Warning
GeneralA 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.
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates29 total sites
RV Sites
28 sites
Tent Sites
1 site
About Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)
Number of accommodations: 29
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
General Store
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Grill
- BBQ
- Fire Pit
On Site Services
- General Store
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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Reviews (578)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Daniel G
VerifiedApril 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Amazing views from Emory peak and the south rim trail. Campgrounds were nice, just wish they had showers.
Jennifer S
VerifiedApril 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
2nd time staying at this campground. Great little gem in the big state of Texas!
Emeterio R
VerifiedApril 14, 2025 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Outstanding! One of my favorite campgrounds. You are close to Santa Elena Canyon and many, many trails. There is a small store around the corner, and you can get some cell service from this spot. Only 25 or so spots. It's very quiet and there are many birds in the trees. This is a dark sky park, and I was able to capture some pictures of the Milky Way.
Guy T
VerifiedApril 13, 2025 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
One Of The best National Park 👍
Kevin S
VerifiedApril 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood is a quiet little campground with easy access to the main road. It is conveniently located close to a ranger station and the Santa Elena Canyon overlook and access. Plenty of shade to be had. Bear-proof lockers at each campsite, water spigots, drinking water, and toilets are amenities available.
Found a woodpecker nest above my tent. Lots of bird activity right in the campground.
I would stay again. Tent or travel trailer (pretty soft ground to sleep on).
Morgan G
VerifiedApril 9, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great location! Short drive to Santa Elena canyon and old Maverick road! Site 17 is close to toilets, water spigot and has decent shade. Would stay at this one again
Mondy C
VerifiedApril 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The camp rangers were very informative, I wish there was sinks and flushing toilets , but it’s fine.
Julie L
VerifiedMarch 21, 2025 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Loved the smaller campground. Lots of space, a friendly host and quick trip to Canyon.
Jeffrey J
VerifiedMarch 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Lovely, quiet campground. Spots have plenty of space, although desert vegetation provides little privacy. No cell service. The host was friendly and helpful, and the campground was spotless.
Michele M
VerifiedMarch 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great campground host.
Location Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)
Address:
Po Box 129
Big Bend Nat. Park, TX, 79834
United States
From Interstate 10, take State Highway 385 south to Fort Stockton and into Marathon. From Marathon, drive 40 miles (64 km) south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Drive straight for 26 miles (42 km) to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right at the intersection and go 13 miles (21 km) west. Take a left at the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and drive 23 miles (37 km) 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.
Elevation: 649 feet
Nearby National Park
In Big Bend National Park
Approximate driving time: 48 min
549 mi drive to downtown Big Bend Nat. Park (about 8 hr 58 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
1PM
General
- Do not reserve campsites that you are not planning to stay in. A camper arriving the day AFTER the reservation begins is considered a No Show. A No Show may result in a cancellation of your ENTIRE reservation. Contact the park at 432-477-2251 if you are late or will not be arriving until the day after your reservation starts.
- Generators are not allowed in Cottonwood campground. Idling a vehicle to provide power is also prohibited.
- No Hookups or Dump Station. There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups. There is no fill/dump station available at this campground.
- Group Campsite is Tent Only. The group site is for tents only. RVs and trailers are NOT allowed.
- Campfires. No wood or ground fires are permitted in Big Bend. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site.
- Pets. Pets are allowed in each campsite, although they must be leashed and restrained at all times. Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings.
- Food Lockers/Wildlife. Javelinas, bobcats and bears frequent the area. All food must be kept in the food storage lockers or approved containers or in a hard-sided vehicle. Dispose of trash n the animal-proof dumpsters provided. Do not leave coolers or food boxes unattended at any time.
- Are you still camping? If you leave your site during the day, please leave something at the site so we know you are not checking out early. A tent, camp chair, stove, book, etc. Something of little value but that indicates you plan to return.
- Hammocks. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects.
- Border Crossing. There is only one authorized border crossing within Big Bend National Park, located at Rio Grande Village. Crossing the border in an unauthorized location is illegal.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralA 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 9, 2026
