The best mountainous campgrounds near Van Horn, Texas

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Van Horn, Texas? Hipcamp has over 318 camping options in this area, with prices starting as low as $9 per night! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like El Cosmico (537 reviews), Gardens Oasis Lobo Texas (66 reviews), and Desenrascanco Camp (46 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, campfires, and toilets. And for the adventure-seekers, you can go boating, off-roading (OHV), or explore historic sites. Start planning your camping trip now!

84% (95)

Top-rated campgrounds

Hiking in Canyon coming from our mountains

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Van Horn, Texas? Hipcamp has over 318 camping options in this area, with prices starting as low as $9 per night! Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like El Cosmico (537 reviews), Gardens Oasis Lobo Texas (66 reviews), and Desenrascanco Camp (46 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like cooking equipment, campfires, and toilets. And for the adventure-seekers, you can go boating, off-roading (OHV), or explore historic sites. Start planning your camping trip now!

84% (95)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

88%

(99)

20mi from Van Horn · 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.

2. South Lobo, Texas

68%

(11)

17mi from Van Horn · 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.

3. Butler-Nash Ranch

100%

(4)

33mi from Van Horn · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Sierra Blanca, TX

Camp ground are located in 5 acres of an already established Ranch. Please follow guidelines and rules to not venture to restricted area or onto neighboring ranches. The area is dirt roads with brush everywhere. Beautiful cactus wildlife and different type of birds soaring high. Catch your sight on White-tailed Deer, Pronghorn, Javelina,, Quail, and much more!

4. Dessert Under The Stars

34mi from Van Horn · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sierra Blanca, TX

Escape to your own slice of wide-open West Texas desert — 20 acres of quiet, flat, and hill land surrounded by endless views of distant mountains, sunrises, and stars that fill the night sky. This raw land is perfect for boondocking, stargazing, overlanding, photography, or off-grid camping. You’ll have the space all to yourself — no neighbors, no noise, just desert peace and open horizons. The property is lightly covered in small mesquite and desert brush with dirt-road access (high-clearance or 4WD recommended). No utilities or facilities — this is true primitive camping. Bring everything you need in and pack everything out. Located about 15 minutes from Sierra Blanca, and just off I-10, it’s an ideal stopover for travelers heading between El Paso and Van Horn or for anyone wanting to unplug under the stars.

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

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.

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.

H

Heather

March 2025

30 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Butler-Nash Ranch

Awesome spot, helpful hosts! Would recommend for a real desert experience.

M

Melanie

December 2024

29 ft travel trailer

1 night at Butler-Nash Ranch

What a beautiful night! The stars were bright and everywhere, the land was lovely, and we slept like babies in the silence. One of the most beautiful places we've boondocked! The host was friendly and got us to the right place quickly, it's not far from I-10, and we'd be delighted to stay again next time we're passing through.

C

Chelsea

December 2024

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Desert Gardens Oasis in Lobo, Texas

Great stargazing, and a wild desert feeling while still having basic amenities. Helpful hints (especially if you arrive after dark): when it says turn at the sign, follow the "RV Sites" signs and not the arrows, or you'll end up on private land. after the turn off of the last public road, it's a few miles, and the two gates (left for camping and right for RVs) are right in front of the campground, not earlier on the dirt road [I was confused about whether there might be a separate drive for the tent and RV Sites, but they're close together and you want to follow the desert gardens signs for a good bit until you see both gates]. The bath area is nice, but the shower is visible from some of the sites, if privacy is a concern consider a swimsuit. The pallet bench and table were nice additions for cooking and setting up. Desert sunrise and the 360 view was unbeatable