The quietest and most primitive of Big Bend’s three developed campgrounds, Cottonwood sits on the park’s western side near Santa Elena Canyon, shaded by cottonwood trees along the Rio Grande floodplain. There’s no potable water here beyond what’s available seasonally, and no generators are permitted, which keeps this campground genuinely peaceful — a real draw for anyone who’s already experienced the busier Chisos Basin or Rio Grande Village sites. Its location makes it the natural base for hiking Santa Elena Canyon, one of the park’s signature short hikes, without a long drive first thing in the morning. Given the more limited facilities and remote feel, this is best suited to visitors who are comfortable with a simpler camping setup, but the payoff is real solitude and easy canyon access most Big Bend visitors never experience.