


Rancho de los Arboles Muertos
Located just off Highway 118, two miles north of Study Butte-Terlingua, 7 miles from Terlingua Ghost Town, 7 miles from Big Bend National Park and 16 miles from Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arboles Muertos is a perfect place to set up a home base for all the many activities in the area. We're located directly across the highway from Willow Mountain, with 800 foot sheer faces r
Located just off Highway 118, two miles north of Study Butte-Terlingua, 7 miles from Terlingua Ghost Town, 7 miles from Big Bend National Park and 16 miles from Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arboles Muertos is a perfect place to set up a home base for all the many activities in the area. We're located directly across the highway from Willow Mountain, with 800 foot sheer faces rising over 1000 feet above the highway, making it one of the most prominent features in the area next to the Chisos of Big Bend. Our 160 acres is covered in Ocotillo, hidden arroyos, tall bentonite dunes, volcanic ridges, dry creeks and the occasional fossil. Trail runners can easily create 5 mile loop over ridges and in arroyos without leaving the property.
Rancho de los Arboles Muertos gets its name from the 25 foot tall Eastern Red Cedar trees that are being salvaged from land clearing operations near Austin and "planted" around the property. It's an ongoing process, with over 40 trees still waiting to be transported to the site. For those Burning Man veterans out there, the place will have an unmistakable deep playa vibe once all trees have made it home )'(
The property is surrounded on 3 sides by tall hills, sheltering it from some of the high winds the area is known for, and the nearest dwelling is over a mile away and not visible from most of the sites, giving it an almost backcountry feel, yet only 2 miles from town.
Socialized dogs are allowed on leash, but we do have a high coyote population in the area, as well as other dangers to pets.
Large groups are welcome. Please let us know before booking and we will try to reserve an entire space for the privacy of your group.
All campsites have 1 level site cleared for a large tent. There is plenty of space at all sites for additional tents, but campers will need to clear their own space.
Bathrooms-We have pit toilets spread out between the camping areas.
Check out our Instagram page for more about us! @arboles_muertos
- Check in: After 12PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Strict
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Rancho de los Arboles Muertos in Texas.
Desert
Watch for sudden drop offs and cacti. Excercise caution when walking/hiking after dark.
Places to see near Rancho de los Arboles Muertos
8 Reviews
The views are amazing and directions were easy to get to camp site. Brian met us upon arrival and was very nice. The nights were so worth it! The stars were so clear. Was definitely warm during the day but we were off in the park most days. We will be back!
Tent camping here was amazing. Easy checking in and getting to our campsite. Knotty Soul was very private with great views of the desert landscape; especially at sunrise and sunset!
A real desert camping experience
My boyfriend and our small dog stayed at Brian's for 3 days, and it was incredible! We felt very safe there and had an incredible view, nestled in the sand dunes and mountains. Great location to visit both big bend National and state parks. About 15mins drive to each. We did the state park on the first day (btw there are dog friendly hikes at the state park), and the national park on the second. There are also lots of space to explore on Brian's land, we went for multiple walks in the riverbed and along the dirt road. Incredible views and privacy here!
We were the only ones staying when we came. Incredible experience, very peaceful and incredible views (we watched sunset & sunrise every day!!). Outhouse is one of the cleanest/nicest outhouses I've used. Looked brand new. I would definitely come back here, and hope to in the future!
We have a 170"WB Sprinter Van RWD and had no problem navigating the dirt roads. We stayed in the farthest campsite (10mins from the road) and it was very worth it for the views and privacy. You don't need a 4x4, the roads are well kept.
Beautiful spot. Right outside of Study Butte. The grounds are private and well constructed to both preserve & highlight the landscape. The trees promote some funky/otherworldly vibes but do not detract from the natural feel. Would definitely come back -- and just might!




Wow what a fantastic place they have! Brian and Katie were such great hosts, they stayed in contact with us until we got to their place and met us at the gate to lead us to our campsite. It was so secluded and quiet, it was perfect. We drove by so many crowded sites in town and were just super thankful that they made a conscious decision to provide some distance and privacy between sites. The stars at night here are just something else. The hosts were super helpful about recommendations in town for everything from groceries, to restaurants, and hiking trails that only locals know about. The location can't be beat, it's only 5 minutes from town and 15 minutes from either big bend national park or big bend ranch state park, so getting around was so easy. This was one of the best camp sites we've ever stayed at.
Brian and Katie were FANTASTIC Hosts and have an amazing property! We've been to Big Bend a few times before and always camped in the park, but its so crowded and noisy we wanted to try something different and found the amazing gem of a place. The site we had was so so quiet and private yet it was still a very short drive to town and the park. They gave us great tips on hiking suggestions that we had never heard about and knew the best places to eat in town. We checked out a few of the other sites and they were all just as great, well spaced out and not crowded like the park camping sites. We will be back for sure and can't wait to try their cabins once they build them. The sunrise and sunset here is just killer. Our fur baby was also welcomed warmly, unlike many other camp sites in the area, so this totally sold us on a return trip.
My family and I had a wonderful time. The campsite is private, clean, quiet, and spacious. It's strategically located between both Big Bend National and Big Bend State Park. Close to Terlingua and the Ghost Town for local food, fuel, and fun. Beautiful views during the day and an astronomers dream at night. The hosts are extremely gracious and accommodating. We use AT&T and had excellent signal reception. We've been coming to the area for years and now have a favorite campsite.
- Property
- Rancho de los Arboles Muertos
- State
- Texas
- Country
- United States
- $25/night
- 6 Sites