Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Camping at Cottonwood Question

Is the camping at Cottonwood first come first serve and is it only walk ins?
TIA!

-Mark

Everything there is a first come first. Get there early on a Friday if that's your plan. During the week, I've never had a problem.

T.

There are 3 campgrounds at Horseshoe Meadows...Pass, Lakes and Equestrian. The only problem I have ever had is find a spot in the Lakes...where I prefer to stay for all trips leaving Horseshoe.

With that said, I've seen people sleep in their cars, in the truck beds, beside their cars and next to the campgrounds in illegal spots. There is no campground management at this location.

Phycon, are you asking about Cottonwood Lakes or Horseshoe Meadows where the road ends? Cottonwood Lakes permits can and should be reserved in advance but a good number of permits are held for same day walk-ins down at the visitor center in Lone Pine. Horseshoe Meadows area is first come first served... just park and find something, payment is self service.

Brent, I've stayed at Cottonwood Lakes Many many times, and I've never been aware of there being any system of reserving spaces. You also contradict the current posting on their website:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=20692&actid=29

"Located 24 miles from the town of Lone Pine, California, in the Horseshow Meadow Recreation Area. The campground has 12 walk-in sites with tent pads, shared tables, fire grates, piped water and toilet facilities.

Located near the Cottonwood Lakes/New Army Pass Trailhead, which provides access to Sequoia National Park and the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, in southern John Muir Wilderness."

I think you are talking about overnite BACKPACKING permits, which was not my interpretation of the question asked in this thread.

My question is about the camping site at the end of road (parking lot). I know there are self serve kiosks that works on the honor system where you're suppose to mail in your fee. I just wanted to know if there's a site at Horse Shoe/Cottonwood where you can reserve a spot.

-Mark

No.

Yes, as specified in my post, I was talking about Cottonwood Lakes permits. If you sleep there, it is overnight backpacking. The OP asked about "camping at Cottonwood", but has since clarified that he meant Horseshoe.