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.
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
29 Sites Available
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Site Details
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29 Sites Available
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Reviews (566)
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a serene and quiet experience, close to Santa Elena Canyon and various hiking trails. Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, with many noting the enjoyment of wildlife sightings. However, the loss of cottonwood trees has diminished shade, and some areas require management improvements, but overall, guests had a pleasant stay and expressed a desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Cottonwood Campground offers a serene and quiet experience, close to Santa Elena Canyon and various hiking trails. Visitors appreciated the clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, with many noting the enjoyment of wildlife sightings. However, the loss of cottonwood trees has diminished shade, and some areas require management improvements, but overall, guests had a pleasant stay and expressed a desire to return.
Review Summary
Kendra C
VerifiedJanuary 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
This campground was great for our two days in Big Bend. It's a great spot to camp if you want to do activities like Santa Elena Canyon, Mule Ears, Chimney's Hike and the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. We stayed in Terlingua the night before and it only took us about 45 minutes to get to the campground. The only downside is that if you wish to shower you have to drive to Rio Grande village on the other side of the park (they do have standard pit toilets on this camprougnd and water spigots for potable and non potable water). We just ended our day two in the Rio Grande village and had a lovely sunset drive (about an hour/hour and a half) all the way back to to Cottonwood. Enjoy Big Bend!!
Carlos B
VerifiedJanuary 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Enjoyed the peace and quiet of this campsite. Santa Elena Canyon very close to this area. The star gazing was incredible. Highly recommend
Adam W
VerifiedJanuary 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We loved Ed, very friendly and helpful park ranger who gave us spots to look at stars and watch the sunset.
Leigh D
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great base-camp for Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and Santa Elena Canyon! Kayaking and hiking the canyon is a must. Most beautiful place we’ve ever paddled in our years of kayaking.
Patricia F
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Absolutely great, the host were fantastic and the are was clean!
Emilie Z
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2022 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We love how spacious the campsites are at this campground, and we really enjoy the peace and quiet. Very family friendly, nice rangers, saw an owl and a bunch of javelinas.
Harry H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I camp here every chance that I can while when travelling to BBNP. Very quiet, generously spaced lots, and easy access to Santa Elena Canyon, the River Road, and many trails along the Ross Maxwell Dr. During the warmer months, it is cooler, thanks to the cottonwood trees. During cold weather, it will be cold in the campground. But it is all worth it.
If you bring a telescope, there is a large, mostly clear space to set up.
Michael H
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Like most National Parks, it needs cell phone service. Most say 'call 911 in an emergency' but, well, we all know there is no cell service, so that can't actually happen. Why not get some of that Infrastructure money to provide cell service in the Parks? For safety's sake.
Joseph S
VerifiedJanuary 8, 2022 • Stayed at: A, Loop: Group Site A
Rangers were great host! Camp grounds and facilities were super clean.. great experience hands down.
Kevin B
VerifiedJanuary 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Clean restrooms, attentive host...
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 29.1369 / -103.522
Elevation: 649 feet
Nearby National Park
In Big Bend National Park
Approximate driving time: 48 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: June 5, 2026
