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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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
January 20, 2024 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful park! Great for bird watching. We were fortunate to see two large owls hanging out in the large cottonwood trees. Clean and very nice park attendant. Will definitely plan to stay here again!
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January 19, 2024 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Wonderful location. There was a mix up with our site reservation and someone else occupying it, but campground host was very helpful and assigned us another site for the night. Vault toilets were clean and drinking water was available. Would definitely stay there again!
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January 5, 2024 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great for birding, easy to pitch the tent, smaller number of sites, so we met many of the other campers! A bit remote from some of the other spots in the park, prepare for some driving
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January 4, 2024 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Staff kept the bathrooms very clean and did regular walkthroughs of Camp Cottonwood. All staff was very helpful and courteous, always answering our questions. There is a store with many items in case you forget something less than 5 minutes from Cottonwood. My top favorite places I visited on my 1st trip to Big Bend (12/22/23 - 12/26/23) were: Las Boquillas that leads to the border crossing (spent 1.5 hrs in Mexico, eating tacos, riding on donkeys - bring cash to spend, they take dollars) ; Rio Grande Village (especially the showers); Ernst Tinaja (worth the bumpy ride if you have high clearance vehicle); Santa Elena walking trail was absolutely gorgeous! Breathtaking!; I enjoyed the hot springs (105 degrees, I don’t recommend staying in the water too long, I felt like I was overheating- 5 to 10 minutes is plenty for me next time) near Rio Grande Village - ask which is the quickest walking route at Rio Grande Village or any ranger. And finally visit the Window Trail in Los Chisos, you will love it.
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January 1, 2024 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Truck Tent Camping Review: Great site in Big Bend, recommend brining a bicycle as any hiking trails are 4-9 mi away.
Also bathrooms have no running water...so bring soap & water or sanitizer wipes.
Lotta cool birds in the area, including a very social Roadrunner.
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December 27, 2023 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great!!
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December 27, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
nicely crested gravel spot perfectly leveled.
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December 23, 2023 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The campground has little shade or greenery between campsites, which is to be expected in desert environment. Other camper were respectful and non-intrusive/
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December 21, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful campground. I have stayed here several times over the years and have always had a good experience. This time we did the lost mine trail, and the santa elena trail. Both were beautiful!
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December 21, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Such a cozy and beautiful spot. Very quiet and clean. The bathrooms were astonishingly clean as well. Amazing spot.
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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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