Camping near Terlingua, Texas
Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.
- Terlingua
Camping near Terlingua
From desert backdrops to scenic mountaintops, Terlingua offers endless camping possibilities.
Top-rated stays
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The Hippie Crippler Ranch
16 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · TXWe offer hot showers, porta-potties, WiFi, games, and more! Enjoy the picturesque Big Bend of Texas at The Hippie Crippler Ranch by pitching your tent or parking your recreational vehicle.
Our season ends on April 30th, 2023! Hope to see you before then!
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 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.
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!
Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and a 5-gallon potable water dispenser. We understand the desire for a few creature comforts, so we offer off-grid communal toilets and showers, and free Wi-Fi. 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.
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!
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$49
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Lynn y B's land
32 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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Cosmic Cowboys
17 sites · Lodging10 acres · Terlingua, TXCosmic Cowboys is a 10 acre property overlooking Big Bend National and State Parks. Located on top of a hill, we have 360 degrees of breathtaking views and a pitch dark sky at night. Located just off the main Highway-118 and only 10 minutes from the entrance to the National Park. Come and camp with us or stay in a Bell Tent or Mirror Stargazing Domes.
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Perdido Overland Overnight Camp
2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · TXWe bought our property in 2003. Built our completely off-grid cabin in 2009, and moved out here full time in 2015. Since 2015 we've been continually improving our property and in 2019 had the idea to start a small campsite on the backside of our property in a private valley. A valley that while private and secluded has excellent 360 degree views.
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Rancho de los Arboles Muertos
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents160 acres · TXWith 160 acres located just off Highway 118, two miles north of Study Butte-Terlingua, 7 miles from Terlingua Ghost Town, 7 miles from Big Bend National Park and 16 miles from Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arboles Muertos is a perfect place to set up a home base for all the many activities in the area. We're located directly across the highway from Willow Mountain, with 800 foot sheer faces and rising over 1000 feet above the highway, making it one of the most prominent features in the area next to the Chisos of Big Bend. The property is covered in Ocotillo, hidden arroyos, tall bentonite dunes, volcanic ridges, dry creeks and the occasional fossil. Trail runners can easily create 5 mile loop over ridges and in arroyos without leaving the property.
Rancho de los Arboles Muertos gets its name from the 25 foot tall Eastern Red Cedar trees that are being salvaged from land clearing operations near Austin and "planted" around the property. It's an ongoing process, with over 40 trees still waiting to be transported to the site. For the burners out there, the place will have an unmistakable deep playa vibe once all trees have made it home )'(
The property is surrounded on 3 sides by tall hills, sheltering it from some of the high winds the area is known for, and the nearest dwelling is over a mile away and not visible from most of the sites, giving it an almost backcountry feel, yet only 2 miles from town. Campers can reserve individual or group drive in sites with primitive fire pits and level tent areas, or choose our most unique option, The Pit(Bishop, CA has a piece of my heart). These 15 sites are a 1-3 minute walk from the parking area and are first come, first camp. This area is spread out over several acres, with fire pits and leveled tent spaces. A cart is available for gear.
Socialized dogs are allowed on leash, but we do have a high coyote population in the area, as well as other dangers to pets.
Large groups are welcome. Please let us know before booking and we will try to reserve an entire space for the privacy of your group.
We are a completely off-grid property, so remember to bring water! We have a pit toilet on site--new and unused as of March 11, 2022.
In the event of heavy rain, the roads could become impassible for a few hours to a couple days. If we see a major storm in the forecast, we will contact you directly to discuss options. The rainy season is late summer, however, and we are not taking bookings during that time, so this should not be an issue.
Check out our Instagram page for more about us @arboles_muertos
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$30
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Dusty Paddle
7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · TXOnce a sea, this now desert campground offers views of the mountains into Mexico and surrounding Terlingua, Texas area. Use your imagination and have fun at our tropical themed campground. There are plenty of cool rocks and an arroyo to explore on this 42 acres. Fossil And shell hunt, hike, bike, enjoy fabulous sunsets and the best stargazing possible. Keep a look out for awesome desert plants and wildlife. Feel free to bring a painted rock with your name, date, and where you are from to leave at your campsite. This campground is private and remote but conveniently located within 10 minutes of a store that is well stocked with Wi-Fi, ice, beer, propane and other necessities. This is an off grid campground. If you are looking to unplug, this place is for you. Please remember to bring whatever you need for a Boondocking experience, such as water, fuel, shade etc. Please stay on discernible roads, to help preserve this property and pack out ALL trash, human waste, and pet waste.
