Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)

Great spot to pitch a couple of tents in the soft grass, under the shaded honey Mesquites, with next to no bugs, at the end of April! Parking and picnic table were in full sun the whole time. Non potable water was 100yds away next to clean pit toilets, and filtered water for drinking was next to entrance to campground 500yds away. AMAZING birding site, we had people walking thru camp with huge camera lenses coming down from the lodge to take pictures. We saw, a roadrunner, a vermillion flycatcher, and enjoyed all the cheerful other songbirds while in camp. They do water by flooding but the camp host let us know they put up signs well in advance so don’t have to worry about a soggy sleeping pad. We did wake up in the middle of the night to a small and stealthy pack of Javelinas grazing on the grasses around our tent which was pretty cool to see! There is ice 1 mi next door at the Castolon store, but don’t count on it, they were out when we tried to get a bag & ended up driving to Panther junction to get refilled. Also no gas down there so top up at Panther junction before driving another hour to this remote spot. Great star gazing spot, next to no other light and was entreated to a spectacular night sky, and the warm nights 62 were perfect temps to stay up. First day we checked out Santa Elanna canyon, “highly recommended,” wait until sunset when the temperatures start cooling down to avoid the heat, and catch the sunset from the canyon mouth. We woke up early and drove to the Chisos one morning and hiked 12 mi loop up and around Emory peak and returned in the evening and was easy to do. No rv generators made this a very peaceful camp and lots of friendly people to talk to as well. The campsites on the south end of the campground don’t have grass and noticed you will have to camp in the dirt if you get one of those sites, & did not look appealing to stay in. All in all a great campground to stay in and will be coming back!

very quiet, clean facilities, friendly staff, well maintained campground

Very nice campground.

I visited in Spring and this was my favorite campsite in Big Bend NP. Has a lot a shade which is much needed in the hot months and after returning from an early morning hike. The dry toilets on this campsite were very clean. Overall, really enjoyed my stay here.

A lovely, well-maintained campground.

Excellent site. We were there in December.

Beautiful campground right by the Rio Grande. I’ve stayed here twice, and loved it both times!

Good backup when you can't get a campsite in the Chisos Basin. Good viewpoint of Cerro Castellan and easy to get to Santa Elena Canyon. Be wary of flooding and wildlife on the scenic drive in this part of the park.

Campground was nice. The camp host was very friendly. Just across the river from Mexico so that's kinda cool. Worth a stay!

Campsites in the middle loop are too close, quiet hours not enforced. Toilets were clean and well maintained. Nearby camp store in Castolon was convenient.