain biking, and nature viewing.
Facilities
3 vault toilets and 4 pit toilets scattered around the lake at different campsite locations, a boat ramp launch with parking area, recreational trailhead, and horse corrals.
Natural Features
Cottonwood Meadows Lake and surrounding Fremont-Winema National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
Close to Gearhart Wilderness Area and the greater Fishhole Lake Recreation Areas.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.