Cottonwood Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $16.00
- Type
- Campground
- Season
- May 1 to October 31
- Sites
- 22 total · 22 reservable · 0 first come
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 29.1368, -103.5225
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
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.
From the managing agency.Official page
Is Cottonwood Campground free?
No. Cottonwood Campground charges $16.00. 22 of its sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
Can I bring an RV to Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood Campground has 22 sites on record. 22 sites are reservable and 0 are first come.
When is Cottonwood Campground open?
The season on record runs May 1 to October 31. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.
How do I get to Cottonwood Campground?
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.
What is the weather like at Cottonwood Campground?
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.
What are the rules at Cottonwood Campground?
Generators are not allowed in Cottonwood Campground. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It is dry camping, no hook-ups, and no generators are permitted. Visitors may stay in the park up to 14 consecutive nights, with a limit of 28 nights in a calendar year. During the busiest time of the year, January 1 through April 15, visitors are limited to 14 total nights in the park. Pets are permitted in the campground, but must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be six feet (1.8 m) or less in length. Pets may not be left unattended for their safety and for the safety of other visitors and wildlife. Pets are NOT allowed on trails. Wood and ground fires are prohibited. All food items must be stored inside a vehicle or animal-proof food storage locker.
Nearby
- Cottonwood (Big Bend, TX)0.0 mi
- Chisos Basin Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)16.3 mi
- Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, TX)16.3 mi
- Chisos Basin Campground16.4 mi
- Big Bend Backcountry Camping23.2 mi
- Rio Grande Village Group Campground (Big Bend, TX)34.3 mi
- Rio Grande Village (Big Bend, TX)34.3 mi
- Rio Grande Village Campground34.4 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
