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Mel's Place

Hosted by Mel · Study Butte, Texas
3 sites · Lodging · 20 acres
100%
·
34 reviews
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Mel's Place has been a favorite cabin and tent camping spot for many since we opened 7 years ago. Feels private, secluded and remote, yet only a mile or so from everything you might need and only 5 miles to the national park west (Maverick) entrance. 5 miles to the lively ghost town of Terlingua with some great bars and restraunts. The views from camp are stunning with breathtaking sunrises over the Chisos mountains. Sunsets aren't too shabby either. The stargazing here is some of the best in the world due to our very dark skies. The campground has a clean outhouse with a private shared outdoor shower. We are an adults only retreat and aim to provide you the quiet peaceful solitude with the breathtaking views you need to renew your spirit!! We are within a few miles of nearly all the local outfitters for your river trips, Jeep or ATV tours, etc. Come make memories!

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3 sites
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#5 Tent with Queen bed

100%
(26)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
We are an adults only retreat!! We cater to those seeking quiet stargazing, and the peaceful solitude of nature. *All guests must be over 18*. *Base price is for 2 guests in the tent max. 2 additional guests may stay and bring up to 2 additional small tents, or sleep in a vehicle, etc. Kodiak canvas small flexbow tent, 6dx8.5wx4h, with large windows and doors all four sides, with bug mesh screens that can be zipped separately. This tent is small but spacious at the same time. At 4ft high, there's plenty of headroom to sit up in bed. There is about 15" for some gear storage at the foot of the bed. Bed is a very comfy 8 inch queen size spa comfort memory foam mattress. It has a waterproof mattress cover, 2 pillows with pillowcases and a Mexican blanket. ***Bring your own bed roll, sleeping bag, or sheets, blankets, etc. Side table and lantern provided. Outside the tent is a rug with 2 adirondack chairs and a rock firepit with cooking grate. The campsite has a 4 person picnic table. There is a second firepit there that can be used if more guests stay. The campsite has two additional areas suitable for two more tents 10x10 or smaller. (There is not a level area for a large family style tent.) This site is the closest to the outhouse, however rest assured there is no odor due to our unique waste management system.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table
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#4ATent/twinbed&stargazrbed outside

100%
(11)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 1 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
A unique primo camping location for a solo camper, with stunning Chisos mountain views of Big Bend National Park. We got you covered on the stargazing with our much loved outdoor stargazing bed. Great for day lounging as well! This spot offers a special camping experperience where you will make great camping memories! *The private secluded campground is just a mile or so from gas, groceries and showers, and only 10 minutes from the west entrance of Big Bend national park and just a scenic 30 minutes to Panther Junction. Planning to hike the highest peak in the park? Emory peak is front and center in your view from this tent. Kodiak canvas flex bow tent, 6dx8.8wx4h, with an 8 inch super comfy TWIN size bed and ONE pillow. **Bring your own bed roll, sleeping bag, or sheets/blanket based on the weather. *There is a mattress protector on the bed (please don't sleep directly on it, use your bedding) and a Mexican blanket is provided. There's extra space for your gear and plenty of headroom to sit up in bed. TENT is designed for the solo adventurer. **The outdoor stargazer bed is full size and great for sleeping under the stars if desired** This private campsite has a picnic table, rock firepit with cooking grate, rug and one Adirondack chair, the perfect spot for stargazing, or catching a glorious sunrise with a cup of coffee. Sunsets are pretty awesome from here, too! The outhouse is approximately 100 ft from this campsite. **Please note!! We are an ADULTS ONLY retreat!! We cater to those seeking quiet stargazing, and the peaceful solitude of nature. *All guests must be over 21*.
Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
No pets
Showers
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#2 Tent w/queen bed

