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Canyon de Chelly/Cottonwood
Overview
Cottonwood Campground serves as the primary gateway for travelers exploring Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Chinle, Arizona. Managed by Navajo Parks and Recreation, this facility offers a rustic camping experience deeply rooted in the history of the Navajo Nation. The park derives its name from the large cottonwood trees that provide essential shade in the high desert environment, creating a peaceful atmosphere for visitors arriving after long drives through the Four Corners region.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at the mouth of the canyon, the campground is positioned perfectly for easy access to both the North and South Rim drives. The surrounding landscape features striking red sandstone cliffs and expansive desert vistas characteristic of northeastern Arizona. Being located within the monument allows guests to witness the changing light on the canyon walls at sunrise and sunset, an experience that captures the spiritual essence of this protected landscape.
Amenities & Park Features
This park is designed for those who appreciate simplicity. It features approximately 90 individual campsites that cater to both tents and RVs. Features include:
- Dry camping sites with no utility hookups
- Restrooms with flush toilets
- Seasonal RV dump station and potable water spigots
- Picnic tables and fire grills at each location
While there are no showers or Wi-Fi available, the abundance of shaded sites makes it a comfortable and cool base camp for navigating the high desert climate.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Visitors are mere minutes away from iconic landmarks like Spider Rock and the White House Ruin. While the rim drives offer spectacular overlooks, many travelers opt for a guided jeep tour led by Navajo guides to explore the canyon floor. Hiking the White House Ruin trail provides a rare opportunity to descend into the canyon without a guide, allowing for a closer look at the ancient Ancestral Puebloan dwellings tucked into the cliffs.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cottonwood Campground is ideal for self-contained RVers who prioritize location and natural beauty over modern resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for history enthusiasts and photographers looking to immerse themselves in the Navajo culture and the geological wonders of the Southwest. If you enjoy a quiet, shaded retreat and don't mind skipping the luxury of a swimming pool, this park offers an authentic and powerful connection to the land.
Amenities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
bruce richman
This campground has no hook ups but does have a dump station and potable water station, the sites were level and were all tar each site had a picnic table and a charcoal grill, and clean toilets and a very helpful host,it is a self check first come first serve campground and we'll worth the $20dollars a night to stay
FiftysevenNine Txz
It seems as if this campground shall no longer have plumbing until the end of time. I stayed one more night and had to go to Basha's to fetch agua. While filling my tank a local streetDude requested U.S. currency for fireWater to which I responded "water is life." The campground is close to the south rim to see the big hole from atop a cliff. Some folks walk to the bottom. Back at the campground super large beetles converge at the campsite. They are slow and have hard backs. I touched a few. There's nothing to do at the campground.
r l
Great to find a campground in this area. Good location. Was almost completely empty. Bathrooms are closed -ports potties in front of them. No water available. Overrun with ants. Can’t use picnic tables and they bite dog’s feet. $20 cash. Plenty of sites in the shade. Not terrible, but glad it is only one night. No camp host on site. I would not leave camper here unattended right now. Looks like it used to be really nice- it even has an amphitheater!
Garret Maurer
Perfect for visiting Canyon de Chelly. Nice gift shop near lodge. Sites were private enough for a night’s stay. Tons of goatheads in the soles of your shoes and dogs feet. Overall the only real place to camp with paved roads.
Susan Lindsay Kizer
This is a great campground for overnight! I called before we headed there to see if they had pull-thru’s available and everyone was very kind on the phone. First come first serve so no guarantees, but we got one! Quiet, clean and we felt safe. We would definitely recommend this place!