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.
General Store
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
March 13, 2021 Stayed at: 002, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
These are tough times, so I don't want to complain needlessly. However, the drinking water spigot was barely a trickle right from the start. That's a problem. On the the 6th of March the water main was apparently broken, so there was NO potable water. It would have been nice to be informed as to where potable water was available. Good thing we were leaving that day!
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March 13, 2021 Stayed at: 013, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We loved camping at Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend! The location was great--super close to great hikes and beauty. The campground is smaller than the Rio Grande campground or the Chisos Mountain campground, and perhaps because of the absence of hookups and limited access to water, was blissfully quiet and calm. The spacing of the campsites allowed for privacy and the campground host was wonderful. We had visits from resident roadrunners, saw and heard a resident Great Horned Owl, and also spotted numerous birds in the campsite area including Vermillion Flycatchers. We will definitely return to this campground!
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March 16, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We love this campground! The restrooms, while only vault toilets, were always clean. The campground was only 1/2 full due to COVID, so it was very quiet and awesome.
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March 18, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Excellent campground with little noise and no large RVs or trailers. If you seek quietness then this is the place to go. Excellent base to explore the west of the park including historic sites and Santa Elena canyon. Very nice and helpful campground host.
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March 22, 2021 Stayed at: 006, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Not enough parking spaces at the trail heads. Plan to leave for trails early in the morning for parking.
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March 26, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
Great sites, plenty of shade. Clean restrooms. Awesome stargazing. We loved our stay.
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March 26, 2021 Stayed at: 014, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
We stayed in site 14 and loved it! Highly recommend.
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March 30, 2021 Stayed at: 015, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
The campground is small with not a lot of amenities but it's quiet and clean. The Camp Host was very nice and accommodating. The area is perfect for bird lovers...so many different kinds. Javalinas graze in the morning in the fields around the campsites. Highlight is the Santa Elena Canyon hike....just lovely.
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April 2, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
While the campground is very well maintained and has great (flat/spacious) campsites, it's significantly more rustic than I've experienced. Rustic sites are not bad in general, but this is not advertised as rustic. There is 1 location for drinking water, which "trickles" (10 minutes at best to fill. Standard water bottle. The next drinking water is 60 min away. All other water is non-potable. There is not utility sink to wash dishes or drain cooking water, yet it is a location that experiences javelinas and other wildlife including warnings for bears. It is unclear where to dispose of cooking water or simple Grey water. Camp rangers site is a 1/2 mi down the road.
Because of a fire a few years ago, there is no camp store within 60 mi.
Sites are great though. All else is no comparison for the other equivalent campgrounds at 13 other national parks I've camped at.
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April 4, 2021 Stayed at: 010, Loop: Cottonwood (TX)
There is no use of generators allowed at the campground and electric plug-ins are not provided. I think based on the climate where the campground is located one or the other or both of these should be available. There's no
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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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