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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Site Details
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29 Sites Available
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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
Paula W
VerifiedFebruary 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood was a treat. Nice clean bathrooms and great service from campground hosts. I was traveling with my dog so I was unable to hike on trails but spent hours walking on the gravel roads- River road, Glen Springs and the Old Ore road. I spent too much time in the car because to see the whole park required I do a lot of driving. I had three days in the park. My advice is to stay longer so you can spend more time relaxing and still see it all in its amazing beauty.
Charles W
VerifiedFebruary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Wonderful, quiet campground along the Rio Grande. The bathrooms were spotless, and the campsites were well spaced apart. Loved it.
Wade D
VerifiedFebruary 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood campground is in a stunning location right on the Rio Grande. While not convenient to the Chisos basin area (it's about a 1hr drive) there are still plenty of great hikes to do and its close to the Santa Elena canyon which should not be missed!
Jerry S
VerifiedFebruary 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This is a very pretty campground, and nice for tent camping, which we do. A big plus is that generators aren't allowed, so though there are lots of trailers and RVs, they are all compact, and the sort of ones that are used by people with less stuff and noise. Most of the sites have at least some shade, which is pretty important in this location, especially when during the hotter months.
Randy P
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
None
Scott S
VerifiedFebruary 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great campground with many places to explore nearby!
Sandra L
VerifiedFebruary 16, 2021 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Our group of 4 had a great time. Not sure we would stay at Cottonwood. We preferred to be at RGV, however could not get a spot there. My biggest complaint was the showers were not working. They are very much needed for some. We still enjoyed the park and had many great hikes and made lots of memories. Thanks
Pauline B
VerifiedFebruary 18, 2021 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
11th year I've stayed here. First time I've needed reservations.
George V
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Linda H
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
It was rainy with lots of puddles. It took me days to get the mud off my shoes and it was difficult to get the mud out of my car too. The campground is nice when not wet.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 6, 2026
