OutReserve

Cottonwood (big Bend, Tx)

Warning

General

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.

Cottonwoods and acacia trees provide shelter and shade to campers.
Tree lined campground
Aerial view of Cottonwood Campground, bright green trees amidst the low desert, riparian area
Small travel trailer set up in tree-lined campground with cliffs in background
Two travel trailers in campsite with trees lining the sites and roadway

About Cottonwood (big Bend, Tx)

Cottonwood Campground is a quiet desert oasis in the southwestern corner of Big Bend National Park. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 30-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 30 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted. There is not a fill or dump station, please come prepared. Cottonwood gets its name from the cottonwood trees that surround and provide shade for the facility nearby the Rio Grande. A general store and visitor center -- a converted former military outpost -- are also nearby. The campground is at an elevation of 1,900 ft. (580 m). It is relatively cool in the peak seasons of fall and winter due to cold air sinking into the lower elevations. In the spring and summer, this campground is very hot, with temperatures normally exceeding 100° F (38° C) from mid-March through August.

Number of accommodations: 29

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jan 1 to Apr 30

Sites & Availability

29 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 020, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 022, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 023, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 027 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 029 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Electric Only
$16.00
/ per night
A, Loop: Group Site A
25 guests · Pet Friendly
$60.00
/ per night

Reviews (194)

Review Summary

4.5
194 reviews
5
72.2%
140
4
13.4%
26
3
10.8%
21
2
3.1%
6
1
0.5%
1

Roger D

Verified

February 12, 2024 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)

4

Site ok

Jeanna S

Verified

February 10, 2024 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)

5

Nice site, wonderful hosts and volunteers, the most scenic drive in the park to get to the campground

Andre L

Verified

February 8, 2024 Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)

5

Absolutely wonderfull area, a must see

Annette J

Verified

February 7, 2024 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)

5

Great place to camp on western side of the park. Hikes, sites and history of the area great! Campground is simple and quiet. Large sites. Definitely a quieter side of the park.

Location Cottonwood (big Bend, Tx)

Address:
Po Box 129
Big Bend Nat. Park, TX, 79834
United States

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

General

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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