Big Bend National Park, TX
Cottonwood Campground
Cottonwood Campground sits in the remote southwestern corner of Big Bend National Park, offering 29 campsites with no advance permit required—book your spot directly through the reservation system.
The campground accommodates tents, RVs, trailers, and other equipment across standard and group sites, with 2 ADA-accessible pitches available. Dry camping only (no hookups or generators), so arrive fully prepared with water and fuel.
Located between Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Cottonwood ranks among the park's quietest options. If you prefer more developed facilities or higher elevation, Chisos Basin Campground offers a different landscape within the same park, while Rio Grande Village Campground provides another alternative closer to the eastern boundary.
Quick Links
Create an alert for this campgroundPro
Common Questions
What campers most often want to know about Cottonwood Campground.
Do I need a permit to camp at Cottonwood Campground?
No permit is required to camp at Cottonwood Campground. You can reserve a site in advance through the standard reservation system.
How many campsites does Cottonwood Campground have?
Cottonwood Campground has 29 campsites total, including one group site and 28 standard individual sites. Two of the sites are ADA-accessible.
What camping equipment can I bring to Cottonwood Campground?
Cottonwood accommodates tents, RVs, trailers, and other camping equipment. The campground is dry camping with no hook-ups available, and generators are not permitted.
Are there water or dump station facilities at Cottonwood Campground?
There is no fill station or dump station at Cottonwood Campground. Come prepared with adequate water and supplies for your stay, as this is a remote campground in a remote area.
Is Cottonwood Campground accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, Cottonwood Campground has 2 ADA-accessible campsites available for reservation.