Cottonwood Campground

Big Bend dry camping: 22 sites, no hookups, water spigots, bear boxes, quiet desert nights.

When to come

Fall and early spring; avoid peak heat

Campground

Campground★ 4.6

Cottonwood Campground sits in Big Bend's desert pocket, offering 22 individual sites and a group site that’s tent-only. It’s a dry camping zone—no hookups; water is only via on-site spigots, and bear boxes keep your food safe. There are flush toilets with lights, but no showers on-site; Rio Grande Village has them. Bring water, pack out charcoal ashes, and enjoy the quiet desert nights and star-filled skies.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Reservations required; up to 14 days in advance
Reservation Tips
Book 14 days in advance on Recreation.gov; use Ross Maxwell approach; plan water; arrive early in busy season
Season Dates
Open Nov 1 to spring; closed during summer heat

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Reservations required; up to 14 days in advance
Reservation Tips
Book 14 days in advance on Recreation.gov; use Ross Maxwell approach; plan water; arrive early in busy season
Season Dates
Open Nov 1 to spring; closed during summer heat
Fills Up Speed
Reservations fill quickly during peak season
Per Night Cost
$16-$25 per night (individual sites)
Extra Vehicle Fees
Not specified; park regulations apply
Day Use Fees
Not applicable for campground stays
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful pass typically provides 50% discount on camping fees

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
22 individual sites and 1 group site
Site Types
22 individual sites, 1 group site
Site Type Breakdown
22 individual sites, 1 group site
RV Max Length
Small RVs; larger rigs not advised
Group Sites Available
Yes
Group Site Capacity
Max 25 persons; min 9
Hookups
Dry camping; no electrical, water, or sewer
Site Features
Each site includes a charcoal grill and a picnic table; bear boxes at each campsite
Ground Type
Gravel pads and dirt; some paved pads at some sites
Site Privacy
Sites spaced; group site tent-only; generally private enough

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets with lights
Showers Available
Showers not on-site; Rio Grande Village has showers
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available
Dump Station
No on-site dump station; nearest at Rio Grande Village
Trash Service
Trash and recycling collected year-round; bear-proof dumpsters
Camp Store
Nearby camp store offers essentials, ice, and firewood
Firewood Availability
Gathering firewood prohibited; charcoal allowed; ashes packed out
Cell Service
Cell service generally not available
Nearby Facilities
Castolon Store nearby; Panther Junction gas ~35 miles away; Rio Grande Village showers; camp store nearby for ice and firewood

Access

Road Type
Paved access to Cottonwood; Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive paved
Road Conditions
Remote desert area; sedan-friendly; some approach roads may be unpaved
Vehicle Restrictions
Group site tent-only; RVs/trailers restricted to individual sites
Clearance Needed
Sedan friendly; cautious on unpaved approaches
Gate Hours
Gate hours not published
Distance From Entrance
Approx. 39 miles from Panther Junction via Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
Nearest Gas Services
Gas at Panther Junction (~35 miles away)
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
Not listed; no ADA site numbers provided
ADA Accessible Sites
Not listed; no ADA site numbers provided

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Food stored in bear boxes or hard-sided vehicle
Fire Restrictions
Wood fires and ground fires prohibited; charcoal fires allowed in above-ground grills
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leashed at all times; not on trails or in buildings
Generator Hours
Generators not permitted; idling for power prohibited
Quiet Hours
No listed quiet hours; described as quiet; generator use prohibited
Max Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights; 28 nights per calendar year; 14 nights in park Jan 1–Apr 15
Alcohol Permitted
No

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, stargazing
Trailheads Nearby
Castolon/Ross Maxwell area trails nearby
Fishing Details
Fishing available; no species or license specifics in data
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; bears, javelinas, bobcats
Stargazing Quality
Excellent desert night skies; clear views
Shade Coverage
Limited shade; some trees at select sites
Scenic Views
Desert mountains and canyon views
Noise Level
Quiet atmosphere; no generator noise
Best Time To Visit
Fall and early spring; avoid peak heat
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp in a remote desert; privacy between sites is modest; expect dark skies, limited services, and a rigorous drive from main park entrances.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a simple, dry-camping desert experience with bear safety and a small rig or tent. ❌ SKIP IF: You need on-site hookups, showers, or crowded campgrounds.
Tips Advice
  • Bring water jugs; there are potable spigots but no on-site fill
  • Store all food in bear boxes; no stray scents
  • Expect a long drive from Panther Junction; plan groceries
  • No on-site showers; bring quick-dry gear and a headlamp for late runs
  • Reserve early on Recreation.gov; fall/spring availability is best

More details

Park Area
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Family Friendly Notes
Quiet desert environment; good for kids who can handle long drives; leashed dogs allowed; bear country requires supervision
Senior Access Discounts
America the Beautiful Senior/Access passes qualify for discounts (~50%)
Amphitheater
Not listed
Nearby Attractions
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Castolon Store; Panther Junction fuel nearby; Castolon area
Terrain Type
Desert canyon terrain; rocky
Temperature Ranges
Hot in summer; cool nights; fall/spring mild
Snow Season
Snow season not typical; rare
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season not specified; summer storms possible
Wind Exposure
Desert wind exposure; breeze varies
Bug Season
Bug season varies; bring repellent
Setup Strategy
Big rigs: interior roads are paved enough for sedans; group site is tent-only with adjacent parking; no hookups. Arrive with water; plan for a remote, quiet setup.
Bath Laundry Recon
Shower: none on-site; Rio Grande Village has showers. Laundry: not listed; plan accordingly.
Review Summary
Cottonwood Campground has a 4.6-star rating from 110 reviews. Campers highlight quiet desert nights, bear boxes, and on-site flush toilets, while noting the long drive and lack of on-site showers or hookups. Overall, it’s a solid primitive base for Big Bend adventures.

Location

Cottonwood Campground at Big Bend National Park features a shaded site with a tent, a parked SUV, and picnic tables.Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park, shows a large RV beside a two-tone tent under shady cottonwood trees.

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears near Cottonwood Campground?

Yes; bear boxes are provided and food must be stored properly to keep wildlife distance.

Is there cell service at Cottonwood Campground?

Cell service is generally not available.

Is there a dump station on-site?

No; the nearest dump station is at Rio Grande Village.

Are pets allowed at Cottonwood Campground?

Yes; pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times and not on trails or in buildings.

Can I run a generator at Cottonwood Campground?

No; generators are not permitted.

Chisos Basin Campground

Chisos Basin: 56 standard sites + 7 group tents; no hookups; bear lockers; steep, winding access.

Terlingua Ranch Lodge

Upper RV sites with full hookups; cabins and tents nearby; Big Bend nights under dark skies.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.