Cottonwood Campground

The campsites are clean, modern, and full hookup which is great for RVs.

It sits between the busy 15 fwy and wetlands so VERY noisy and VERY buggy, even early spring. Did I mention the freight trains run next to the freeway as well?? A trifecta!!

We would consider a one nighter here if passing through but not for a family camping vacation. Far too many other great campgrounds in Utah.

Easy access from I-15. Sites are well kept and nicely spaced. Short walk to the lake and day use area. Showers and bathrooms looked fine. Bugs are a problem though and proximity to the freeway made it a little noisy. Camp host is very friendly and helpful. We'd stay again as a stop over. According to the camp hosts, about half of the Cottonwood hookup sites are closed so they can put Christmas lights and other decorations up. I am not sure for how long.

At first glance a very cute campground. To get to the lake you must climb down a treacherous rock embankment or enter thru the boat launch. The lake area is swarming with bugs. The lake is very warm and there are vault bathrooms. Each site has power and water unless you get a tent only site. It’s a bit expensive at $35 per night. It’s very crowded but the sites are good size.

We started in a really cute camp site with darling little pavilions, problem was the high tension lines directly over our camper… they were so close that when we touched the camper we got a shock!

The park staff were gracious and gave us a site in the South Park by the boat launch- it wasn’t terrible but it had the feel of a Walmart parking lot with hookups.

Was here 1 night on our trip out and 2 on our trip back. All reserved back in Feb/March (as early as was able). First some things to know:
- don't expect to get in before check in time (3 pm)
- front gate staff is very friendly considering the amounts of traffic they deal with
- Stayed in Cottonwood campground (hookups) but there is another that has no hookups
- Good shade but not ALL day
- BRING YOUR BUG SPRAY - those skeeters are no joke!
- Lovely nature path runs behind the campground with easy access and will take you down to the beach area or between the two campgrounds.
- SLC folks come to this beach and marina in droves especially if it is hot in the valley.
- Campground was quiet at night and honestly not bad during the day either
- Campground has some screwy sites (as in how you get in them). Look at the map and determine what way you need to head down which road to properly pull in your site. Most of the roads although only 1 vehicle wide are 2 way.

My experience, the past 2 times I've stayed was good. First night was after a 400 mile slog and it was 104 degrees. Got my site and my window hanger and in I went glad to be done. Arrived at my spot and it had not only a trailer in it but all their "stuff" strewn about. Drove to camp host (who by the way we never saw during ANY of our stay - determined that at least this camp host does little to nothing as never saw them drive by to check on anyone and know for a fact they weren't around at check in time either of our 2 stops). Went to camp host trailer - knocked - no one there, back out to the gate and out to the truck stop to turn around (gate going out is not manned and you can't stop and block traffic there). Told gate staff the issue, they said they'd call host, told them not to bother they weren't around so they said they'd call the ranger and I said I meet them at the host site. Rangers were FABULOUS, were there in 10 minutes, went down to verify site was full of stuff (with no one home conveniently), they dug up reservation, called the "squatter" and came to say they'd wait with me as the "squatter" would be back. 30 minutes, of course they didn't show up, rangers went back to site, then returned to me and said that person was SUPPOSED to have moved sites but would I be okay taking the site they were SUPPOSED to be in. I was hot, tired, hangry and said yes. It was fine for one night but just know, don't expect to find a camp host to help (at least this season) and apparently they aren't responsible for assuring sites are vacated.

Second visit went perfectly. Just got eaten by skeeters and yes it was hot but can't complain. Love that there is shade in the entire campground (be aware if you are allergic to cottonwood trees though). Nature path early in the morning is great and quiet. Did wander up to the no hookup campground and honestly if you don't NEED hookups - go there!

Would have liked to have had more accessible trash but that is a nit pick. The camp host situation was irritating but honestly, that is for the park staff to figure out. Full hookups were good (power post at my site was a bit loose - again nit pick). Covered picnic tables at all sites but do be aware the covers are a haven for paper wasps. They didn't bother us any but they are there - check under to be sure.

This is always a good stop for me on any trips south (from Montana) and yes I'd stay again. If you have kiddos even better as the beach and swimming area are a short walk and although I'm sure it is really crowded on hot days and weekends it is lovely. The sites near the interstate (and even 226) do have road noise from the Interstate (as in LOTS of truck traffic) so know that going in. For us with a/c going the whole time was no big deal. Sites a bit deeper in (towards the bay) are better.

BRING BUG SPRAY FOR SURE.