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
March 27, 2026 Stayed at: 023, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We camped one night mid March and there wasn't much shade at the campground. There was a vermillion flycatcher at the campsite and lots of open sky for star gazing. It's easy to get to Santa Elena canyon 7 mi down the road and a great hike in the morning before it gets too busy.
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March 27, 2026 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice quiet campground. Nice pit tiolets.
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March 26, 2026 Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This campground wasn’t very interesting, but it was decent and worked as a place to camp for the night and get to Santa Elena canyon early. Unfortunately, our stay was disrupted by noisy campers getting up at 5am to leave and yelling loudly next to us.
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March 24, 2026 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I loved it here! Though it’s a far drive to just about anywhere, it had what we needed. Beautiful sunsets. The wind did get really bad for us here, and there’s not much of anything to block the wind so we did have to put our tent down. But it was okay and we made the most of it! I will definitely check out one of the other campsites next time I visit, but this one was perfect for the 3 nights we stayed here.
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March 21, 2026 Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Mark the Cottonwood park Ranger made our stay very special.
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March 20, 2026 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The proximity to Santa Elena Canyon and the beauty of the surroundings along with the small campground & facilities were excellent.
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March 19, 2026 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great park location, clean toilets
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March 18, 2026 Stayed at: 027 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood Campground has a much more scenic/private feel than other campsites at Big Bend. It is quiet and serene. Make sure to talk to the Rangers at Castolon (If Dorinda is there, she is an excellent resource!!). Santa Elena's canyon is also nearby and a can't miss stop. This campsite is quite a drive away from the Chisos Basin and Rio Grande Village, so prepare appropriately.
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March 17, 2026 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful stay and amazing views! My family and I throughly enjoyed our first ever camping trip here at the Cottonwood campsite. Our site was clean and perfect for our large tent!
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March 16, 2026 Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful view from campsite. Close to the river. Dogs not allowed on hiking trails.
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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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