Desert camping near Marathon, Texas
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
- Marathon
96% (4078 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Marathon
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top desert campgrounds near Marathon
93%
(1076)
El Cosmico
35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, Presidio
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. Mask are encouraged at this time. Please respect your fellow campers and staff members.
from
$30
/ night
96%
(13)
Cholla Ranch Camp, Glamping Tents
3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Alpine, Brewster
Learn more about this land:
Cholla Ranch Camp, situated in the Chihuahuan Desert of Far West Texas is both remote and convenient as it lies just a few miles from the small town of Alpine. This desert setting has been consistently used as a working ranch for decades. The camp is a 10 acre section we have dedicated to hosting guests out of the 1100 acre ranch.
Three unique Glamping Tents are offered on the ranch to rent. Each tent offers indoor plumbing, comfy beds, refrigerator, microwave, heat and ac seasonally, a private deck, outdoor cooking space and much much more.
From your deck is a direct view of the Twin Peaks during the day and spectacular stargazing at night. Pasture Horses and Cattle Roam the Property while Chickens stay safe in their oversized run. One part ranch, one part camp- all Far West Texas Desert.
We supply a range of fantastic organic toiletries that help support our grey water system. Fresh Locally Ground Coffee and yes even snacks. Here at CRC we try to ensure your needs are well taking care of. We look forward to your stay as a place to relax while being submerged in the history of the land.
from
$100
/ night
Shipping Containers Ranch View
2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Alpine, Brewster
Located on Highway 90 between Marathon and Alpine, the property is secluded with wonderful night time star gazing! The property is on a working cattle ranch, and the cattle and horses are often seen by guests. Wildlife is abundant and guests have reported seeing javelina, hogs, deer, bobcats, and other wildlife. We do recommend being cautious and watch out for snakes.
from
$89
/ night
Booked 2 times
Mountain View Lodge
1 site · Lodging7 acres · Fort Davis, Jeff Davis
Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing.
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.
from
$37
/ night
100%
(3)
BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, Brewster
The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse located in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain.
Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provides ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience of the Big Bend Camp property.
Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This style of camping is particularly popular due to the Big Bend's region of expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas that are inaccessible to regular vehicles.
To access Big Bend Camp you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access along the way to the camping sites.
Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites, which are accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience a true wilderness camping experience.
When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you have the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastnous of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain, and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist.
Overall, overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.
from
$12
/ night
100%
(20)
Saddletramp Ranch
2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Alpine, Brewster
Consistently drawn to the Big Bend area, after riding and traveling all over Texas I decided to make it my home and have never looked back.
The property is on and surrounded by other large ranches between Alpine and Terlingua, allowing space and privacy.
Learn more about this land:
Open range is a thing of the past, yet the ranches here intertwine, and the view goes on forever. Undulating hills of desert shrubs, cactus and rock – like an ocean with its waves.
Just over 30 miles from Alpine and within an hour from the Big Bend National Park entrance.
At a higher elevation than Terlingua, temps are at least 10 degrees cooler here.
Easy access to
Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis and Terlingua. Great location for Viva Big Bend or touring the area.
We have two campsites available. Site 1 can accommodate trailers and Site 2 with primitive tent camping (or car camping) - no trailers.
Campsites are far enough apart to allow privacy.
High desert camping, dark skies, views of Calamity Creek, Elephant Mountain, Santiago Mountains, Santiago Peak, Kokernot Mesa. 300 acres. No wifi currently or amenities other than pure peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness of our high desert.
360 views!
Campfire ability
dependent on weather/wind.
High clearance not always needed but recommended.
Improvements ongoing.
Pack it in, pack it out.
Please dispose of all human waste.
Leave no trace!
No hunting allowed.
Hiking roads is permitted, as well as
on host property.
Gates and sites are difficult to find after dark - please notify host if arriving after sunset.
Specific/detailed directions will be sent upon booking.
Owner lives nearby, out of sight.
Yes - you may hear a donkey!
from
$15
/ night
100%
(4)
Cottonwood Creek Cabins -Alpine, TX
3 sites · Lodging30 acres · Alpine, Brewster
Cottonwood Creek Cabins is an idyllic private 30acre homestead with 5 custom built cabins and 1 glamping tipi, located just 10 mins south of Alpine, Texas. Situated at 5200ft in elevation, and removed from all nearby city noise and light pollution, the air is clean, the setting is quiet, and the dark night skies are perfect for star gazing. If you are looking to relax from the fast pace of the city and want a central hub for all Big Bend area has to offer, this is the ideal place to stay!
29 miles away located at the base of the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis is considered one of the best remaining examples of a Southwest frontier military post. In use from 1854 to 1891, it was also home to the famed Buffalo Soldiers. Visitors can explore more than 100 ruins and 24 buildings, including five that have been restored and furnished to their 1880s condition, on self-guided tours. Multimedia exhibits and displays offer a wealth of information, while costumed interpretive programs bring history to life. You’ll also find four miles of frontcountry and backcountry hiking trails, and although there is no camping inside the park, options are available in nearby Davis Mountains State Park and the town of Fort Davis.
