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20 acres
15 sites
2 Lodging
13 RV/Tent
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%
463 ratings · 355 reviews
Edwardo M.recommends
May 16, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
This was our second time here, the first time going back with the new owners! We absolutely love this place and all of it's beauty, it's a wonderful place to step away and get some much needed peace. Ashley and her husband were so kind, especially with the heads up when the weather was going to get rough, we really appreciated that! The road can be a little tricky going there so I'd recommend checking the weather before you go because the rain can cause it to be a little slippery and probably make sure your tires can handle any bumps/ruts in the road but overall 10/10 would recommend this place for anyone looking to have an off the grid experience. Thank you!!
Wesley M.recommends
May 13, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
Amazing sites
It was absolutely beautiful and away from the road. I would be ready for some wind gusts though… bring extra tie down lines.
Make sure you have everything you need but I would 100% recommend smiling dog ranch and will deftly be back!!!
Natasha N.recommends
May 9, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
It was a great experience, she has everything I needed and the campsite was well taken care of!
Sensei S.recommends
May 6, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
Had Everything We Needed!
This off-grid campsite was deeply quiet, peaceful and had everything we needed!
The communal kitchen had pots, pans, plates, utensils, sink and stove. This was the first warm meal we had cooked in over a week. Was such a great luxury to have this
Definitely will need a 4x4 vehicle, truck or something to get out here, a winding dirt road and a few steep hills, but was well worth the journey to get out here
The hosts are amazing, kind and genuine humans. We talked for awhile and they shared some eggs from their chickens (De.li.ci.ous.) which helped this experience feel more safe and home-y
The sunset and sunrise are something we will always remember. A Great place to go, about an hour or so from big bend, but gives the dispersed camping vibe with modern accommodations and warm meals not on a grill or fireplace
I highly recommend this place, and make sure that you bring your own drinking water and come in the daylight to make sure you can find it and have plenty of time to set up. it gets DARK at night
Will highly consider coming back to this place, was such a positive experience!
Robert M.recommends
April 13, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
Great views / nice communal space
The views are fantastic and the communal space and bathrooms/showers were very nice to have. You have to drive on some dirt back roads to get there but our all wheel drive SUV handled it with no issues. Ashley also is a very friendly and nice host.
John F.recommends
April 10, 2023
Remote Camping with stunning view!
Extremely friendly and laid back! I had my own little corner of the desert to myself but had the convenience of a restroom/shower plus a cute little kitchen to use if I wanted. Wind was pretty intense... If you're setting up a tent you may want to set it up earlier in the day or make sure you have a few friends to help 😉
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!
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