Cottonwood Campground - Fort Sumner, NM

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Cottonwood Campground


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The Cottonwood Campground, located within the Oasis State Park, has about 10 developed campsites. The Oasis State Park is set among cottonwoods trees, shifting sand dunes, and a small fishing lake. Although fishing is the park's main draw, it also has several hiking trails, a peaceful and shady campground, and an abundance of birds.

The park's cottonwood trees were planted by a homesteader in 1902, but the park was not officially established until 1962. The pond (sealed with a bentonite clay liner) was created in 1972. In addition to being stocked with trout during the winter, the pond is stocked with channel catfish in the summer and numerous area residents head to the park each weekend.

The pond has several picnic tables, including two with shelters. Most anglers sit on the shore or bring lawn chairs. The High Plains Trail runs along the base of the dunes, through prairie grasses, for about 1.5 miles. There is also a walking path 0.4 mile around the pond, and a nature trail, which wanders through the sand for about a mile. A paved wheel-chair accessible trail runs from the parking area north of the pond to the pond.

Ducks and geese are often seen floating in the pond. April is the second busiest month for birdwatchers. Sightings of more than eighty species of birds have been reported in the park.

Facilities: The Cottonwood Campground provides restrooms, drinking water, and picnic areas.

Reservations: Certain campsites at Cottonwood Campground do require reservations.

Best Time To Visit: Unknown

Fees: A day usage fee and an overnight camping fee do apply.

Accessibility: Unknown

Rules: Know all park rules and regulations, which are posted in the park. Drive only on designated roadways and obey posted speed limits. Camp only in the designated areas. Keep pets on leashes. (It is a good idea to have proof of current rabies immunizations when traveling with pets in New Mexico since it is required by law in some of the state's recreation areas.) Do not feed the wildlife. Be aware that vandalizing, defacing, or removing antiquities, minerals, plants or wildlife is absolutely prohibited. Bring your own firewood since none is available in the park. Bring and drink ample water, at least one gallon per day per person, and allow for the extreme heat of the desert in the summer.

Directions: To get to Cottonwood Campground from Fort Sumner, drive east on US-84/60 turn right onto US-70, travel towards Portales. Oasis State Park is 6.5 miles north of Portales via NM 467.

Attractions Near
Cottonwood Campground

Oasis State Park

Address

Park Manager

1891 Oasis Road

Portales, New Mexico 88130

Phone
General: (505) 356-5331

Website

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