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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29 Sites Available
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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
Sarah K
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Excellent fun at site 9. Lots of javelina activity crunching on the mesquite nuts after dark- kept us entertained!
Sarah K
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2025 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Site 30 is my new favorite site. Lots of javelina visits.
WAI-KIT L
VerifiedJanuary 8, 2025 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
It's small campground with min facilities. Tab water is for washing and drinking water is available from the small house near the entrance. Bathroom is clean with no water. The site is near Santa Elena canyon, so it's more convenient for sunrise, sunset photos.
Jennifer M
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2025 • Stayed at: 027 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We arrived after dark and left early the next morning. Vault toilets were clean.
Melissa M
VerifiedJanuary 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful, clean, and quiet campground. The scenic drive to the campground from the west entry was breath taking. Santa Elena canyon is just down the road from the campground, we were able to go for sunrise before the crowds arrived - amazing!
Geoff B
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Loved it!
Michael C
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I loved that this campsite was located off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. It's my favorite road in the park. The campsite was busy when I went, but I didn't feel crowded. No cell service — which is okay! — but the Castolon Visitor Center is within walking distance if you really need WiFi.
Michael D
VerifiedJanuary 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Super clean and quiet campsite that’s close to the Saint Elena trail. Makes for a quick place to decompress after being in the park all day and catching the sunset at Saint Elena!
Stacy W
VerifiedDecember 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Don't let the remoteness of this campground scare you off in the winter. Tent camping in mid-December with temperatures in the 70's was a dream come true. Quiet campground, which is visited by Javelina's in the afternoon. Such a treat.
Ashton P
VerifiedDecember 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 025, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
My sister and I car camped at Cottonwood because there were no accommodations available at Chisos Basin. (The spots filled up quickly.) But, I’m glad we stayed at cottonwood because we were more secluded (being the furthest south you can go). That said… the drive to almost anywhere else in the park was a couple hours drive one-way. However, we had a beautiful view of (what I can only assume is) Mexico right when you wake up. So beautiful!! The wildlife was also amazing; we saw a bear, roadrunners, javelinas, and much more. We are already planning our next trip!
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 6, 2026
