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.
Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates29 total sites
RV Sites
28 sites
Tent Sites
1 site
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
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Reviews (578)
What Guests Are Saying
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.
What Guests Are Saying
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.
Review Summary
Randall W
VerifiedMarch 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I stayed a site #2. It was near the entrance, but the traffic wasn't an issue. The campground is all gravel roads, so cars going by kick up some dust. The site description does say there is shade, and there is, but only in the morning - something to keep in mind. Site #2 is close to the filtered water and it's close to the Rio Grande river access. It was hot that day, so I took a bath in the Rio Grande. The water felt great and the current is swift. Make sure to bring some river/lake shoes. There is 2 vault toilets a short walk from my camp site. It's a good alternative campground if you can't stay in the Chisos Basin. The drive on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Dr. to get to Cottonwood Campground is stunning! Plus Cottonwood is close to the Santa Elena Canyon - which I highly recommend. I would stay at Cottonwood again.
Allison P
VerifiedMarch 16, 2026 • Stayed at: 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Beautiful view from campsite. Close to the river. Dogs not allowed on hiking trails.
Lisa G
VerifiedMarch 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This is a nice, quiet area of Big Bend. Very few campsites, so very few people. Water spigots were clearly marked with potability of water. Vault toilets were clean. Would definitely stay again.
Felicia M
VerifiedMarch 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Close to Santa Elena Canyon & Castalon so good location for those areas. Smaller campground, but nice spacing. Sadly the big cottonwoods had to be cut down so there isn’t much shade at many sites. Restrooms, but didn’t use. Fresh water spigots in park. Had a weird experience, hopefully isolated… someone briefly opened and slammed my van rear door in middle of night. I generally always lock doors! By time I looked outside, no one around. Maybe a kid prank. Otherwise, all good!
Ellen S
VerifiedMarch 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood is a good basic campground. There was little shade as most of the trees have died because of the severe drought in the area. The pit toilets were good, and staff was willing to assist with any issues.
Roger H
VerifiedMarch 12, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Nice little campground close to Santa Elena Canyon and Castolon. Very flat for camping. Lots of shade. Need to add showers, since it can get very hot there.
Hubert B
VerifiedMarch 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We enjoyed our stay at Cottonwood. We loved our time in Big Bend. Especially loved Santa Elena canyon. But, we did wonder why generators aren't allowed.
Mark J
VerifiedMarch 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very nice clean and quiet campground. The vault toilet was very clean. RO water for drinking.
Mark J
VerifiedMarch 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Very nice clean and quiet campground. The vault toilet was very clean. RO water for drinking.
Assaf B
VerifiedMarch 9, 2026 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Close to the Saint Elana Canyon trail, and worth to go checkout the sunset around there as the sun goes down into the canyon
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.
Elevation: 649 feet
Nearby National Park
In Big Bend National Park
Approximate driving time: 48 min
549 mi drive to downtown Big Bend Nat. Park (about 8 hr 58 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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Last updated: September 6, 2026
