Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)

Po Box 129, Big Bend Nat. Park, Texas, United States
Check Availability

Warning

General

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.

Cottonwoods and acacia trees provide shelter and shade to campers.
Tree lined campground
Aerial view of Cottonwood Campground, bright green trees amidst the low desert, riparian area
Small travel trailer set up in tree-lined campground with cliffs in background
Two travel trailers in campsite with trees lining the sites and roadway

Featured amenities

General Store General Store
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit
View all amenities

About Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)

Cottonwood Campground is a quiet desert oasis in the southwestern corner of Big Bend National Park. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 30-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 30 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted. There is not a fill or dump station, please come prepared. Cottonwood gets its name from the cottonwood trees that surround and provide shade for the facility nearby the Rio Grande. A general store and visitor center -- a converted former military outpost -- are also nearby. The campground is at an elevation of 1.9 ft. (580 m). It is relatively cool in the peak seasons of fall and winter due to cold air sinking into the lower elevations. In the spring and summer, this campground is very hot, with temperatures normally exceeding 100° F (38° C) from mid-March through August.

Available sites

29 total sites
RV Sites 28 sites Check Availability Tent Sites 1 site Check Availability

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Nov 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

General Store General Store
Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Grill
  • BBQ
  • Fire Pit
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • General Store
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

29 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 006, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 009, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 011, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 017, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 018, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 019, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐 020, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 021, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐 022, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 023, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 024, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 025, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · 30 × 18 ft · Gravel
🚐 026, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 027 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 029 ADA, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
🚐 030, Loop: Cottonwood (TX) RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Back-in Site
⛺ A, Loop: Group Site A Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly

Reviews

582 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Overall rating

Based on 582 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 69.6% (405)
4 stars 18.7% (109)
3 stars 8.6% (50)
2 stars 2.2% (13)
1 star 0.9% (5)

Showing 582 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Kendra C

Verified

January 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!!

Helpful

Adam W

Verified

January 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.

Helpful

Carlos B

Verified

January 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

Helpful

Patricia F

Verified

January 12, 2022 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)

Absolutely great, the host were fantastic and the are was clean!

Helpful

Leigh D

Verified

January 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.

Helpful

Emilie Z

Verified

January 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.

Helpful

Michael H

Verified

January 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.

Helpful

Harry H

Verified

January 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.

Helpful

Joseph S

Verified

January 8, 2022 Stayed at: A, Loop: Group Site A

Rangers were great host! Camp grounds and facilities were super clean.. great experience hands down.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)

Po Box 129, Big Bend Nat. Park, TX 79834 United States

Elevation: 649 ft

Getting There

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...

Nearest town

Big Bend Nat. Park, TX - 549 mi

About over 8 hr (538 min) to downtown

Highway access

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.

Near Big Bend National Park

The closest entrance is: Maverick Entrance Station

Approximate drive: 13.4 mi · 23 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

General

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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Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Terlingua

14 mi away

City
Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park

18 mi away

National park
Explore destination

Presidio

59 mi away

City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Big Bend Nat. Park, Texas

Elevation: 410 ft

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