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 10, 2021 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We managed to book 2 nights @ Cottonwood in early January (holiday week) and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The campground is small and very quaint with large trees and a great view of the canyon walls. The site was spotlessly clean, very quiet, and well managed by the host staff (very helpful). We wish we could have booked a longer stay but no sites were available. Highly recommend this campground.
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January 11, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful, spacious and excellent location. Hose cannot connect to water source so no RV water hook-up. Otherwise, nice small campgroud. Night sky is beautiful.
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January 11, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I loved it. I wrote about it at
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January 12, 2021 Stayed at: 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great little site. Nothing fancy. No showers, only one source for drinking water. Everything clean, quiet, beautiful setting.
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January 12, 2021 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
So many birds around camp, and lots of places to hike nearby. We really enjoyed our stay here!
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January 15, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Sweet little campground, quiet and peaceful
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January 17, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very scenic campground. Very quiet with no generators allowed. Restrooms were clean. Convenient to Santa Elena Canyon.
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January 18, 2021 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
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January 21, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cleanest Pit Toilets I've use. Campground was very clean. Beautiful cottonwood trees. We saw an Owl.
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January 25, 2021 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Quiet little campground with lots of space between people around us. It was full, but I still felt like I had plenty of safe space to move around. The wind through the trees was a very relaxing sound, too!
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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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