Cottonwood Campground Introduce
Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking to introduce your family to the joys of the outdoors, finding the right spot is key to a memorable experience. Tucked away in the picturesque Salt Creek Canyon near Nephi, Utah, Cottonwood Campground offers a tranquil and accessible retreat that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle. This is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a destination where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Its location within the stunning Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provides a breathtaking backdrop of towering canyon walls and lush tree cover, making every stay a scenic adventure.
Cottonwood Campground is known for its relaxed atmosphere and essential amenities, making it a favorite among locals. From the sound of the flowing stream to the shade provided by the dense tree canopy, every element of this campground is designed to provide a comfortable and immersive natural experience. It’s an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding area, whether you’re interested in hiking, simply relaxing by the fire, or enjoying a picnic with a view. The affordability and welcoming environment make it a highly sought-after spot for both short getaways and longer stays, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the best of Utah's wilderness.
The campground’s appeal extends to a wide range of visitors, from solo adventurers seeking solitude to families with children eager to explore. The combination of its natural beauty, practical amenities, and a friendly, local vibe ensures that everyone feels welcome. It's a true hidden gem for those in the Utah region looking for a no-frills, authentic camping experience.
Getting to Cottonwood Campground is part of the adventure. It is located at Salt Crk Cyn, Nephi, UT 84648, USA. The journey takes you through scenic routes that build anticipation for the natural beauty that awaits. The campground is situated along Salt Creek Canyon Road, providing relatively easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including larger RVs. The location feels remote, yet it's close enough to the town of Nephi to make quick trips for supplies or other necessities convenient.
Accessibility is a key feature of Cottonwood Campground. The site includes a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that it can be enjoyed by everyone. The layout is designed to be user-friendly, with on-site parking available at or near most campsites, making unloading and setting up camp a straightforward process. The absence of a gate suggests it is open year-round, which is a significant advantage for those who enjoy camping in the off-season. However, it's always a good idea to check with the U.S. Forest Service for any seasonal changes or updates. The scenic drive to the campground sets a peaceful tone, allowing you to decompress and embrace the natural setting from the moment you begin your journey.
The services and amenities at Cottonwood Campground are designed to provide a comfortable, no-fuss camping experience. While it doesn't offer the extensive facilities of a resort, it provides everything you need for a genuine and enjoyable outdoor stay. The focus is on the essentials, allowing you to concentrate on the experience rather than worrying about a lack of basic provisions.
RV and Tent Sites: The campground accommodates both RVs and tents, with specific sites tailored to each. A customer review notes that a 28 ft trailer fit perfectly in spot 14, highlighting the suitability for various RV sizes.
Public Restrooms: The campground provides access to public restrooms, including pit toilets, which are a basic but crucial amenity for a comfortable stay.
Running Water: Access to running water is available, which is essential for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.
Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table, providing a dedicated space for meals and gatherings.
On-site Parking: Parking is conveniently located at or near each campsite, making it easy to access your vehicle.
These simple but essential services ensure that campers can enjoy the natural environment without compromising on basic comfort and hygiene.
What truly sets Cottonwood Campground apart are its unique features and highlights that enhance the camping experience. These elements contribute to the campground’s tranquil and immersive atmosphere.
Dog Friendly: Cottonwood Campground is a fantastic option for pet owners, as dogs are allowed. This means you don't have to leave your furry family members behind when you go on your outdoor adventure.
Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is noted as "good for kids." The natural setting, with a flowing stream and opportunities for exploration, provides a safe and engaging environment for children to play and learn about nature.
Affordability: One of the most significant draws of Cottonwood Campground is its affordability. Customer reviews highlight the very reasonable rates, with one mentioning a price of $10 for 1-3 nights and $20 for a week. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers.
Scenic Location: The campground is nestled within a steep canyon with beautiful tree cover on most sites. This provides ample shade and a sense of being fully immersed in nature, with the added benefit of a stream that flows part of the year.
Year-Round Access: The absence of a gate suggests the campground is open all year, offering the unique opportunity to experience the canyon in every season.
Proximity to a Stream: Several sites, including site 14, are located right by the river, offering the relaxing sound of flowing water and a beautiful natural feature.
These highlights make Cottonwood Campground a compelling choice for a wide range of visitors, from those seeking a quiet escape to families looking for an accessible and fun outdoor experience.
For more information or to inquire about your visit, you can contact Cottonwood Campground using the following details:
Address: Salt Crk Cyn, Nephi, UT 84648, USA
Phone: (801) 798-3571
With its simple, factual, and accessible information, you can get in touch to plan your perfect camping trip.
Cottonwood Campground stands out as a top choice for campers in the Utah region for several key reasons. Its combination of natural beauty, affordability, and practical amenities creates an ideal setting for a genuine outdoor experience. The U.S. Forest Service operates this site, which assures a certain standard of upkeep and a focus on conservation. It is an excellent example of an unpretentious, authentic campground that prioritizes the camper's connection with nature.
What truly makes it worth choosing is its incredible value for money. As one reviewer noted, the prices are very reasonable, making it an accessible option for people from all walks of life. The ability to stay for up to six days (as per a recent change in stay limits) allows for a more extended, leisurely retreat without breaking the bank. The friendly, no-frills environment, where you have picnic tables, a pit toilet, and running water, is a perfect antidote to the overly commercialized camping experiences found elsewhere.
Furthermore, the dog-friendly and kid-friendly atmosphere means it’s a place where the whole family, including your four-legged members, can feel at home. The stunning backdrop of the canyon, with its steep walls and beautiful tree cover, provides a unique and memorable setting. Whether you’re a local Utahn looking for a quick weekend getaway or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of the state's natural beauty, Cottonwood Campground offers an unforgettable experience that is both affordable and enriching. It's a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural world, all while enjoying the simple comforts that make a camping trip truly great.
Cottonwood Campground Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- RV camping
Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Public restroom
- Restroom
- Running water
- Tent sites
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- On-site parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Cottonwood Campground Photos