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$20
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Sky Ranch Terlingua
6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · TX
Sky Ranch is the result of a love for the desert and for 1980s post-apocalyptic movies. A place to step out of our busy lives and be still, gain a new perspective, and imagine a different way to live.
Once the floor of a large inland sea, Sky Ranch Terlingua is covered with fossilized mollusk shells. After the water receded, the area was visited by various animal and human migrations. Today, Sky Ranch is a refuge for two native Texans with deep roots that predate Texas itself.
"Be friendly, but firm. But most of all, be yourselves." - Lester, Cherry 2000
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Jackass Flats Campground
26 sites · RVs, TentsTerlingua Ranch / Alpine, TXLocated 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. but 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.
We offer wood/snacks/groc/ice and food items to meet your needs.
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$25
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9 Points Camp
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · TXOur family has owned property, on Terlingua Ranch, since the 1970's. Since that time, we've added additional property and our love for this area and our passion for sharing it with others, has grown more and more. We've continued to value and preserve the area's natural, primitive beauty.
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Paisano Azul Ranch
10 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · TXPaisano 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:
- 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.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
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Smiling Dog Ranch
29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Alpine, TXFormerly known as Eco-Ranch Sustainable Living, new hosts assumed the ranch on February 1, 23 and look forward to hosting you.
The Smiling Dog is a remote working homestead, located on 20 acres close to both the National and State Parks. With unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and arroyos the property offers guests a chance to unplug and enjoy exploring unique terrain on site.
The Big Bend region is a certified dark sky community and is recognized as the darkest park/community in the lower-48. With no light pollution on the ranch, the stargazing is spectacular. Guests are encouraged to bring headlamps or flashlights with red filters to allow you to safely see your surroundings while preserving the darkness for your eyes to adjust.
The ranch is fully off-grid, powered by solar energy. Water is collected through rain catchment and is pumped into filtered tanks which provides the majority of our water supply. At times during drought conditions we do have to bring water in from Study Butte or Alpine so we ask all of our guests to conserve whenever possible.
Wildlife is in abundance in the desert, our naturally created water reservoir often brings in a variety of animals in the evenings. Guests could expect to see coyotes, rabbits, foxes, mule deer, aoudad sheep, and even elk. There is also a large drove (herd) of wild donkeys that roam freely and are beloved by the community. There are also predators but they are rare in the area. Mountain lions and bears do live in the area, but stick closer to the mountains instead of open areas like the ranch. Insects and snakes can be found throughout the desert as well as migratory butterflies and birds.
Guests have several options for their stay- there are 20 dispersed campsites that can accommodate a single camper to large groups with multiple vehicles. Each site has fire rings for campfires dependent on weather conditions. During periods when there is a high fire danger, ground fires are not allowed. Guests can bring above ground fire rings, or small propane grills and provide their own wood. Travel trailers and smaller RV's are also welcome, though we do not offer hookups or waste disposal. There are also 2 small, basic rooms with full size futons that can house 2 adults or 4 if you are really good friends. A communal area houses a small kitchen area with a propane powered camp stove, mini-fridge, sink with basic cookware and utensils. In addition there are two restrooms, one with a shower, and both with sinks and flush toilets. There is a third bathroom located near our largest camping area. You are free to use the restroom outside, our plants love the extra water, but you are asked to pack out any toilet paper and use the restrooms for solid waste.
We do offer all guests free Wi-Fi internet access but we cannot guarantee the strength and availability, though we do find most guests can connect. We have upgraded to Starlink which we hope will offer more stability and stronger signal. There is absolutely no cell signal once you turn off of the highway and at the ranch- we use Wi-Fi calling and texting but also have a landline in the event that it is needed to reach the outside world.
We are located just under 5 miles from 118, though it takes 15-20 minutes to reach the ranch on dirt roads. Most vehicles can safely make the drive but high clearance vehicles are strongly encouraged. For the most part the road is smooth but you should pay close attention as their are ruts- take your time and watch the road. We strongly recommended that you download directions before arriving.
Any rain, even small amounts make the roads impassable due to bentonite clay which becomes thick mud which guarantees the need to be towed out. If the forecast calls for rain you should be prepared to make plans for other accommodations or you will be risking getting stuck. Rain is not common outside of the late summer months but should you need to cancel due to weather, you will be fully refunded. This should not discourage anyone, 99% of the time there is no rain to be concerned about, but as your hosts, we care about your comfort and safety and feel obligated to make all guests aware.