Just one mile furhter more than 2,700 acres of mile-high peaks—the highest is 5,600 feet—and rugged plains look out over the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert in Davis Mountains State Park. Wild scenery is a guarantee, whether you choose to explore by horseback or mountain bike, hike all the way to the Fort Davis National Historic Site, or picnic along Limpia Creek.
Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them.
from
$129
/ night
95%
(250)
Jackass Flats Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, Brewster
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.
from
$25
/ night
96%
(51)
AREA9: The Edge of Nowhere
1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Terlingua, Brewster
I took a vacation by myself an drove to Terlingua. On my drive, I fell in love with the area. As I was driving, I noticed a few "for sale" signs along the way and thought how amazing it would be to own property in Big Bend. Most people fantasize about doing something like that, then dismiss the idea. Not me. About a year later, I purchased 40 acres of desert paradise.Terlingua Ranch is 200,000 acres near Terlingua, Texas. Terlingua Ranch is an interesting place that attracts a diverse group of people, from ranchers to artists. There are many types of houses found here, each built according to the dreams of the respective land owners.This area is perfect when you want to just get away from it all. The stress will just fall off. Learn more about this land:This is truly an off-the-grid experience. Located in the Terlingua desert, 5 miles off the highway, this property has no electricity, no water, no wifi, no cell service, and no light pollution. It's a wide open desert landscape with mountain views on the horizon. If getting away from it all is your goal, you found the right place.
from
$19
/ night
Booked 2 times
Milky Way Run
1 site · Lodging5 acres · Terlingua, Brewster
Welcome to Milky Way Run, a tiny studio cabin located in the heart of the Chihuahuan desert. We are located 25 minutes from Big Bend National Park west entrance, and 25 minutes to Terlingua Ghost town.
The cabin will sleep up to 2 people in a bed (bring your own linens). Parties over 2 will need to bring their own tents for accommodations. We allow up to 6 people on the site.
The space
We have a scenic 5 acre lot nestled in the foothills of the Christmas Mountains, and we are a 25 minute stress free (and gorgeous) drive to the west entrance of Big Bend National Park (it is a BIG park and you will have to drive more once you have entered - do your homework and plan accordingly). You are the only one on the 5 acres.
Drive Times:
* Study Butte (gas): 18 minutes (on the way to BBNP)
* Terlingua Ghosttown: 25 minutes
* Cottonwood Grocer: 20 minutes (on the way to BBNP)
* Big Bend National Park: 25 minutes to the west entrance
* Easily accessible with a standard 2wd vehicle
About Us:
We are situated in a cool, eclectic neighborhood with easy access to paved roads. You will have the 5 acres all to yourself with a private drive to the center of the property. Lots of amenities for outdoor lovers. We are located .7 miles on a dirt road off of the main Terlingua Ranch road. We do not allow pets at this time.
We DO have:
✔ WiFi
✔ Limited electricity
✔ Fans
✔ Shaded porch
✔ Outdoor propane cooktop
✔ Compost toilet
✔ Outdoor Shower with Solar Bag
We DO NOT have:
✘ Bed linens, personal linens, pillows
✘ Running water / hot water
✘ Flush toilet
✘ AC
Cleaning:
This is a self clean rental! Please do your part to keep this space super nice/clean and super affordable. We only charge a $10 fee to cover a property inspector (not cleaner). In return, you will need to clean up after yourself. We provide instructions in the cabin. This is about 20 minutes worth of work and saves you a lot of money. Help us make this world a better place, and leave *everywhere* better than you found it.
★ NOTE: Guests who do not self clean will be billed a $75 cleaning fee ★
Bathroom:
We provide a composting outhouse for your use. You will be responsible for disposing of your waste, but we provide a very sanitary, simple, and odor free eco-friendly bathroom. If this is not for you, we understand - there are plenty of other options available in the area. Please find something that suits your needs.
★ NOTE: Guests who do not dispose of their waste properly will be billed a $75 waste removal fee ★
Water:
You will need to bring your water with you. We do not provide water.
More Details:
✧ You will need to bring your own towels/bedding/pillows/sleeping bags/blankets/toilet paper/paper towels/dishsoap/dishes/water/charcoal/etc... Think of this as glamping with a hard sided tent. We provide a wonderful and comfortable space for your camping experience. You provide the rest.
✧ Bring a twin sheet set if using the bed as a twin, and bring a king set if using the bed as a king (it pulls out to a king size). Also, don't forget your sleeping bag! While we have enough heat to keep the chill out of the air, you will still need warm bedding for cold nights.
✧ We provide a large covered Pilot Rock charcoal grill for cooking.
✧ Outside the cabin is a small cooking area. We provide a 2 burner cooktop, fully hooked up to our propane tank (propane is provided for you).
✧ The covered porch offers either white lights, or red lights for better viewing of the Milky Way.
✧ This cabin is TINY (9x11)! Comfortable for max of 2 people.
✧ A propane wall heater is provided to keep the cabin comfortable on cold nights.
**SUMMER INFO**
- Summer in the desert is HOT.
- Our hottest months are generally May through August.
- The cabin does not have AC, and it will be hot in the summer.
