Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground

For Nevadans seeking a tranquil escape that combines the stark beauty of the desert with the refreshing allure of a pristine lake, Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground offers a unique and memorable destination. Located on the shores of Lake Mohave within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, this campground provides a scenic and spacious setting for both RV and tent campers. It's a place to disconnect from the hustle of city life and reconnect with nature, offering a peaceful retreat that is surprisingly close to urban conveniences. Whether you're an avid boater, a dedicated angler, or simply looking for a quiet spot to relax by the water, this campground has something to offer.

The experience at Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground can vary, but for many, it's a "perfect" and "absolutely perfect" place to find solitude and beauty. As one reviewer noted, this is a place where you can find "almost nobody at the camping site" and have the "beach empty all for myself." The campground’s location right on the waterfront gives you an ideal vantage point for taking in the stunning desert scenery and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mohave. The atmosphere is generally quiet, especially during the off-season, making it a "jewel place" for those who cherish peace. While some visitors have noted that the campground can seem forgotten with untrimmed shrubbery and occasional trash, a testament to its more rugged feel, the resort and marina facilities nearby provide a well-maintained and convenient hub for supplies and activities. The serene nights, with fewer boats and less noise, are what truly define the experience for many.

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is located near Searchlight, NV 89046, USA, putting it in a prime position on the northern end of Lake Mohave. It's about 45 miles north of Laughlin and a little over an hour's drive southeast of Las Vegas, making it a very accessible weekend getaway for many Nevadans. The campground is part of the larger Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, which provides a host of services and amenities within easy walking distance. Its location on the Colorado River and Lake Mohave is its biggest asset, offering an extensive aquatic playground for all types of water activities. Getting to the campground is straightforward, with paved roads leading from the main highway to the site, allowing for easy navigation for both RVs and cars.

Accessibility is a key feature of Cottonwood Cove. The park provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that the beautiful lakeside experience is open to everyone. On-site parking is available at each campsite, making it simple to set up your gear. The campground features asphalt sites, which are generally well-maintained and provide a solid surface for your tent or RV. While some reviewers have noted that sites can be a bit close together or lacking in shade, the overall accessibility and convenience of the location, including its proximity to the resort facilities, make it a practical and stress-free destination.

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground, while offering a dry camping experience, benefits from its proximity to the full-service resort and marina.

• Onsite Services: The lower campground offers basic onsite services, including access to a sandy beach. Guests can also easily walk to the nearby gift shop, convenience store, café (open seasonally), and the marina at Cottonwood Cove Resort, where they can find boat rentals, a snack bar, and other conveniences.
• Amenities: The sites are equipped with running water spigots spread throughout the campground, as well as barbecue grills and picnic tables. Public restrooms are available in the campground itself, with more comprehensive showers located in the nearby RV park for a fee.
• RV and Tent Camping: The campground can accommodate both RVs (up to 23 feet) and tents, with sites that can fit up to four tents. There are both reservable sites and first-come, first-serve sites available.
• Payments: The resort accepts credit cards and debit cards for camping fees and other purchases.
• Kid-Friendly: The campground is considered "Good for kids," with opportunities for swimming on the beach and exploring. The resort offers various kid-friendly activities as well.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the campground, with a maximum of two pets per site. They must be on a leash at all times.

These services provide a solid foundation for a fun and comfortable trip, even with the dry camping setup.

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground offers a variety of highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers in Nevada.

• Lakeside Access: The most significant highlight is the direct access to the beach and Lake Mohave. Guests can easily swim in the clear water, grill on the beach, or launch their own boats. Free loaner life jackets are also available for use.
• Proximity to Resort Amenities: Despite the campground's more rugged feel, you are never far from the conveniences of the resort. You can walk over to the marina to rent a boat or kayak, grab a bite to eat at the cafe, or pick up supplies at the gift shop and store.
• Excellent Views: The campground offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding desert landscape. The sight of the mountains meeting the water is a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area provides numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore the shoreline or venture onto the ridge a short distance from the campground for a different perspective and scenic views.
• Quiet Atmosphere: For those who prefer a less crowded and more peaceful camping experience, the lower campground often has fewer visitors, making it a great place to find solitude.
• Diverse Activities: From boating and fishing to volleyball and horseshoes at the resort, there are a wide variety of activities available for all ages, making it a great spot for family fun.

These highlights make the campground a versatile and appealing option for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Contact Information

For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground at:

Address: Searchlight, NV 89046, USA

Phone: (702) 297-1464

Mobile Phone: +1 702-297-1464

What is worth choosing Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground

Choosing Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is a decision to embrace a unique lakeside camping experience with a mix of rugged beauty and surprising convenience. While some campers have had mixed experiences with cleanliness or noise, the overall consensus is that this spot is a "jewel place" during the right time of year. The most compelling reason to choose it is the direct, uninhibited access to the beautiful waters of Lake Mohave. The ability to have the beach to yourself, as one reviewer mentioned, is a rare luxury. The campground provides an authentic tent or smaller RV camping experience without the frills of full hookups, encouraging a more self-reliant stay while still keeping essential amenities like restrooms and running water within reach.

The close proximity to the full-service Cottonwood Cove Resort and Marina is a major advantage. This means you get the best of both worlds: a peaceful, spacious campsite with the option to walk to a café, store, or laundry facilities whenever you need them. The wide variety of available activities, from water sports and fishing to hiking, ensures that your days will be as active or as relaxed as you wish. While some reviews mention issues with maintenance or loud parties, these seem to be situational and not the norm. The presence of a host, even if not always visible, and the overall security of the resort area provides a sense of safety. For the Nevadan who loves to get out on the water and enjoys a no-frills camping experience with some convenient amenities close by, Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground is a fantastic and valuable choice.

Cottonwood Cove Lower Campground

Searchlight, NV 89046, USA