The best desert campgrounds near Valentine, Texas

Camping in Valentine’s desert is no-frills and full of surprises. With over 820 campsites scattered across the area, you’ll pitch your tent among mesquite scrub, sandy washes, and wide-open horizons. Expect night skies so clear you’ll count satellites, and days that start with the rustle of jackrabbits. Sites like El Cosmico (723 reviews), Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas (81 reviews), and Apache Park and Trail (24 reviews) each bring their own twist—think campfire circles and space for stargazing. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and open fire rings are common, but double-check before you roll up. Hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching dominate the days. Average stays run $20 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $5. Bring water, pack for temperature swings, and keep an eye out for pronghorns at dawn.

89% (833)

Top-rated campgrounds

Camping in Valentine’s desert is no-frills and full of surprises. With over 820 campsites scattered across the area, you’ll pitch your tent among mesquite scrub, sandy washes, and wide-open horizons. Expect night skies so clear you’ll count satellites, and days that start with the rustle of jackrabbits. Sites like El Cosmico (723 reviews), Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas (81 reviews), and Apache Park and Trail (24 reviews) each bring their own twist—think campfire circles and space for stargazing. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and open fire rings are common, but double-check before you roll up. Hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching dominate the days. Average stays run $20 a night, but you can snag a site for as little as $5. Bring water, pack for temperature swings, and keep an eye out for pronghorns at dawn.

89% (833)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rancho Estrella Marfa

100%

(20)

34mi from Valentine · 1 site · Tent · Marfa, TX

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.

2. El Cosmico

93%

(1321)

34mi from Valentine · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

3. Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

88%

(99)

21mi from Valentine · 102 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Valentine, TX

Desert Gardens Oasis is your in country camping retreat with RVs, cabins and tent spots where fireplaces are waiting for you. We have thousands of acres for hiking in the mountain, trip to the cave, landing strip for your power para glider, outdoor chess, golf, shooting range, monastery, and speedway - all included for free waiting for you. We are Chihuahua desert headquarters for the most unique location located about 15 minutes drive from Interstate 10 and Van Horn, Tx. We are one of the most unique camping in west Texas. Artists for Humanity manage this place with members coming from all over the world. Enjoy the true west Texas and true South West! Salt Springs spa is coming soon We are at West side of Green Valley in Lobo, Texas. Desert Gardens Oasis is quiet, safe, exotic and tranquility is the theme of every day.

4. Camp Davis RV Park

100%

(1)

35mi from Valentine · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Fort Davis, TX

We offer full hookups at our pull-through RV sites with 50-amp service (30-amp adapters available). Tent campers are welcome! Guests can enjoy a completely renovated bathhouse featuring toilets, showers, and a soaking tub. The park also offers free Wi-Fi. Come experience the dark skies of West Texas from your site and enjoy the many birds that call Camp Davis home. Long-term and month-to-month renters are welcome. Tent camping is also available—come stay with us for a while! Nestled in the breathtaking Davis Mountains at an elevation of 4,982 feet, Camp Davis RV Park is your gateway to adventure and relaxation in Fort Davis, the coolest town in the Lone Star State. With stunning mountain scenery, rich history, and proximity to renowned West Texas attractions, your unforgettable escape awaits.

5. South Lobo, Texas

68%

(11)

