A maximum of two motor vehicles, one vehicle with a trailer, one motorhome with tow vehicle or four motorcycles allowed per campsite. A maximum of four tents OR one wheeled camping unit and one tent allowed per campsite. Only 1 conversion van or other type of recreational vehicle allowed per site. Two (2) conversion vans or RVs require 2 campsites.
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Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
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582 reviews
Cottonwood Campground offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a low-key experience near Santa Elena Canyon. While many of the original cottonwood trees have been lost, leading to reduced shade and some disappointment, the campground still provides a clean and well-maintained environment, with friendly staff and decent facilities. Visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings, wildlife sightings, and proximity to hiking trails, making it a worthwhile spot despite its recent challenges.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Based on 582 reviews
Showing 582 reviews
May 19, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We made the reservation based on previous years visits - lovely big cottonwood trees filled with birds. When we arrived the cottonwood trees were gone and thus the site drescriptions ("plenty of shade") were bogus. Further there was no mention of the hordes of mosquites that appear after the sun sets. Please update the online info on this campground.
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May 10, 2026 Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
a small campground away from some of the more popular places in the park and near Santa Elena Canyon. however, the name needs to be changed. not a single living cottonwood tree was in evidence. it's now a field of suffering mesquite trees. all because as a country we have underfunded the parks we set up to protect some of the most beautiful natural splendor the country has to offer. i was told the cottonwoods died because the park didn't have the staff to irrigate them regularly. also the park depends on volunteers to patrol the back country campsites!
FUND OUR PARKS!
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May 5, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
End of April was very hot. My first camp spot, site 17 had pretty much zero shade. I roasted in my camper van. The next morning, with the help of the wonderful camp host I was able to move to site 8 which had much much more shade. Helped a huge amount. The campground was fine. Did not spend much time there. Mostly out exploring.
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May 4, 2026 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Good location and amazing views, some trees seems to have been recently cut and camping spot had 0 shade, sun was very harsh which made lounging a bit harder than expected, consider bringing some way to shade your campsite if visiting.
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April 28, 2026 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Campground was adequate but that's all. Could use some upgrades.
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April 26, 2026 Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Really cool area with lots of wildlife. We saw two different groups of javelinas and some wild horses. Great experience!
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April 24, 2026 Stayed at: 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
What have you done?! Dead trees, dead grass, bare dirt, no nod to the history of the cottonwoods. Sad. No plan in place to replace the trees that died and that you killed? Incompetence or mismanagement? Both? Get it together. Also, pit toilets were maxed out. Need new management at Big Bend!
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April 24, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Stayed at site 23. So peaceful and quiet.
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April 22, 2026 Stayed at: 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This is a big dry open field with dry vegetation and VERY FEW trees. VERY hot and no way to escape the heat. Lots of construction visitor center not open.
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April 22, 2026 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We enjoyed our stay, but it definitely doesn't look like the pictures anymore. There was a fire, and a lot of the trees are dead. The only trees it has now are mesquite with thorns. We had to first clean all the fallen thorns and branches before setting up our tent. We still enjoyed it; the people were very friendly.
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Po Box 129, Big Bend Nat. Park, TX 79834 United States
Elevation: 649 ft
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 mi (39.8 mi) south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 mi (26.1 mi) to Park Headqu...
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 mi (39.8 mi) south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 mi (26.1 mi) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right at the intersection and go 13 mi (13 mi) west. Take a left at the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and drive 23 mi (23 mi) to Cottonwood Campground.
GPS Warning: GPS units may send you down Old Maverick Road, an unpaved, very rough road. Do not take Old Maverick Road unless you have a four wheel drive and high clearance vehicle.
Cottonwood Campground is accessible via State Highway 385, which connects to Interstate 10 to the north. Travelers can take State Highway 385 south from Interstate 10 through Fort Stockton and Marathon to reach the campground.
The closest entrance is: Maverick Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 13.4 mi · 23 min
Check in time
1PM
A maximum of two motor vehicles, one vehicle with a trailer, one motorhome with tow vehicle or four motorcycles allowed per campsite. A maximum of four tents OR one wheeled camping unit and one tent allowed per campsite. Only 1 conversion van or other type of recreational vehicle allowed per site. Two (2) conversion vans or RVs require 2 campsites.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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