Thorntoya Terlingua Ranch
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Terlingua, TXYou've just stumbled onto one of the most unique spots Terlingua & Big Bend have to offer. Located at the highest point of the foothills of the Chiso’s, 1 mile from Terlingua Ghost Town, this gem offers 360 degree panoramic views unlike anywhere else down this way. With Big Bend's entrance less than 20 min from property, you can't lose.
This is the ultimate GLAMPING experience fully outfitted with everything you need if you're a party of 2, 4 or 16!
You'll love the views, location & privacy!
Our private hilltop location provides stargazers an ideal vantage point to view the night sky and the Milky Way. The sunrise and sunset views of the Chisos & Big Bend are unparalleled, making for an ideal location for photographers or those who want to just sit and stare.
An artist's flair, we’re full of funky accents most impressively a mural paying respect to the area painted by some of Austin’s most talented. It’s truly special! We've worked hard to make it as fun as it is functional with literally everything your group of up to 10 would need to have a trip of a lifetime. We’ve thought of most things & have really set this place up for like-minded individuals to have a jaw-dropping, special experience, unlike nowhere else in Terlingua.
This private glamping camp is loaded with the everything you'll need for your entire group to have the Big Bend trip of a lifetime. We comfortably accommodate 6 guests in provided shelters but are open to larger parties who tent camp or bring their own RV as we offer 120V, 30 & 50 amp plug-ins with NO water or septic hookups. Having no septic we use composting toilets which work extremely well. Using a water catchment system we catch & filter water offering an amazing, heated outdoor shower privately peering out into the rolling mountains & valleys. We also use Berkey water systems to further filter drinking water. Read below to understand more of what we offer & please don’t hesitate to message directly with any questions.
**What’s included
-19 ft camper w/ a composting toilet, king-bed, cold AC/ Heat, kitchenette & fridge
-16 ft canvas style glamping tent w/ queen bed, AC/ Heat, end table, lamp & electrical connections
- 2 brand new twin foam mattresses that live in glamping tent. They can be relocated to another tent or you can sleep 4 as their is also a queen bed.
-2 Composting toilets – one outside by shower & one inside camper
-Outdoor Heated Shower (there’s a non-heated shower inside RV for inclement weather)
-Stocked outdoor kitchen
***Appliances include: 2 fridge/freezer, gas cooktop (no oven), microwave, coffee maker, electric kettles & cooking surfaces, dishes (for 4-6), ALL cookware & utensils, silverware, an array of standard seasonings, an ice maker, fans, heaters & other amenities.
-500 sq ft covered & lit outdoor living area with couches
-46” Smart TV w/ Soundbar
-Additional sound system to plug into
-High speed internet
-Electricity
-Propane outdoor grill
-4 Top Dining table
- A private 2 Top table w/ chairs discreetly located on property w/ the most amazing view of the Chisos. Best place on earth for an early morning cup of coffee!
**Bed on wheels – feel free to sleep under the stars or roll into the living area if you’d just like to be outside. It’s one of my favorite things out here!
**Here’s the deal with beds & linens
Worth noting before reading the following. Our cleaning fee is only $50.
Towels & sheets are NOT provided as part of the camp. We DO provide good pillows and all mattresses are brand new & in excellent condition.
Towels– We DO NOT provide bath & kitchen towels. You will need to bring your own & pack them out.
Bed Sheets- We DO NOT offer sheets as part of standard rentals. Since human & non-human resources are hard to come by in these parts we ask that you bring your own sheets if you can.
---We DO offer a paid option for an additional charge of $100 which would be paid separately after rental has been made.
---IF you bring your own sheets you’ll need to bring 1 king set for camper & 1 queen set for a glamping tent. Additionally, if you want to use the rolling bed you’d want another queen set or top sheet at a minimum. There are also 2 new 6" foam twin mattress that live inside glamping tent. Bring sheets if you want or great for sleeping bags.
**Outdoor Living Room
The 500 sq foot, covered, outdoor living room has a communal vibe offering panoramic views of everything you came out to enjoy. You came out to the desert to star gaze & be in nature but watching Nextfilx or Youtube in the desert is kinda cool too. You and your group will find yourself spending a fair amount of time under the awning as it’s a great, shady retreat on a hot summer day! We’re also stocked with 4-5 collapsible chairs & a couple zero-gravity that are really nice to spread around.
**The Road
The road coming up from Ghost Town (1 mile) is an unpaved dirt/ gravel road that’s pretty rough maintained by property owners and the Terlingua Ranch, so please take it slow. You shouldn’t have any issues getting a car of any size up but it will be rocky so roll slow.
**The Utilities & what to expect
Water: We are not on any public water or septic system so conservation is the word but we’ll always have plenty of good, clean water for you & your group. We do use a 2000 gallon water catchment system to collect water which is then filtered. Berkey water filters are used for drinking water.
Composting Toilets x 2 - These toilets work extremely well & are extremely clean & simple to use. One toilet is located inside the camper & the other is privately located on the backside of the building next to shower. How often do you get to “go” in the middle of the desert? It’s exhilarating and part of the experience.
Electricity: We are on the grid with plenty of power. The camper & living area have plenty of power and we offer 30 & 50 AMP outside if you choose to bring an RV.
**Dark Sky Community
We’ve made every effort to comply with the "Dark Sky" initiative and ask that all lights be turned down or turned-off when not in use. The community’s efforts in this manner will keep us one of the darkest skies in the U.S. and provide great stargazing from literally anywhere on the property. We ask you respect this and not irresponsibly use outdoor lighting. This makes for an optimal experience for all. It will be clear when you’re on the hill that all neighbors respect this & take it very seriously.
**Other Things
-Pack it in & pack it out. We provide a 55 gallon trash drum with commercial grade bags & ask you to take your trash when you leave.
-Firewood can be difficult to find at times. Consider bringing a bundle with you.
-Flashlights or headlamps are a must for moving around at night.
- It goes without saying that this is desert land and there are poisonous snakes & other undesired desert creatures. This reigns true for anywhere you find yourself down this way but it is always important to be careful.
- Weather fluctuations in the desert can be extreme & unpredictable. Heavy wind can pick up at any point in time so your tents will need to be secured appropriately & precautions taken when you leave camp or go to sleep. There’s plenty of rocks around to get creative as the hard ground is impossible to get tent stakes into. Plan accordingly.
**Events & Commercial Photoshoots
Are not permitted without prior approval, applicable permit and additional fees. We would love to host your special event and can offer advice for additional services/suppliers in addition to hosting you.
**Pets
Big Bend National Park does not allow pets on trails so it’s advised to leave them behind with their second most favorite. You’re welcome to bring yours but sometimes leaving them behind makes the most sense so they’re not sitting in a trailer or tent all day if you go to the park.
**SOCIAL MEDIA
If you plan on sharing your experience on social media, please mention us #thorntoya