Desert and dog-friendly camping near Marathon, Texas
Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
- Marathon
96% (4012 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Marathon
Under $50
12 top desert and dog-friendly campgrounds near Marathon
93%
(1081)
El Cosmico
40 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.
from
$30
/ 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
96%
(52)
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
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
95%
(253)
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
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%
(5)
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%
(6)
Starry Night Retreat
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Study Butte, Brewster
Come out to enjoy solitude at the Starry Night Retreat! Pitch your tent in your very own desert escape with 360 degree Mountain View’s and soak up some of the best views of the stars in all of the United States!
You will have this entire 5 acre lot all to yourself which allows for extremely peaceful solitude!
You will be only 25min~ from both Big Bend national Park and Terlingua Ghost town!
from
$15
/ 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
83%
(12)
Caja Caliente
2 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, Brewster
Caja Caliente is a remote and off-grid 5 acre parcel that is used for recreational camping. It has been an amazing place to view the Milky-way and Stars throughout the year. Caja Caliente is located on West Road in the Big Bend Valley region of the Terlingua Ranch, with stunning views of 9-Point Mesa, Red Bluff, Black Hill, and some amazing sunsets.
Summer months can be extremely hot and dry, so bring enough water. The camping is primitive so all trash should be carried out by campers. Please take care of the Porta-Potty so that it remains in good condition for other campers. (Please report any unsatisfactory conditions to Zach).
Noe's Nest camping shelter is by reservation only.
The property corners are staked with G227 and all campers must remain within those property boundaries while camping. All campers must obey observed burn-bans due to drought conditions.
Be advised..... The host is NOT at the property. You will receive a welcome packet 48 hours before your arrival with detailed instructions for arrival and campsites.
Please, enjoy the beauty of West Texas!
from
$15
/ night
84%
(16)
“Roble Perdido” private RV site
1 site · RV1 acre · Marfa, Presidio
Learn more about this land:“Roble Perdido” is a private , full hookup RV site , just outside the city limits of Marfa TX. Easy walking access to this unique little town in West TX , close to Big Bend National Park. The site is a back in site , accommodating up to 40’. The site is a leveled gravel parking pad, with full hook-ups. There is a shade shelter ,a picnic table and ,a fire ring with this site. (Please check for local fire bans!)
from
$40
/ night
100%
(1)
Casa de Keaveny
1 site · Lodging30 acres · Alpine, Brewster
Beautiful land in the Chihuahua desert north of the Christmas mountains and south of the famous 9 point Mesa. Just north of Mexico and 30 min from Big Bend National park and The Terlingua ghostown . West Texas.
Off grid small house running on solar power and rain water catchment.
Very cozy.
Plenty of land for camping also.
Mr. Keaveny built the house himself over a 10 year period.
from
$54
/ night
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