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
April 28, 2022 Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This campground is a gem, which has a shaded, broad grassy lawn (!) for tents. We spotted a great-horned owl may reside in the overhead cottonwoods. There were many other birds, and it’s a short drive to Santa Elena canyon.
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April 29, 2022 Stayed at: A, Loop: Group Site A
Quiet, pleasant campground. Very clean toilets. thank goodness there are trees for shade.
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May 2, 2022 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
One of the nicest sites I have ever been to.
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May 6, 2022 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
It’s a beautiful, quiet campground, and a great location for seeing a variety of birds. It’s also relatively close to some nice hikes like Mule Ears, Santa Elena Canyon, and the Upper and Lower Burrow Mesa trails.
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May 8, 2022 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We loved the grass where we set up our tent, and the trees that shaded our site. The ranger that came through the campground to check on new arrivals was very helpful. It also worked out well for us to be close to St. Elena Canyon, because we went there early in the morning to hike the trail, and still had time to get back and pack up before the check-out time. The pit johns were clean.
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May 14, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Fantastic campground with large level sites. The only place in the park where you will find shade on the hottest days under the cottonwoods. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Amazing place to see all kinds of birds including two grey horned owls.
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May 25, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This is a small campground with shade available at almost every site. We had site #2 at the entrance, farthest from the toilets which wasn't that far. Mid day shade was not very much but later afternoon was great. No real check in process, just go to your reserved spot and set up camp. No one ever came by to confirm we were even supposed to be there. Sites were spaced out so you didn't feel cramped. Toilets were clean and well stocked, and the only smell was from the outside. We had visits from roadrunners and an owl, but no other critters. This was a great little campground on the west side of the park and highly recommended by us.
For future reference, the visitor center is closed for the season in May and the camp store is only open from 10am-4pm
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June 11, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Wow, it was an incredible experience. We found nothing wrong here. It was peaceful, exciting and the staff was very friendly.
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August 14, 2022 Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Place was empty, easily the cleanest campground I've visited.I awoke to birdsong...a group of strange rocks caught my eye I approached them and a family of javelinas stood up and sauntered into the woods 20 yards from my tent..
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October 14, 2022 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice, shady place.
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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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