Cottonwood 1-5 Campsites

A 25-mile stretch of mostly flat water defines the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River, where Cottonwood 1-5 Campsites anchors its remote foothold within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. This corridor runs from Loma, Colorado, to Westwater, Utah, offering Class I and II rapids alongside the Black Rocks, which are composed of 1.7-billion-year-old Vishnu schist. The area supports an abundance of wildlife, including great blue herons, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, mule deer, and desert bighorn sheep. Visitors must maintain a half-mile distance from eagle nests in the old cottonwood trees. Overnight camping permits are required year-round and must be reserved in advance through a daily rolling window opening two months prior to the desired date. Reservations open at 8:00 am MDT, allowing for multi-night trips with one active reservation at a time. The campsites provide free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desk support, though cell service remains spotty to non-existent. Motorized and non-motorized craft share the river, requiring specific courtesy protocols between powerboats and floaters. A fire ban on charcoal usage runs from May 22, 2026, through Labor Day. Spring brings variable weather and strong afternoon headwinds, while summer days are hot and buggy with little shade. Self-sufficiency is essential in this area with limited amenities and long rescue distances until Westwater.