Overview
Cottonwood Campground is located along the Naches River in the Northern Cascade Range of Washington. Craggy peaks, mountain meadows and old-growth forests provide visitors with unique landscapes within the Okanogan National Forest.
Warm summer days and access to a multitude of recreational activities make it an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy whitewater rafting on the nearby American River or splashing around in Naches River, which can be accessed from the campground.
Cottonwood Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to fish, swim, hike and enjoy a multitude of recreational activities throughout the year. Numerous hiking trails can be accessed near the campground and in the surrounding area. Nearby American Ridge Trail, open to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders, extends over 26 miles from Bumping River to the notable Pacific Crest Trail.
Facilities
Cottonwood Campground offers standard sites and tent-only sites. Vault toilets and drinking water are available; however, electric hookups are not available.
Natural Features
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's high, glaciated alpine peaks tower along the Cascade Crest. Lush valleys of old-growth forest define its western boundary, and at its eastern edge, rugged shrub-steppe country comprises a more arid region. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.
The Naches River, adjacent to Cottonwood Campground, is a tributary of the Yakima River in central Washington. In its upper reaches, the Naches River flows through rugged terrain and areas of pristine wilderness.
The river was used by Native Americans and settlers throughout history. It has served as a natural corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades via Naches Pass.
Nearby Attractions
Boulder Cave National Recreation Trail is one of the most popular places in the Naches District. Visitors can walk the accessible trail along the river or explore Boulder Cave. Interpretive signs along the trail explain the geology, plants, animals and fire history of the area.
In the fall, thousands of people come to experience whitewater rafting on both the Tieton and American Rivers.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area