Fremont-Winema National Forest — lakeside, hiking
Location: Lakeview, OR, OR
Price: From $6 per night
Rating: 4 out of 5 (0 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): moderate signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Electric Hookups, Boat Launch
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/cottonwood-campground-fremont-winema-national-forest to be notified when sites open up.
One of the busiest campgrounds in southeast Fremont-Winema National Forest with 18 well-separated sites offering scenic lake views, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and diverse activities including boating, hiking, and horseback riding.
Wildlife alert: American Black Bear present — pack all food in vehicles or hang high. Also: Mule Deer, Western Gray Squirrel, Hairy Woodpecker, American Goshawk, Black-backed Woodpecker, Valley Garter Snake.
Insider tips for Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest): Book early — this is one of the busiest campgrounds in the zone. Bring insect repellent — mosquitoes reported as somewhat problematic. Horse corrals available but reported to be in rough condition if planning horseback riding.
Skip Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest) if: Need hookups — no hookups available at most sites.. Require winter camping — seasonal operations May through October only..
Best time to visit Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest): September-October — Aspens turn gold in autumn; campground operates May through October with peak fall foliage..
Nearby campgrounds: Lofton Reservoir Campground (Bly, OR), Dog Lake Campground (Lakeview, OR), Aspen Cabin (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or) (LAKEVIEW, OR), Marsters Spring Campground (Paisley , OR).
Cell signal at Cottonwood Campground (Fremont-Winema National Forest) (Lakeview, OR): moderate overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: Verizon.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
this is one of the busiest campgrounds in the zone.
Bring insect repellent
mosquitoes reported as somewhat problematic.
Horse corrals available but reported to be in rough condition if planning horseback riding.
Aspens turn gold in autumn; campground operates May through October with peak fall foliage.
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: Verizon.









Cottonwood Campground is located 45 minutes northwest of Lakeview, Oregon. From Lakeview, Oregon, travel west on Oregon Highway 140 towards Bly, Oregon. Follow HWY 140, then turn right on Forest Service (FS) Road 3870. Continue north on FS Road 3870, then follow signs to the campground.
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