Cottonwood Campground | Big Bend Camping

Cottonwood Campground at Big Bend National Park with tents under shade trees and a wooden trailer nearby.

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: 1
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: 0

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.