21mi from Valentine · 4 sites · RVs · Van Horn, TX

Learn more about this land:This land is located on about 6 acres of Chihuahuan desert land, about 1 mile directly south of the old ghost town of Lobo (which is why this place is called South Lobo), which is about 17 miles south of I-10 at Van Horn, Texas. The Rio Grande valley is about 15 miles to the west of this site, and about 2 miles east is Chispa Mountain (about 1200 feet higher than the surrounding country).Some day I hope to operate a small interfaith chapel and emergency water station (this land is located about 15 miles as the crow flies from Mexico) but for now it is just a beautiful bit of country for camping. You can learn more about our mission by searching for "South Lobo, Texas."My pricing is per vehicle (since this is the most environmentally impactful thing that happens on this place), which means that primitive campers who are not parking on the property can camp for free (one extra camping space is reserved for primitive campers).There is no power or water on site and minimal shade. You are welcome to hike, mountain bike, explore, etc but ATV's are not allowed (except on the dirt road).This is also a great location for railfans (Amtrak goes through here six times per week while going between San Antonio and Los Angeles, but there is also some freight traffic) but also for stargazers and ham radio operators (very low electrical noise levels).Safety wise: The Border Patrol is frequently in this area, so please do not be surprised if they come by and say hello while you are camping. If they ask about your presence, tell them you are camping with the permission of the landowner. Other than the border patrol, you are unlikely to encounter any other people. The biggest danger out here is dehydration. Be sure and bring more water than you think you'll need as it is a long drive back to Van Horn. (and if you have any extra left, please consider leaving it behind for emergency use from refugees who may be passing through)Lots of things to see and do in the area --- Van Horn is a nice town (with some decent food, stores, etc.). The famous Prada Marfa isn't far away and of course there is the ghost town in Lobo (where they occasionally have film festivals and other events). Lots of folks pass through this area heading to Big Bend and other points further out.Please do your best to clean up your camp site when you leave so that this unique landscape will be preserved for future visitors to see and experience.

6. Lobo Flats

19mi from Valentine · 1 site · Lodging · Valentine, TX

We close for the summer. We will re-open mid-August or when daytime temps are consistently below 95 degrees. Flats is located conveniently off a paved road about half-way between Van Horn and Valentine. 20 minutes from Valentine and the Prada Store, 50 minutes from Marfa 60 minutes from Davis Mountains State Park 75 minutes from Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitors Center 3 hours from Panther Junction Visitor Center in Big Bend Although our property is only five acres, we have no close neighbors. You can see a few other homesteads from here, many of which are unoccupied. For the most part it is very quiet, with only a handful of vehicles passing by on any given day. We have stars, rocks, views, solitude, and art. Within view of the property are Matthew Grey’s large-scale sculptures Broken Mile and Mile Dark, with a third sculpture underway. We are also in the process of installing our own installations on the property. We are an off-grid property running on well water and solar with a backup propane generator. Please keep in mind that our sites do not have unlimited water and electricity, and that you may hear a generator at times. We have a great setup here, and we enjoy the simplicity that comes with this lifestyle. With that said, this is a campsite, not a glampsite. Lobo Flats is Marfa’s dusty, crusty cousin and we like it that way. The campground is a brand-new endeavor; we welcome feedback as we refine the off-grid experience that we share with campers. We are an introvert friendly establishment, and while there will typically be someone around to help during your stay, you will have all the privacy you desire.

Public campgrounds near Valentine

Taking in the view of the Davis Mountains

100%

(15)

Davis Mountains State Park Campground

33mi from Valentine · 94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Davis Mountains State Park

100%

(1)

Primitive Equestrian Campground

34mi from Valentine · 6 sites · in Davis Mountains State Park

Davis Mountains Primitive Campground

34mi from Valentine · 1 site · in Davis Mountains State Park

Stories from the community

C

Carolyn

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

The host was excellent at responding to a few questions. The humor in the artwork and activities brought me lots of joy. The messages in the yoga area were calming. The multitude of stars in the night sky... delicious

G

Greg

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Rancho Estrella Marfa

Really pretty/amazing place in an extraordinary and unique place, Marfa! Great facilities and nice “neighbors.”

L

Lauren

October 2025

14 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Davis At Fort Davis RV Park

Great place to stay, very quiet, bathrooms nice, dog friendly, and close to Fort Davis State Park. Joy was so lovely to meet and we were well taken care of. Would recommend !

