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.
About Cottonwood (big Bend, Tx)
Number of accommodations: 29
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
29 Sites Available
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Site Details
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29 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (194)
Review Summary
Gerald N
VerifiedDecember 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I encountered no problem with anything at campsite or surrounding campground…cheers to whom ever takes care of the hounds at Cottonwood…good job
Bé B
VerifiedDecember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 023, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Lovely place with lots of space in a beautiful National Park.
Superclean toilets. And fresh water available.
Mary U
VerifiedDecember 10, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Small campground that gives great access to explore the east side of the park. I was in site 17. Large site, but next to group camping, so there may be large groups there. The noise and light was to be expected from my neighbors in the group site, but it was easy to walk around the campground and find a place to enjoy the stars. Like all NP campgrounds, they are sold out and 1/2 the campsites are empty.
Pat D
VerifiedDecember 6, 2024 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Un lugar muy natural. No cuenta con ningun servicios, mas que unas canillas con agua no potable...hay unos baños secos.... Si vas en carpa, lleva todo lo posible menos mesa y sillas....el lugar es muy lindo pero carente....
Jacob M
VerifiedDecember 4, 2024 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great campsite!
Larry B
VerifiedNovember 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We liked the cost and location to trails and Santa Elena Canyon. However it was a bit cramped when full. Also we arrived on a Friday and a sign said full but it appeared 60% full. Needs to be good system to handle no shows and allow a hybrid of First come First served. Overall not a bad site but next trip want to experience the other campgrounds
Brad F
VerifiedNovember 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice camp space with trees and level lots. Clean bathrooms.
Julie Y
VerifiedNovember 29, 2024 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great campground. Quiet and dark due to no generators-- thank you!
Mark H
VerifiedNovember 29, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
It is an absolute outrage that something as simple as spending the night in a Public Campground requires anything more than choosing a site and dropping a few bucks in a lock box. The Nanny State control freak Fascists demanding 1) computer 2) internet 3) credit card 4) personal ID 5) Further personal ID ( license plate) - That makes SIX! Is the epitomy of an Orwellian police state in utter contempt of the Forth Amendment of our American Blll of Rights, and the polar opposite of brief respite from our sick excuse for culture in the eternal state of nature. Nice job, Comrades!
Frank M
VerifiedNovember 26, 2024 • Stayed at: 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The site was a last minute grab, as I had ridden out to BBNP without a reservation in hopes that one would open up, which it did. Cottonwood is so peaceful and the stars were amazing.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 29.1369 / -103.522
Elevation: 649 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| General |
Check-in. You may occupy your campsite anytime after 1:00 p.m.. Your site will be marked. There is no official check-in. procedure. |
| General |
Generators are not allowed in Cottonwood campground. Idling a vehicle to provide power is also prohibited. |
| General |
No Hookups or Dump Station. There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups. There is no fill/dump station available at this campground. |
| General |
Group Campsite is Tent Only. The group site is for tents only. RVs and trailers are NOT allowed. |
| General |
Campfires. No wood or ground fires are permitted in Big Bend. Charcoal may be used in the raised grills provided at each site. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Hammocks. No hammocks or other devices may be attached/tied to trees or any other natural features or objects. |
| General |
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.
