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Smiling Dog Ranch

95%

· Alpine, Texas

20 acres

15 sites

2 Lodging

13 RV/Tent

Formerly 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

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

Desert

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Canyon

Available sites

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Location

Alpine, Texas, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Ashley C.Joined in July 2017

95%

455 ratings · 349 reviews

Jeff W.recommends

March 27, 2023

Large group camping with a view!

Stars make the trip worth while

Wonderful host for our scout troop, the campsite location was flat like a pancake which was great for sleeping ! The stars at night were so bright you could reach up and touch them. As the weather became questionable, the host advised us to leave and refunded our money so that way we did not get stuck if the roads became impassable as they do when it gets wet out there. Be sure to watch the weather when you have cell service, it can change quickly. Be sure to bring water just in case due to the isolation of the location. Our scout troop was prepared and had no issues. Highly recommended the hosts!

Sam H.recommends

March 27, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

What a great Spring Break

Ashley and her Husband met us at their homestead that sits on the land near the campsite with positivity and attention to our needs. The campsite was the perfect size and we stayed steps from the shared kitchen/bathroom space. The kitchen had all you could want for out-of-wind cooking. The bathroom was very clean and felt homey. Little additions like incense and extra toiletries helped us feel comfortable. The road to the site is unique and scenic. Be aware, it is a bit of a jaunt from the main road to the campsites. This is great for people seeking a secluded site, but keep an eye on your gas tank before heading in. Otherwise, the big sky and picturesque background makes this site, which is lovingly and thoroughly cared for by the couple, a must-stay minimalist camping option.

Cassidy C.recommends

March 22, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Best place to camp in west Texas

This is my favorite place to stay when I go out to Big Bend. Its truly magical, you can see sparkles in the dirt and the new owners are very sweet and helpful. You feel safe here even though it is isolated. Always have a 10/10 experience at the ranch. Love it so much!

Linda S.recommends

March 19, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Nice place for families

Great homestead! My kids loved playing in the property, I loved having access to a community kitchen area and a clean toilet, camp sites are far enough not to overhear noise from neighbors. We also had very clear directions of what to expect and how to get there from our host. Communication with our host was prompt and courteous. I wish I could rave about the stars, but it was cloudy the whole time we were there 😞 Other than that, I definitely recommend! We will be back again 😀

Keith M.recommends

March 19, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Best view of the stars at night!

My second time staying here and was again a wonderful experience. Ashley was so helpful and flexible with booking while my trip itenary changed. Such a beautiful spot to enjoy the stars! Be sure to stake down your tent well and be prepared if it gets a little windy. Wonderful to have access to a full kitchen and a hot shower in the middle of the desert. Highly recommend a camping stay!

Sharon A.recommends

March 17, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Lunar Landscape!

Great, spacious campsite option - very unique! 15 min off the highway, would only recommend if you’re comfortable off-roading (4x4 ideal!). The hosts were super friendly, responsive and sent a detailed set of instructions for how to get in. There are flush toilets, a kitchen area and roughly 30 min from Terlingua.

Cristina S.recommends

March 17, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great experience camping at the EcoRanch! The views are beautiful and there's plenty of places to explore for fun walks! The kitchen area is super helpful and the free eggs saved us our last morning at the campsite. I would recommend this place to anyone!

Andrew F.recommends

March 17, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great views. Very isolated, lots of space. Kids had a blast.

Jill C.recommends

March 14, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Remote and beautiful

The camp is everything advertised— VERY Remote and isolated with a unique landscape. The stars were amazing and there were many sites We didn’t use any of the services except a little electricity in the kitchen to top off our generator. The sites all appeared to be flat. On note- we pull a 34 ft travel trailer and the road was windy so just be cautious. Same with picking the site. Let Ashley know you have big rig so she can make sure you have the right site.

Sue M.recommends

February 27, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Smiling dog ranch

Host and hostesses are very nice people. This was a beautiful location. It is very remote so make sure you have food drinks and plenty of gas prior to going to camp. We enjoyed our stay even though we pulled out early due to high winds. Oh and we got to see the wild donkeys.

Alison M.

January 13, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

I booked three nights but the ranch was difficult for my car to get to after a rain and the next night in the evening, so I didn't get to actually see the space. Has good recieves tho! There is hardly cellphone service out there so have the directions on how to get to the campsite handy. Definitely dont try to go in after a rain or at night.

Gorkey V.recommends

January 8, 2023

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Amazing host at a beautiful quiet view to get away from everything and a few feet to get connected to Wi-Fi if needed.

Emily C.

