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.
General Store
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
November 22, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very nice and open campground just a couple of minutes away from the majestic Santa Elena Canyon. Stayed here for 2 nights and got to see Javelinas walking around the campground and a wide variety of birds.
If you're sleeping in tent, be aware, they flood the entire campground to irrigate and this will force you to camp at the parking pad. There's not much dry space left for your tent and your car.
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November 22, 2021 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Lovely quiet and peaceful campground, great for wildlife viewing. We got to admire a couple great horned owls up close perched on a tree right next to our site! Grassy areas make for easy tent pitching. The park rangers were very welcoming and helpful.
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November 22, 2021 Stayed at: 022, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Not only was the campground quiet and beautiful, but also the camp hosts were the BEST! Friendly, helpful, kind. Wonderful!
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November 22, 2021 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We stayed here for 3 days and had a great experience. The camphosts were great, bathrooms, sites, and land overall maintained beautifully.
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November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The rangers at Cottonwood Canyon Campground were incredibly helpful in getting me to my site, and sharing some very interesting information about the local wildlife (including two great horned owls that were regulars at the grounds)! The sites were clean, as were the bathrooms, and the other campers were very friendly and respectful. I helped one young gentlemen open a can of beans with a manual can opener. Others let me use their campsites to get good photos of the owls and other birds. This site was a haven for numerous bird species, including the owls, vermillion flycatchers, three different types of woodpeckers, doves, etc. The proximity to Tuff Canyon and Santa Elena Canyon make this an excellent spot to spend your time. Also, the view of the night sky was unbeatable. Highly recommend!
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November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Ed was a great camp host to talk with and had tons of information. The restrooms were very clean and even smelled good. Great camping experience.
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November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Had many conversations with Ed the site host. Very pleasant man and offered great information about Big Bend. The campground was very organized and clean. Saw some great wildlife as well. Would definitely recommend. Thank you Ed for being an amazing host. You made our stay a memorable one.
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November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Calm clean and way out there. We loved it.
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November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Quiet, secluded
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November 27, 2021 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood campground was fantastic. Sits right on the Rio Grande. No generators!
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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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