Tips for summer bookings:
✱ Check the weather close to your stay. If it looks too hot, you may cancel your reservation for a full refund.
✱ Summertime is monsoon season in Big Bend. The cabin has all weather roads so access will not be a problem. Rain is an amazing thing to witness in the desert; if you’re lucky, you may get to watch a storm roll in with a beverage in hand, sitting under the covered porch. The rain will cool the temps drastically in the afternoons.
Guest access
You will have access to the entire 5 acre property. Please do not take any rocks or fossils from the property (or anywhere else). Leave them there for others to find. Take a picture and enjoy the memory!
Other things to note
NO SMOKING ALLOWED INSIDE CABIN . Please dispose of cigarettes responsibly, don't litter.
Please be aware of burn bans in the area and adhere to local rules and regulations. Please do not have large fires - keep them small and safe for the people and wildlife around you. No gathering of firewood allowed.
Please enjoy your stay close to the cabin but leave the desert undisturbed. No digging of cactus or plants is allowed. Leave rocks and fossils where you found them.
Please be considerate of others in the area. No bright lights, and no loud noises. Everyone is there to experience the tranquility and darkness together.
Last but not least, sit back, relax and enjoy all the wonders that Big Bend has to offer. Take it all in and it will remain with you forever. Then, come back and see us again.
from
$89
/ night
100%
(4)
Rancho Estrella Marfa
1 site · Tent1 acre · Marfa, Presidio
Two country lots on the edge of Marfa. Hammocks, tent camping and vintage trailer rentals all surrounding an old adobe church which is over 100 years old. All located a half of a mile to the center of Marfa, Texas.
The pictures and reviews tell the story.
We offer plenty of places to camp and hammocks to sleep on. This is a mellow spot and peaceful for those who want to relax and take a deep breath. We don't host big parties and all nighters. Not our style.
from
$37
/ night
100%
(15)
The Hippie Crippler Ranch
16 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, Brewster
Welcome to The Hippie Crippler Ranch! We offer off-grid hot showers, porta-potties, WiFi, games, and more! These amenities are offered to you for your convenience but don’t forget the simple pleasures of sitting outdoors and listening to Mother Nature around you. We want you to connect with nature! A simpler lifestyle that cuts out the everyday comforts of city life for a more primitive experience.
We are only a 30-minute drive to the west entrance of Big Bend National Park. Our campground is 5.5 acres and is located in the North Corazones area of Terlingua Ranch! Our property is loaded with native desert flora, including creosote, a few scattered mesquite trees, and a lone ocotillo. We are nestled in an area with picture-perfect views of Nine Point Mesa, Jack Eden Mesa, the Corazones, and Turtle Mountain, and have one of the best spots for stargazing at night. We’re just 20 minutes from Terlingua Ranch Lodge and Pool and Bad Rabbit Cafe.
Enjoy the picturesque Big Bend of Texas at The Hippie Crippler Ranch by pitching your tent or parking your recreational vehicle. With a gated entrance, our campground is completely fenced. Each site comes with a picnic table, trash bin, fire ring, and a 5-gallon potable water dispenser.
Living in the desert has brought a lot of peace into our lives. Upon arriving we weren’t sure what to think other than it was absolutely beautiful. As time went by, we found a strong connection to the land, the quietness, and the sound of nature all around. We are overcome with tranquility and a repeated sigh of relief every time we take a drive in any direction. It didn’t take long for us to want to share these experiences with whomever we could connect with.
We may be half an hour away from the local towns and parks, but you get to camp in pure nature. No loud cars zooming by, and The Ranch is not an overpopulated campground. Imagine hiking all day, especially if you’re visiting during a busy season, and all you want to do is get back to the peace and quiet of your camp. Well, we provide just that!
Whether this is your first, second, or third visit to the Big Bend area we hope you consider staying at The Hippie Crippler Ranch. The basic creature comforts we provide coupled with the tranquility of a primitive lifestyle lead to a perfect getaway for any outdoor enthusiast or lover of nature.
We know that the Big Bend area brings in thousands of people seeking adventure and exploration. Our passion is to explore every inch and corner of this world and connect with others, both alike and completely opposite of us. We welcome everyone to our campground and hope that you can take something back with you after your stay with us. Collecting memories not things is something we live by.
If this is your first visit to Big Bend, then we want to say thank you for choosing us for your accommodations. If this isn’t your first rodeo, we would also like to express our gratitude to you for giving us the opportunity to host you on your return.
We hope that you have the best time camping, hiking and just enjoying the great outdoors. The desert is a beautiful part of the world and should be explored!
from
$50
/ night
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Desert camping near Marathon guide
Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Marathon, Texas, you're in luck. We have over 800 options specifically tailored to your activity and terrain preference. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, our top campsites, such as Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch (657 reviews), El Cosmico (537 reviews), and Paisano Azul Ranch (428 reviews), offer exceptional experiences. With popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, campfires, and potable water, and activities ranging from whitewater paddling to snow sports, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Plus, with prices as low as $5 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you can enjoy nature at an affordable cost. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning desert landscapes of Marathon, Texas!
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