M

Max

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

This is a special place. The amount of work and care put into this property is mind-boggling. Also, I was able to ask the host questions and he answered immediately, even answered my phone call at night when I was having trouble finding the spot. GREAT deal. Remember though, you’re in the west Texas desert! Respect the land, if you want it to respect you.

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Rancho Estrella Marfa

Such a charming place! Beautiful setting, great decor, felt safe and private. Our only issue was the amount of sticker burrs everywhere. They were sharp and big enough to puncture our tent and even go through some shoes. The site is also near some very noisy train tracks.

I

Irma

August 2025

Tent

7 nights at Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

Take plenty of water. Road gets very slippery when wet. Deep cracks on the road. Loved the hiking and the starry nights. Quiet lovely nature.

J

Jurriaan

June 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at El Cosmico

Nice, spacious and open minded. We’ve only found out out they’re closing next month when we got there. I hope the new Cosmico will be equally good.

S

Stanley

May 2025

15 ft campervan

1 night at El Cosmico

Very welcoming environment and eclectic atmosphere! The open top showers are a must for any visitors!!! Will return!

B

Beth

April 2025

22 ft campervan

1 night at El Cosmico

We loved staying at El Cosmico. We adored the funky vibe. The outdoor bathrooms and showers were fun. I wish we would have had time to use the hot tub.

M

Martha

April 2025

21 ft campervan

2 nights at El Cosmico

This was our second great stay at El Cosmico. We love coming here and exploring Marfa. Even though we just sleep in the parking lot in our van, we use the common spaces and the showers - which are lovely outdoor showers.

A

Addison

April 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at El Cosmico

Very nice! It was the perfect location. We brought our bikes and bikes into town.

Ashley

April 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at El Cosmico

We did self camping. Good amount of flat land available for tents. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms were nice. Only problem was the outdoor toilets and showers have gaping holes which left me feeling exposed to any passerby. Would still stay here again. Was a bit close to a busy road, but i slept fine.

G

Grady

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rancho Estrella Marfa

Great place to stay very accommodating! I was able to make last minute adjustments to my reservations. Robert runs an awesome place to stay!!!

R

Raychel

April 2025

Tent

1 night at El Cosmico

Just a gorgeous property! Quiet, conferrable, and incredibly helpful staff!

Tyler

March 2025

Tent

1 night at El Cosmico

Great place to stay. Nice people and great facilities. Has a lot of charm and character. Great value too especially for tent camping.

A

Abby

March 2025

16 ft car

1 night at El Cosmico

Stayed at El Cosmico campsite and absolutely loved it, staff was nice, showers and bathrooms were so clean. 100% would reccomend for car or tent camping

a

arthur

March 2025

10 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at El Cosmico

Great place and wonderful inclusive people. A cute little oasis in the desert.

Vince

March 2025

12 ft campervan

With kids

3 nights at El Cosmico

We stayed here three nights, went down to Terlingua/Big Bend for three nights then didn’t hesitate to stay at El Cosmico again on our way back. We slept in our van in the lot one night and tent camped the other nights. The lounge with wifi was wonderful for getting some work done or just enjoying the complimentary coffee in the morning. The outdoor kitchen came in handy to do some dishes and make tea in the evening. Both the indoor and outdoor bathrooms were clean and much appreciated. Yes, there’s some road noise, but it didn’t hurt our enjoyment of El Cosmico.

C

Camilla

March 2025

Tent

1 night at El Cosmico

El Cosmico is a great option for anyone wanting to stay in Marfa. Self-camping is easy with access to good restrooms and a lovely space to hang out in. They also have great coffee served in the morning! Our only complaint was the noise. It’s near a busy road, very close to a train, lots of barking from dogs, and the people around us were a bit loud. These noises could be minimized if you camp in a spot away from the path and further from the bathrooms though!

D

Diana

March 2025

Tent

1 night at El Cosmico

This was a fun stop over on our way to Big Bend NP. Easy to find and close to town. Friendly staff.