Cottonwood
Closed for summer season. Reopens November 1, 2026. All sites are reservation-only via Recreation.gov with a 14-day advance booking window. No first-come, first-served sites available.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 1:44AM MDT until October 30 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Midland/Odessa TX
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of southeast New Mexico, including the following areas, Central Lea, Northern Lea and Southern Lea and Texas, including the following areas, Andrews, Borden, Central Brewster, Chisos Basin, Crane, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Lower Brewster County, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Pecos, Reagan, Scurry, Terrell, Upton, Ward and Winkler. * WHEN...From 9 AM MDT /10 AM CDT/ this morning through Friday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep moisture will spread over far southeast New Mexico, the Permian Basin, Lower Trans Pecos, and Big Bend region ahead of an approaching upper level storm system Thursday and Friday. Numerous to widespread showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall over these areas. 1 to 3 inches of rainfall with locally higher totals will be possible, which could result in areas of flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
A maximum of two motor vehicles, one vehicle with a trailer, one motorhome with tow vehicle or four motorcycles allowed per campsite. A maximum of four tents OR one wheeled camping unit and one tent allowed per campsite. Only 1 conversion van or other type of recreational vehicle allowed per site. Two (2) conversion vans or RVs require 2 campsites.
About
Cottonwood Campground is a quiet desert oasis in the southwestern corner of Big Bend National Park, named for the cottonwood trees that provide shade near the Rio Grande. Located between the Castolon Historic District, scenic Santa Elena Canyon, and the tail end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, this small 30-site campground is one of the least-known and most peaceful camping options in the park. The campground is particularly popular with bird watchers. Due to the park's diverse ecosystems and proximity to water, the area provides habitat for rare species including the Mexican mallard, Lucifer hummingbird, Mexican jay, black-capped and gray vireos, and Varied Bunting. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground area. This is a remote campground in a remote park. It offers dry camping only with no hookups, no dump station, and generators are prohibited. Each site has a picnic table, raised charcoal grill, and bear box. Vault toilets and potable water are available. The campground sits at approximately 2,100 ft elevation and becomes extremely hot from mid-March through August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F.
Directions
From Marathon, drive 40 miles south on State Highway 385 to the north entrance of Big Bend National Park. Continue straight for 26 miles to Park Headquarters at Panther Junction. Turn right and go 13 miles west. Take a left at the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and drive 23 miles to Cottonwood Campground. GPS Warning: Do not take Old Maverick Road unless you have a 4WD high-clearance vehicle.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $16 - $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (432) 477-2251 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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