100%
(9)
Canvas tent · Sleeps 2 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
We are an adults only retreat!! We cater to nature lovers seeking a peaceful spot to unplug, stare at the mountains and stargaze. *All guests must be over 18*. *2 guests max at this site. Kodiak canvas flexbow tent, 6dx8.5wx4h, with large windows and doors on all four sides. There's plenty of headroom to sit up in bed. Bed is a very comfy 8 inch queen size spa comfort memory foam mattress. It comes with sheets (fitted sheet & top sheet), 2 pillows w/pillowcases and 2 blankets. Side table and lantern provided. Outside the tent is a rug with 2 adirondack chairs, a rock firepit with cooking grate, and 2 burner propane stove. *You'll need 1lb propane cylinders to use it, which can be purchased at the grocery store here, but you can get them cheaper at Walmart wherever you live. But, don't fly with them!!! *Note: this site is about 500 ft from the outhouse. Feel free to BYO popup loo if you'd like a closer potty. Please look at all the photos. Click them for more details.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
No pets
Showers
Picnic table

Reviews

100% Recommend46 ratings · 34 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Amazing views, responsive kind host, and appreciated the small, uniquely thoughtful amenities. Highly recommend!
Recommends
· December 2025
Mels Place is great Site #5
Group trip ·
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Mels place was great. We stayed here for 4 nights during our visit to big bend. Mel put us at site 5 bc were pulling a small teardrop. It was nice being able to build a fire and the bathroom was great. Just an fyi the shower is heated by the sun so if you don’t get a shower by about 5 o’clock you’ll be taking a cold shower. We got back late from the park so most nights we took cold showers but it was still nice being able to get clean before bed and we warmed up by the fire. We had a night booked at chisos lodge but it was crazy busy there with people so we did not use it and stayed at Mel’s. I would definitely recommend and stay again. Thank you Mel!!!
Recommends
· November 2025
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Great setup. The bed was very comfortable and cozy and we didn't have any trouble finding the sight (even in the dark). Bathroom was easy to operate and the fire pits and stove were a nice touch. The tent had lights and rugs and was very well appointed.
Recommends
· October 2025
Loved it!
#5 Tent with Queen bed
I have stayed at Mel’s about 3 or 4 times. I love the location, the property is clean and quiet! I have always taken my tent but this time tried out one of Mel’s sites with a tent and bed setup. I literally slept like a baby!!! So comfortable. A new addition is the shower. It was great after a day of hiking at the parks.
Recommends
· May 2025
Camping with perks!
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Mel’s place has so many nice touches that make camping more comfortable! A mattress in the tent is just the best way to get good sleep and a shower after a hike and to cool down is awesome! Having a bathroom (very clever setup) is also so nice. We stayed at site#5 closest to the outhouse and it was great and absolutely no smell so don’t worry about that. Mel’s is also located very conveniently to the west entrance of the park. Highly recommended.
Recommends
· April 2025
Great stay & location
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Great place to stay! Most people that came stayed in the lodge. Which was great, felt like dispersed camping. The new restrooms and showers were a great addition too, my wife definitely appreciated them.
Recommends
· March 2025
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Great spot with sturdy tents!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommends
· March 2025
#4ATent/twinbed&stargazrbed outside
Nice campground. Its quiet and secluded and the views of the mountains and the nights skies make it worth the stop.
Recommends
· March 2025
#2 Tent w/queen bed
Awesome place to camp! The tent and the campsite was clean and cozy. The campsites are far enough apart from each other so yours feels nice and private. Short walk to the super clean and well maintained outhouse. Perfect location to camp if you wanna be close to Big Bend & local restaurants. 10/10, thanks Mel!
Recommends
· March 2025
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Convenient private campsite for visiting Big Bend. Tent set up was comfy and as described.
Recommends
· February 2025
#2 Tent w/queen bed
We loved camping at Mels place. It was very private and the views were spectacular.
Recommends
· February 2025
Awesome place!
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Such an awesome place to spend my first camping trip in Big Bend area! Mel was so kind and really put a lot of thought into the site. The tents are very comfy and the space is clean and tidy. The host is incredibly kind and accommodating. I can’t wait to go back at stay at Mel’s place again! Would give 10 stars if I could.
