Desert camping in Texas
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
92% (5598 reviews)
- Texas
92% (5598 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top desert campgrounds in Texas
93%
(1185)
El Cosmico
40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX
El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now.
Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk.
Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.
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$30
/ night
99%
(194)
The Bus Stop Camp Ground
10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX
Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure.
Big Bend National Park
Horseback Riding
Plane Tours
ATV Tours
River Rafting
Hiking
Mountain Biking and more!
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from
$25
/ night
97%
(150)
Good Guad Land Co.
3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dell City, TX
Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park!
This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables).
If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that?
Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles
Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles
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$35
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96%
(1051)
Paisano Azul Ranch
11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX
Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek.
The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park.
Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site.
The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails.
There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking.
We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing
as much as we do.
We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family.
Additional details to note:
- We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person)
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though.
- Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private.
- Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
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$39
/ night
98%
(1129)
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
50 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Terlingua, TX
This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions.
The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events.
The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's.
Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience.
**New This Winter**
Rachel Wey Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
Please contact us about hours and availibilty
Rachel.wey.ranch @faceboook.com-
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$40
/ night
99%
(583)
Coyote Crossing
26 sites · Tents21 acres · Terlingua, TX
Located in Southern Most Section of Terlingua Ranch, within eyesight of the Mexican Border, National, and State Parks.
Easy to find, just across from Willow Mountain, one of the most photograph natural features in Big Bend.
Traveling highway 118
you will see the Entrance at address 53420, just north 1 mile of the outfitters and gas station.
Every night the coyotes would cross the road and come for a visit..Thus the name Coyote Crossing.. With dreams of a tiny home and campground, we continue to improve on the land every day and love to share it with others.
When arriving at night it will be very
dark.. very few lights in use, dark sky's are protected in Big Bend.. so it may be hard to find. but we are directly
on the highway on the west side of 118.
Trash Dumpster up front for your use.
No collecting rocks, cactus or wood to burn... NO TRACE,
leave it as you find it..
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$25
/ night
99%
(230)
Coyote Breaks Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX
The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!
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$30
/ night
96%
(23)
Mountain View Lodge
3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX
Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm/
We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com.
We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more.
Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!
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$39
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96%
(14)
Puppy Paradise- Eclipse Viewing!
22 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Florence, TX
Puppy Paradise is a Dog forward recreation space. Our two camp hosts, Joannie and James, are working towards improving the facilities each day to help support dog partners who like to recreate with their dogs off leash in a predictable environment. In addition to a comfortable campsite, there are some 30 acres of desert forest, wild clay harvesting and ancient pottery firing, restorative agriculture, and no light pollution, making for a nature-focused experience both day and night. We are in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, so join us for this special day!
Puppy Paradise is here are several downtown areas within 15-20 minutes of the campsite. Salado is our home town and it's a welcoming space especially around the Barrow Brewery and Salado creed where they often have outdoor music in a park setting with several local food vendors. We are central to North Austin and about 50 minutes outside of Austin city center.
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$15
/ night
88%
(113)
Lakefront Vineyard & Winery
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Millersview, TX
A true Texas inspiration! Began in 2007 as a hobby to make wine for personal consumption, this vineyard has evolved into an award-winning winery in a location uniquely suited for grape production, right on the border of the High Plains AVA & Hill Country AVA.
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$35
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93%
(36)
Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX
Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.
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$18
/ night
95%
(263)
Jackass Flats Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX
Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access.
The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies.
Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS.
Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving.
NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area.
Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters.
We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items to meet your needs.
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$25
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Available this weekend
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Desert camping in Texas guide
Overview
Camping in the desert of Texas? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,200 options specifically tailored to your desert activity and terrain preference, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. Whether you're looking to stargaze at Goat Pens or experience the unique vibe of El Cosmico, our top-rated campsites have you covered. With hundreds of reviews, you can trust that you'll have an amazing experience. And with popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need for a memorable trip. So pack your bags, saddle up for some horseback riding, and hit the trails - camping in the Texas desert has never been easier or more affordable, with options starting as low as $5 per night!
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