Campers enjoying Cottonwood Campground
Photo: NPS
About
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet oasis in the western corner of Big Bend National Park. Reservations are required. Conveniently located between the Castolon Historic District, the scenic Santa Elena Canyon and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small, 22-site campground is one of the least-known and quiet campgrounds in the park. There is one group campsite and 21 individual sites. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted.
Campsites
Location
Cottonwood Campground
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
Fees
Hours
-Cottonwood Campground is open November 1 through April 30. -Plan ahead. Reservations are required for all sites and can be made up to 14 days in advance. -No first-come, first-served camping. -During the extreme heat of the summer months (May 1 - October 31), the campground is closed.
Reservations
Plan Ahead: there are NO first come, first served campsites Reservations required. All campsites are reservation only, up to 14 days in advance. Campground is operated at a reduced capacity during the heat of summer (May 1- October 31) Reservations for Cottonwood Campground are made at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234078
Make a Reservation →Directions
Big Bend National Park is located in Southwest Texas, a considerable distance from cities and transportation hubs. Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles east to park headquarters), or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles south to park headquarters). From park headquarters, head west 13 miles, take a left at the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and drive 23 miles to Cottonwood Campground.
Weather
The campground is at an elevation of 2,100 ft. It is relatively cool in the peak seasons of fall and winter due to cold evening air sinking into the lower elevations along the Rio Grande. In the spring and summer, this campground is extremely hot, with temperatures normally exceeding 100 degrees F from mid-March through August.
Accessibility
Two campsites are fully accessible with a flat paved surfaces, and paved pathway to the nearby accessible vault toilet. Most other campsites are very level and useable by people in wheelchairs.
No wood or ground fires. Charcoal grills provided.
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Sites can accommodate all but the largest RVs and trailers. No generators allowed.
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No generators allowed at Cottonwood Campground.
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Cottonwood Campground is a semi-developed camping option. Road and campsite surfaces are gravel and level. Two campsites are fully accessible with flat paved surfaces, and paved pathway to the nearby accessible vault toilet.
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Unpaved Roads - All vehicles OK in good weather
Limited Development Campground