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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Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
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582 reviews
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
Based on 582 reviews
Showing 582 reviews
December 19, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I was disappointed to see that this campsite is operating at only 50% due to the covid-19 virus. This is a small campsite with campsites that are well spaced. There is no reason for the limited capacity.
My stay there was pleasant.
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December 17, 2020 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Cottonwood was a great experience for us. The stars were on full display and the campgrounds were spotless, including the vault toilets! The sites were gravel and level. We highly recommend booking a spot here.
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December 9, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
It was a great site, very quiet.
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December 8, 2020 Stayed at: 003, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The campground is very spacious! Traveling in November, we enjoyed the warmer temperatures than in the Basin. Also, grassy fields make setting up the tent very easy. The bathrooms are very clean and we enjoyed our private picnic table and grill. There was a water spout for non-drinking water right next to our spot and drinking water close-by.
Driving into the basin takes about 45+ minutes. The Santa Elena Canyon is close and we will try the river activities next time.
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December 7, 2020 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
A really pretty campground! Lots of trees and shade. The spots are pretty spread out too. A good spot if you’re wanting to do the Santa Elena Canyon Trail.
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December 2, 2020 Stayed at: 004, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Camp volunteer was great. Can't remember his name.
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December 2, 2020 Stayed at: 007, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
I would rank it the best in the park, although call ahead if you can to see the last time they irrigated, because this will change where you will put your tent. We had road runners, vermilion flycatcher‘s, and javelina near our site, and although the Javelina can bother you for food we do not experience this problem. Make sure you were careful if you put your tents on the raised area in the campsite, as we had an ant he’ll, and hours and several ants crawling my wife‘s shoes. This campsite is very close to Santa Elena Canyon, as well as several hikes in the park, but if you want to do the longer hikes in the basin it is an hour drive. And because parking is crowded you need to leave at least 45 minutes before sunrise in order to get a spot at trails such as lost Mine trail. Overall I think this was a really great place to stay during our visit, but my wife and I both agree, that it would be best to do two days in Cottonwood campground, and then one or two days in the basin for a great experience.
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December 1, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
As a minimalist tent camper, I had enjoyed the Cottonwood campground numerous times in the past. This Thanksgiving week, 2020, was horrible. Numerous big-rig campers and trailers arrived well after dark, after bedtime, and took hours of banging, clanking, repeated horn honking, kids running and screaming, dogs running and barking till the wee hours of the morning. Isn't there some cut off for arrival time and "end of party" ? I packed up and left the next morning.
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November 27, 2020 Stayed at: 005, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The grounds are clean and well maintained. Bathrooms clean and well stocked. The park rangers polite and friendly.
The problem I had was with the guests being loud after dark, and running a generator at night (which I understand is not permitted).
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November 26, 2020 Stayed at: 008, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We were there the first day of opening for two nights. Cottonwood is awesome - been there many times in our younger days. A squadron of javelinas came into a vacant area of the campground right across from us for 10 to 15 minutes. Tiny baby to big papa. Owls during the day, serenades by coyotes at night, a number of beautiful birds, up close visits by the ever friendly roadrunners. The Rangers were very non-intrusive but came by several times to inform us and make sure everything was going OK in the campground. An overall wonderful experience.
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Po Box 129, Big Bend Nat. Park, TX 79834 United States
Elevation: 649 ft
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...
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 Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right at the intersection and go 13 mi (13 mi) west. Take a left at the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and drive 23 mi (23 mi) 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.
The closest entrance is: Maverick Entrance Station
Approximate drive: 13.4 mi · 23 min
Check in time
1PM
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.
Last updated: October 24, 2026
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