We stayed here for one night during a road trip.

Pros: It was super easy to reserve a spot online. The park was easy to find and not too far from the interstate. Totally paved and level site. Quiet and clean. Seemed secure.

Cons: the place seems to be a parking lot with hook-ups. Sites are pretty tight. Not a place to vacation, but just fine for an overnight or if you’re there to attend an event. The rates are a bit steep for what you’re getting ($52/nite). The park was a LOT more full than was depicted on the online site selection tool, so I don’t think management keeps on top of that.

We spent a few nights at Cottonwood Campground in May 2022. Generally a very positive experience.

Pros: It’s remote but well-tended. Compost restrooms were clean and tended daily, as were recycling bins. Most of the campground is nice and grassy, and most of the campsites are well-spaced and receive shade for part of the day. We stayed at site 13, which has a tree shading part of the pad. Abundant bird life in the area. We saw great horned owls, summer tanagers, scarlet tanagers, mockingbird, and several others we weren’t able to identify. We really enjoyed watching the bats every evening do their aerial acrobatics in search of bugs.

There is one potable water hydrant at the shed near the entrance of the campground. It seems to be a gravity-flow, so not really suitable for filling our trailer water tank.

There are several non-potable hydrants scattered throughout the camp, which can be used for cleaning, etc. The campground is very quiet and dark at night, which makes for great stargazing. Park maintenance staff, rangers, and firefighters made stops in camp every day.

Signs note that bear or javelina could make an appearance, so lock boxes are provided at each site to secure your food items. No generators are allowed, so you can count on quiet.

Cons: The camp is very remote, so no WiFi or cell signal (this could also count as a ‘Pro’).

Temps were over 100 during the days we were there, so you need to be prepared for that. Even so, nights were pretty comfortable for sleeping. Of course, no showers or sewer dump.

In general, we had no issues and enjoyed the camp. Be prepared to bring what water and food you expect you’ll need. There is a small store up the hill at Castolon that sells limited groceries, ice, and cold drinks.

We spent a couple nights here in May 2022. Generally positive experience, especially for the price. It is situated on the east side of Presidio, just outside Big Bend Ranch State Park. Convenient for forays into the park.

Full hook-ups. Sites are roomy. Entirely gravel. Easy to find, just off the highway.

There are a few stores and restaurants in town, but if you need anything beyond the basics, you should plan to bring it. We were able to find propane at the nice grocery store on the north side of town. Try the Bean Cafe for lunch.

No liquor store in town, and limited beer choices.