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
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
29 Sites Available
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Site Details
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29 Sites Available
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Reviews (566)
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a serene and quiet experience, close to Santa Elena Canyon and various hiking trails. Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, with many noting the enjoyment of wildlife sightings. However, the loss of cottonwood trees has diminished shade, and some areas require management improvements, but overall, guests had a pleasant stay and expressed a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a serene and quiet experience, close to Santa Elena Canyon and various hiking trails. Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, with many noting the enjoyment of wildlife sightings. However, the loss of cottonwood trees has diminished shade, and some areas require management improvements, but overall, guests had a pleasant stay and expressed a desire to return.
Review Summary
Cameron C
VerifiedMay 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This was a lovely campground. The sites were very spacious and the dogs loved all the grass. We went the last week it was open so it was getting a bit warm but I'm very glad we chose to stay here vs. Chisos. We drove through the other campgrounds and this was by far the quietest and most spacious of the three at Big Bend. The bathrooms were kept very clean (other than the bat family that like to hang out here at night lol) and the campground caretaker was very knowledgeable and checked in both mornings we were there. Big Bend is a must see park and if you can get a spot here book it asap! We had to move spots after one night because I couldn't get 2 consecutive nights but it was worth it!
Rebecca R
VerifiedMay 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Well-spaced sites at this campground. Number 30 has shade over the bear box and picnic table from mid-afternoon on, which was appreciated in the heat of late April. The only knock I have on Cottonwood is that if anyone arrives late at night or leaves very early, the entire campground hears the vehicle
SHEILA A M
VerifiedMay 3, 2023 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very quiet pretty campground. The Santa Elena Canyon hike was beautiful. The Lost Mine hike has spectacular views.
Scott R
VerifiedApril 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We would stay again great sites and clean bathrooms
Christine K
VerifiedApril 24, 2023 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Campground Volunteer, Bonnie was exceptionally helpful, thorough with explaining do's and don'ts, and the campground was in wonderful condition. Cleanest restrooms and sites were well maintained.
Faith S
VerifiedApril 20, 2023 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This spot had two nice trees which provided some much needed shade! Bathrooms were clean and the camp host was very friendly and helpful.
Beth Y
VerifiedApril 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The campground host was friendly and knowledgable. Absolutley loved the Saint Elena Canyon hike. We were also given great tips for watching the sunset from an overlook. Very few people in the park, it was like you had it all to yourself.
boo r
VerifiedApril 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Make sure you bring a red headlamp for stargazing. Plan to pack in and pack out your trash and keep in mind that water is scarce. I would've brought more water from home had I been more conscious of that fact. Lots of cool critters around and easy access to a multitude of trails on the west side of the park. Easy access to town in case you need gas or groceries as well. Great campsite, extremely pleasant volunteers (shout out Bonnie!), indiscribable star watching, and nice shade on hot days. I can't wait to come back and backpack :)
Gabriel F
VerifiedApril 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Lovely, calm, beautiful campsite. The least developed of the 3 in Big Bend and in my opinion the best and most peaceful. Access to hikes is obviously a bit better in Chisos but there's plenty near Cottonwood. Flowers were blooming all around our campsite.
Lisa J
VerifiedApril 15, 2023 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The park was spectacular and the camping area was pleasant. I really appreciated the amount of space given to campers, no generators allowed and the peace and quiet at the Cottonwood camp ground.
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 29.1369 / -103.522
Elevation: 649 feet
Nearby National Park
In Big Bend National Park
Approximate driving time: 48 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.
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Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 5, 2026
