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
November 19, 2022 Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Bathroom facilities very clean and well maintained, construction was a bit annoying but short lived. Nice shade. It was close to many enjoyable hikes. Hosts were very nice
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November 19, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice campground. Small but a lovely area. Good for stargazing.
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November 20, 2022 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Smallish campground in far corner of Big Bend. Lots of construction going on so very noisy 12 hours a day. After that very quiet. Clean vault toilets. Enjoyed the great horned owls and saw our first vermilion flycatcher.
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November 20, 2022 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice well-maintained campground. Park volunteers made sure everyone was taken care of. I personally had a foot injury and they stopped to check on me (as a solo traveler) during their rounds. Saw javelinas and a pair great horned owls. Love the proximity to the Santa Elena canyon, The quiet and isolation was very peaceful. Woke the last morning to the distant cries of far-away wolves. High recommend
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November 24, 2022 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Although Cottonwood Campground has less amenities compared to the other two campgrounds at Bid Bend, it is very well placed within the park for the most diverse scenery that is close to the road for easy access on foot, or just to view from your car.
As with all the facilities here, the restrooms are very clean. Do understand, however, that with the charm of a more rustic experience, comes the need to be prepared to deal such things as not having water at your site. Thus necessitating a short walk to a faucet. No internet or power and spotty cellular coverage. If you have solar power capability this is a great place to make use of it.
Bring a means to wash your dishes and pots such as a collapsible or hard sided basin. Something that will allow you to use the recommended technique of making the short walk to the fence line to do the washing. Thus keeping food smells away from your tent site.
This side of the park has some interesting and easy to get to geological features that should not be missed. Drive along the main road until you see something that calls to you, fine a place to pull over and venture out for a one to two mile walk out and back. With the numerous rocky features, so close to the road, that can be reached car from Cottonwood in as little as 5 to 15 minutes, you can plan on a short trip out to a great spot at sunrise, or sunset and still be close to camp.
The one really important consideration to be aware of is that from time to time the famous cottonwood trees will be watered by flooding the grassy low ground around and in between the elevated campsites. This only a problem if you have a tent and choose to set up on the grass and not on the elevated area. Yes there are some small rocks on the elevated area which makes the lower grassy areas very attractive. Driving a tent stake into the ground of the elevated pad is very challenging, but also into some spots on the grass. Have a mallet.
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November 24, 2022 Stayed at: 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I'm happy to see the new sites and toilets being built.
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November 24, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Easy
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November 28, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
stayed at site #2. Loved the camp ground... except for the construction going on.. and the workers not very considered of driving slow in the park.. kicking up dust... etc.. Camp host was very nice. Irrigation guy was very nice and friendly! We had a wonderful stay and we are looking forward to return next year.
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November 28, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very clean, well taken care of sites. Some construction projects going on which were a bit of an eyesore, but otherwise happy with the experience.
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November 30, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The campground was clean and well maintained. The views are spectacular and it's conveniently located in the park.
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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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