December 28, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great place but poor location

Place was nice! We were right next to quite a few other campers but that was because there were toilets and we all wanted to be near them. Finding the place was easy enough, but the road involves some very steep dirt hills that our off-road car nearly died on. Getting out of the place we had a false sense of confidence since we found it so easily, and ended up getting lost on miles and miles of backcountry dirt roads for almost two hours. No service, no signs, no map. Be careful! After a turn or two all the scenery looks the same and we were completely turned around as the roads diverge often into many winding pathways but only one leads you to civilization.

Patrick R.recommends

December 27, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great

Great place. Great views- nice hosts and very private quiet setting.

Audrey S.recommends

December 22, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Awesome stay near Big Bend!

The camp hosts were so kind and welcoming! The land was beautiful, our site was private, and the amenities were exactly as advertised. I would definitely stay here again and recommend this camp to a friend! Thank you both! 10/10

Vasiliki A.

December 5, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Pretty but good luck if it rains

While the views are great and the campsite is clean with water, and flush toilets, when weather is nice just the slightest bit of rain makes the roads impassable especially if you, like we did, have a smaller car. As others have stated, during our visit the area got unexpected rain. At first, we were worried but were able to make it out okay in the morning. The problem came when we wanted to return in the evening. Because the campsite is 5 miles from the paved road you must drive on a windy dirt/clay road that is not sloped for water runoff. We immediately got stuck in our honda civic about 30 feet in and pushed our vehicle back to the road. The hosts do not have any form of ATV or other transportation to help guests in these situations so we were left to hike 5 miles in ankle deep, freezing, clay/mud to our campsite. (Just imagine if there was a medical emergency!) In the morning we packed up and headed out early, leaving before our reservation was up. We had to hike out 5 miles with most of our stuff and leave some behind (and it was still mud central). Other guests were not so lucky either, several subarus and large 4x4 trucks were left stuck in the clay and required expensive recovery vehicles to get out - and they didnt get out until maybe 2-3 days later. We were not notified at any point that the road had become impassable or that we should pack our stuff before it got worse.

Jules P.recommends

December 5, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

They were really committed to maintaining the facility. It’s a deep drive into the desert and it’s important to be prepared with all you need when you head out to this off grid site.

Wilbur S.recommends

December 4, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Amenities for camping off-grid

It was very nice having access to running water and power to charge devices and flushing toilets. Getting to the ranch from the paved road was adventurous, going along the dirt road over hills and ruts. It was like an off-road adventure every time going to/from the ranch, but doable in normal vehicles at slower speeds. Farm fresh eggs were available, which was awesome. Kitchen prep area with fridge and propane stove and pots/pans/utensils was convenient. Hot showers available (additional cost), but the bathroom was chilly in the cold weather.

Nadine D.doesn't recommend

December 4, 2022

Large group camping with a view!

Host Violates Hipcamp policies

Beautiful views but would not recommend to anyone I care about. This host violated hipcamps host policies: “prepare guests with safety warnings” “minimize hazards” & “communicate emergency procedures” Rain was forecast our checkout day, there is no mention in the listing of how rain makes their clearly stated “passable in our sedan” roads dangerous, damaging/ impassable- which is well known to the host (and two neighbors who told us this happens every time it rains to campers.) My group has boondocking, off-roading, backpacking, wilderness preparedness experience but what we did not know- the geography in the area, the road is composed of low lying clay type dirt that will turn slick with the slightest rainfall so that even 4x4 vehicles will slide right off the road and become lodged in the mud or ditches. Host lied, said to us that he warned us campers (no one came to ours or neighbors site that AM) & that “this never happens” but on Facebook says this was the 2nd time THIS YEAR. While they did open their home to us & others stranded they allowed their dogs to pee and poop on sleeping pads & bags without offering cleaning supplies or to separate the animals. If we had been aware of the conditions we’d have gone elsewhere/cut short our dates but def not risked our vehicles & children leaving in the rain costing us $1000s, & nearly missing work Monday This host is irresponsible, they know if they warned people they would lose income. Instead choosing to put you at risk.

William G.recommends

December 3, 2022

Large group camping with a view!

The host was very gracious and the site is beautiful, especially at night when the stars are out. It is a long drive on a dirt road to get to the site, but it kind of added to the adventure of the trip

Edmond C.recommends

December 1, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great option if BigBendNPS is full

Great time staying here and Robert was a great host. We also got to try some duck eggs too (tasted like chicken eggs, but larger). We chose a site close to the communal kitchen/restroom which made use of the facilities quite convenient. But be sure you temper that convenience with the knowledge that others will be walking or driving over to use the facilities as well.

