West Contrabando Campground

Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend National Park offers a quieter, more secluded camping experience near the Rio Grande. While most of the cottonwoods were recently cut down—so shade is more limited than in years past—the sites remain spacious and thoughtfully arranged. The campground is well maintained, and the bathrooms are regularly cleaned, which adds to the overall comfort. There is no electri... Cottonwood Campground in Big Bend National Park offers a quieter, more secluded camping experience near the Rio Grande. While most of the cottonwoods were recently cut down—so shade is more limited than in years past—the sites remain spacious and thoughtfully arranged. The campground is well maintained, and the bathrooms are regularly cleaned, which adds to the overall comfort. There is no electricity, so plan accordingly, but that lack of hookups preserves the peaceful atmosphere. The stargazing here is absolutely incredible—among the best in Texas. On clear nights, the Milky Way is vivid, and even a simple pair of binoculars dramatically enhances the view. As a courtesy to others, campers keep lights low after dark, which makes the night sky experience even more remarkable.

Cottonwood is a small campground with large campsites near the Castolon store and Santa Elena canyon. It's roughly 30 minutes to the Basin, 1 hour from Boquillas/Rio Grande Village, about 30 minutes from the western entrance (Study Butte) and a little over an hour from the Persimmon Gap entrance. There are 4 NON-potable water spigots and 1 potable water spigot. Each site has a BBQ grill (no wood f... Cottonwood is a small campground with large campsites near the Castolon store and Santa Elena canyon. It's roughly 30 minutes to the Basin, 1 hour from Boquillas/Rio Grande Village, about 30 minutes from the western entrance (Study Butte) and a little over an hour from the Persimmon Gap entrance. There are 4 NON-potable water spigots and 1 potable water spigot. Each site has a BBQ grill (no wood fires though), a picnic table and room for 2 vehicles. There are 4 vault toilets which were clean. The camp host was very nice and had helpful tips on possible hikes. We had no issues with noisy neighbors and didn't notice any road noise after dark. We were there 12/31/25 to 1/4/26 and even though every site was reserved most nights the campground was never full. Mostly tent campers but several RVs stayed as well. 7 javalina came through one morning just after sunrise. Enjoyed being able to see them up close as they're usually pretty skittish.