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Cottonwood Campground

Cottonwood Campground is a remote, quiet 30-site campground in Big Bend National Park's southwestern corner with direct Rio Grande access, ideal for paddlers and anglers seeking a primitive camping base near Santa Elena Canyon.

The campground offers dry camping only (no hookups or generators), pit toilets, potable water, bear boxes, and picnic tables at each site, with a walk-in group tent site available by reservation.

Note that this remote location has zero cell service, requires advance reservations (up to 14 days), and experiences extreme heat (over 100°F) from mid-March through August, making fall and winter the optimal seasons for visits.


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Find excellent fishing spots, easy access to boat ramps, and all the amenities you need for a memorable day. Your adventure starts here.

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