Shannon G.doesn't recommend

November 28, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Not Worth the Dehumanizing Drama

7 groups of other guests ended up abandoned with off road vehicles stuck in his clay mud drive, forced to hike back 5 miles in unsafe conditions, and reluctant to endure inhumane lodging. Many excuses and technical difficulty blame were offered but no logical explanation why this very preventable disaster had to occur. After THREE days lodged in the hosts eco/animal friendly (not hygenic) hovel our vehicle was recovered. From where we had gotten stuck there was much more exciting mudding on the long stretch to paved highway. Scenic views of a 4x4 truck nose deep in ditch followed by a reluctantly abandoned RV trailer were finally available to pass through after 2 other vehicles had unblocked the exit. The main points I’d like to reiterate is that this was preventable, has happened many times before, and the fact Robert Earl did not in fact approach every guest physically, written, verbal, or even a simple text message to forewarn of the driving conditions. While conversing with fellow campers out of the rain I found out others had not been informed either. He even rants on social media he warned everyone which is a lie. Even on the third day hours before my Subaru had even been pulled out of the mud he let a poor young female on a solo trip drive her Prius to its demise. We don’t even know what became of her. Much was suffered and many were abused by the sick antics of this host. If you value your time, money and sanity do not stay here it is literally a trap.

Nicole B.recommends

November 21, 2022

Large group camping with a view!

Perfect remote get away ⛰

For my first booking with Hipcamp and trip to Big Bend, we chose Robert and Debbie’s hideaway and it did not disappoint. This was a busier weekend for visiting the park, and even though there were several groups, everyone was spaced put nicely and got to enjoy the remoteness of the site. We had incredible views in the morning and endless stars on the nights that weren’t cloudy. Perfect for those looking to primitive camp with just a bit more luxury in terms of a good, clean outhouse, the option to shower and an outdoor kitchen with just the right things you need to prep lunches and dinners (also thanks for the free fresh eggs!). Listen to Robert’s thorough instructions on how to get to the site and arriving before dark the first time, and give yourself 15 min or so to navigate to the main road. It was really helpful to have done the route in the daytime at least once when arriving later at night and didn’t have any issues after that. We brought in most everything we needed from out of town but if you need provisions the Cottonwood General Store a gas station is about a 20 min away from the main road intersection (10-25 from the park). Thanks for a great stay!

Dylan B.recommends

November 21, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

I didn’t actually end up going because my dog hurt his paw but I when I let them know they gave me a full refund without me even asking!!!! I 100% would have understood if they didn’t because I canceled so last minute but they were so sweet about it and said they would have done the same if it had been their dog. I hope I get to go back and actually stay sometime because the place sounds really cool!

Joey D.recommends

November 17, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

This was an unforgettable camping experience. The vast and beautiful landscape of Robert and Debbie's property was truly special. Wonderful hosts who have carved a life and a land unlike any other. Camping and cooking atop the water-woven clay was a dream. Would love to come back!

Steven D.recommends

November 7, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Great experience and good people. I’m sorry I had to leave early, but I stayed in the park.

Frances M.recommends

October 31, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

A beautiful off grid education

Robert's place was so amazing and unique. He took the time to show me and my two boys his off grid systems. Brilliantly designed by the way. Robert and his wife where so kind and patient with my two boys and all of their questions. His land is beautiful and peaceful, with adequate number of toilets and a cool outdoor kitchen. Not just a beautiful off grid camping spot but a welcoming learning center for sustainable living. He and his wife are quite a gift to this world.

Chris H.recommends

October 27, 2022

Rosado

Incredible place to stay.

Fantastic site and wonderful people. It was a great pleasure to stay at such a wonderful place.

Jason N.recommends

October 27, 2022

Remote Camping with stunning view!

Beautiful views and beautiful souls

This was truly a gem of a stay, can be slightly difficult to get to but it's well worth it! The property is for sell and I hope whoever purchases it will continue the legacy these wonderful hosts have established, I'm just sad i discovered them so late in the game! Fantastic views and oh so peaceful.

Grant H.recommends

October 18, 2022

Large group camping with a view!

Fun place to camp; beware of rain!

Tent camping on Robert and Debbie's land was great. The terrain was fun for our boys to play on and it's decently close to Terlingua and Big Bend. Just be very careful if it rains while you're there. We got stuck for an additional 2 days because the dirt roads leading to the camp were washed away by a rainstorm. Robert and especially Debbie were kind and went above and beyond giving us water and homemade bread and even doing our laundry. We all help each other.

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