Recommends
· January 2025
#2 Tent w/queen bed
Mel's place was absolutely stunning. The host was so helpful and kind. The place is very quiet and the sunrises and sunsets were incredible.
Recommends
· January 2025
#2 Tent w/queen bed
Great location. Beautiful views. Would definitely recommend.
Recommends
· January 2025
#5 Tent with Queen bed
She was very accommodating in a last minute mix up with booking. The directions were so helpful and I loved my two night stay!
Recommends
· December 2024
Privacy under the stars
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Excellent location within 15 minutes of the entrance to Big Bend! I have stayed at another hipcamp across town the year prior and this one was significantly better. As stated by the owner but site 5 is the closest to the toilets which has its pros and cons but would choose that one next time. If you follow the written directions you will get to your site with no issues!
Recommends
· December 2024
#2 Tent w/queen bed
We loved Mel’s place! We stayed at site 5, which we preferred over the one we originally booked, Mel was super flexible with letting us switch! I’ll definitely be staying here again when I’m back in the area. Thanks Mel!
Recommends
· November 2024
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Mel's place was fantastic - exactly what I needed after a few nights camping at the crowded Chisos Basin Campground at Big Bend. The tent was excellent, the bed was comfy, and best of all, I was all alone out there and could enjoy a campfire in the beautiful silence of the desert. Mel was also quick to respond to any questions I had and had some great recommendations for things to do in Terlingua. Highly recommended all around.
Recommends
· November 2024
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Exactly as described, beatiful sunrise and sunsets. The "bathroom" was extremely clean and odor free!
Recommends
· October 2024
#4ATent/twinbed&stargazrbed outside
Everything was great. Nice tent and the mattress was very comfortable. I slept really good. Definitely recommend this place and definitely going back. I also liked that is very isolated, and that made me comfortable leaving my motorcycle alone while I left on my truck for dinner.
Recommends
· October 2024
Amazing Stay
#4ATent/twinbed&stargazrbed outside
Loved having a tent and something to sleep on already there. The bed was way comfy. The views of the mountains was really nice but the nights were even more amazing. Had the milky way over my campsite and stars, oh my, I've never seen so many stars. I would HIGHLY recommend Mel's as a camping destination!!
Recommends
· October 2024
#4ATent/twinbed&stargazrbed outside
Extremely easy check in and check out process. Mel is very attentive and the place was beautiful.
Recommends
· May 2024
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Very private, excellent host, amazing view. Canvas tents are very comfortable.
Recommends
· May 2024
#2 Tent w/queen bed
Loved the setup. Stay updated with the shower location bc we had some hiccups about showering at big bend station. Other than that I would definitely recommend this to a friend!
Recommends
· May 2024
#5 Tent with Queen bed
We had a great time staying at Mel’s place. The campsite was lovely and the park entrance was a short drive away. Would definitely come back!
Recommends
· April 2024
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Tent and mattress were great and the site was quiet. Would stay again!
Recommends
· April 2024
Great stay!
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Mel’s place was awesome! We would definitely stay again. The space was private and quiet. Perfect for “home base” for visiting Big Bend. Mel was a wonderful host and the tent had even more amenities than we were expecting- including a warm Mexican blanket, paper towels in the tent, a lamp and beside table and more.
Recommends
· April 2024
Awesome stay!
#5 Tent with Queen bed
We spent one night at Mel's Place in Study Butte/Terlingua, just minutes from the west entrance to Big Bend National Park. We were lucky enough to enjoy a calm breeze, starry night, and beautiful sunrise. If you like quiet solitude, with an off the grid feel, this is the place. ❤️
Recommends
· March 2024
Great camping with awesome views
#5 Tent with Queen bed
Mel’s place was beautiful and easy to get to! We rented a space with the tent and mattress both which were very comfortable! The toilets were clean and did not smell. Sun and moon rises are beautiful here. I would definitely stay here again if I was ever in the area!
Recommends
· March 2024
#2 Tent w/queen bed
Staying with Mel was great! The tent was spacious and the mattress was super comfy. Make sure you read the instructions on how to get there closely- it can be a little confusing. Otherwise everything was great and Mel was super accommodating! Would stay here again 10/10.

Location

Study Butte, Brewster, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Mel P.

Joined in January 2024

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