Cottonwood Campground

Our Take

What makes Cottonwood Campground special

Cottonwood Campground sits in a beautiful semi-alpine pocket near Lander, Wyoming, where the foothills of the Wind River Range begin their dramatic climb toward the Continental Divide. With 18 well-spaced campsites nestled among groves of cottonwood and aspen, the campground strikes a comfortable balance between accessibility and backcountry feel. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, and potable water is available on-site, a welcome convenience at this elevation. The surrounding landscape is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Lander has earned a reputation as a world-class climbing destination, and the nearby Sinks Canyon State Park offers excellent hiking along the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie River. Anglers will find productive trout water within a short drive, and the vast Shoshone National Forest opens the door to backpacking trips deep into the Winds. In town, Lander serves up a friendly mix of gear shops, breweries, and locally owned restaurants. Summer is the prime season here, with July and August bringing warm days and cool nights perfect for campfire evenings. Wildflowers carpet the meadows through early August. Sites can be reserved in advance, and doing so is recommended for weekend visits. The campground generally opens in June and closes by mid-September, depending on snowfall. Cottonwood is an excellent base camp for anyone drawn to the wild heart of Wyoming.