A few other things about the ranch- we live on site in the main house (as of March 1, 23) and are in the process of renovation. We are also upgrading guest rooms and communal areas, as well as working on projects throughout the ranch. We have a small flock of chickens and sell their eggs when available. There is a large greenhouse with an aquaponic system that is a work in progress, we hope to have fresh vegetables this summer! Check in is located at the main house, at times we will not be immediately available but you will find your information and a map outside the main door. We will come greet you as soon as we are free. Because we live on site and this is our home, we ask that guests do not explore the main house, livestock pens, greenhouse or covered work areas without permission. We welcome your friendly and well-behaved pets, we have pets of our own who love guests. We ask that you leash them when near the house and watch them when at your campsite or exploring. Please pick up after your dogs if they use the bathroom in common areas, or near campsites. Any waste in the arroyos can stay where it is.
You will be expected to pack your trash out, there is no trash service for the ranch.
Safety information: This is the desert and you are responsible for your own safety at all times. There is absolutely no swimming in the catchment reservoir and you should not drive anywhere outside of the defined roads. The nearest hospital is located in Alpine, a 70 mile drive north, so drink lots of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and don't touch anything pokey or that has a face. We do have first aid supplies available and you'll find commonly used supplies in the communal area. All food and drinks should be securely stored and under no circumstances should you feed the wildlife, with the exception of birdseed for our resident birds. If you have food scraps that are safe for the chickens, they will be more than happy to handle that for you.
We look forward to the opportunity to host you, and welcome you to enjoy the desert we love so much. One sunrise or sunset and we are certain that you will also love it here. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out.
-Ashley and Raymond
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Rio Bravo Ranch
7 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · Presidio, TXRio Bravo Ranch is a family owned ranch that borders the Rio Grande and Casa Piedra Road. We have cultured a love for camping and the outdoors on this ranch as children and young adults. One day we were sitting on "the backside," enjoying the amazing vistas, solitude and a campfire when the idea came to us that we should share this amazing place with others seeking this type of experience. We tried to think about what makes camping enjoyable to us - no immediately adjacent campers, a nice fire ring/shade structure, a nice, large tent site and vistas with unobstructed views. We have incorporated this into our campground design which, when completely finished, will encompass several hundred acres of Chihuahuan desert vistas. We are also fortunate enough to have a large riparian area on the property. It is in this area, amongst the 40ft tall cottonwood and willows, we often find Gambel's Quail, Scaled Quail, Javelina and numerous bird species including the occasional turkey. We would love nothing more than to share this wonderful place, where we grew up, with souls seeking solitude, adventure and inspiration. Our eastern entrance is just a few miles outside the Big Bend Ranch State Park boundary, conveniently located on Casa Piedra road about 1.6 miles north of FM 170.
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$35
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Outdoor stays for every style
Find your new favorite spot.
On the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert lies the sleepy little Texas town of Terlingua. Folks might call this a ghost town, but tourists keep it alive due to its proximity to Big Bend National Park. With over 800,000 acres to explore in Big Bend, it’s no wonder travelers flock to the area. There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy year-round. Stay for a day hike or plot out your week-long backcountry itinerary. With such diverse topography, you can traverse over twenty miles of trails in the Chisos Mountains. Or enjoy scenic hikes along the banks of the Rio Grande River. Being this close to the mighty river means plenty of opportunities to raft and canoe its waters. So where should you stay if you visit Terlingua? This region offers plenty of RV parks and tent camping. For luxury amenities, check out Maverick Ranch RV Park, located at the Lajitas Golf Resort. Relax at the spa, hit the links, or explore trails via horseback. Another popular spot to park your RV for the night is BJ’s RV Park. Big rig and pet-friendly, campers will enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, full hook-ups, and a community kitchen. Are you looking to stay inside Big Bend? Tent camping is welcome at Chisos Basin Campground. Campers can choose from 60 sites with access to running water, grills, and picnic tables. You are conveniently located near some of the most popular hiking trails in the park, like Window Trail. Bring your mountain bike as the park has an extensive back road system. Or travel the scenic paved roads via motorcycle. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to hit everything on your list. It’s a great excuse to plan yet another trip to Terlingua.
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