Cottonwood Campground Location
Cottonwood Campground Reviews
creektablescanyonfire pitspicnicPRICEDshadetrafficfees
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great little campground that’s very affordable! $10 for 1-3 nights and $20 for a week. I believe it used to be free, but still very reasonable.We stayed in spot 14 and it was right by the river. And our 28 ft trailer fit great.
May 12 · Katie JohansenGreat US Forest Service campground with tables and pit toilets. Nice stream that flows part of the year. Steep canyon walls on both sides of the road. Open all year as best as I can tell because there is no gate. Nice tree cover on most of the camp sites. Stay limit is now 6 days.
June 05 · Jim W.I didn’t even know that this campground existed until August (2024). It is only $20 for 14 days and is so worth it. I plan on spending as much of our spring there as possible.
August 31 · Jamie V RawlingsOne of the best!You can camp the Uintah NF ANYWHERE FREE!!! EXCEPT THE PAY SPOTS...WHICH ARE OVER PRICED COMPARED TO THE REST OF THE USA.
June 11 · SACRED GEOMETRY UNIVERSECampsites are small and close together. Tent camping is not the best, would be more fun with a trailer.
May 21 · Drew Griffin
More Camping Near Me

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Salt Crk Cyn, Nephi, UT 84648, USA

Uinta Wasatch Cache National Forest, Nephi, UT 84648, USA

Nephi, UT 84648, USA

Old Pinery Rd, Nephi, UT 84648, USA

Unnamed Road, 84629, Fairview, UT, USA

Santaquin, S Cyn Rd, Payson, UT 84651, USA

Unnamed Road, Fairview, UT 84629, USA

N Camp Koholowo Rd, Payson, UT 84651, USA

Forest Rd 018, Salem, UT 84653, USA

W9M2+FX, Elk Ridge, UT 84653, USA

FR 020, Payson, UT 84651, USA

X875+67 Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, FR 021, Payson, UT 84651, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Top Searches
Trending The Campfire Posts





