Discover the best desert campgrounds near Marathon, Texas

United States
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Texas
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Marathon

95% (1112 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Marathon

Under $50

Star Hosts in Marathon

100%

(12)

Nesting Star Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Nestled within the rugged and mesmerizing landscape of Terlingua, our off-grid desert camp offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This camp is a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and a connection with the raw beauty of the desert. Nesting Star Camp is situated within the legendary Terlingua Ranch and is strategically located to provide easy access to the stunning offerings of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and the surrounding backcountry. The West entrance to Big Bend National Park is 23 miles from the camp. Big Bend Ranch State Park's East entrance is 38 miles from camp. The camp sits on 5 acres and is located 0.7 miles from Terlingua Ranch Road, which is a paved asphalt road leading to Hwy 118. The final 0.7 miles to the property consist of dirt and gravel roads maintained by the Property Owners Association of Terlingua Ranch (POATRI). These dirt and gravel roads leading to the camp are generally easily traversed, though they can become silty or muddy if it rains. In some areas, heavy rain may cause road flooding. We recommend driving an SUV or a truck, as low-profile cars may struggle depending on the road conditions that day. Please be aware that the roads within Terlingua Ranch, while publicly accessible, are located on private land. We kindly request that you not drive off of any roads, as the surrounding areas are all privately owned. While navigating the deeper parts of Terlingua Ranch can be challenging, reaching the camp is usually straightforward. We've driven in with a 3500 dually with a 20’ gooseneck horse trailer, and we’ve never encountered any issues. It’s easily accessible yet remote enough to showcase its pristine natural beauty. The surroundings are incredibly tranquil and serene. At night, under Nesting Star Camp's skies, the stars unveil a majestic tapestry that will leave you in awe. The night also awakens with the coyote calls, the gentle desert winds, and the possible flutter of a bat or owl hoot. We also have wild donkeys that roam the area, and you might hear them braying. Please avoid approaching them, though. We provide a composting toilet for your use. Please note that when we are not present to manage waste (#2), you will be responsible for removing the toilet liner bag and disposing of your waste in the provided trash cans. There is also a shower room, and we will supply solar shower bags for your use. If you’re not familiar with them, please research solar showers before booking. Essentially, they are bags you will be responsible for filling with water and placing in the sun to heat up. On a sunny day, you can achieve a temperature of around 115 degrees, although on cloudy days, it won’t heat beyond the ambient temperature. The camp features two uncovered decks for stargazing and one deck with a roof that is partially open on the sides, providing more shelter from the elements. Please be aware that this is an off-grid camp, meaning there is no running water or power on-site. You are required to bring your own water. Additionally, we request that you limit generator use to basic needs only and keep it off between 7 PM and 8 AM. Cell phone coverage on the property can be inconsistent, but on most days, you can expect to get 2-3 bars of 3G signal on Verizon and Google Fi. We personally use a cell phone booster and recommend one if you don't have one, on most days it can provide a 4-bar 3G service. Sometimes, you may need to find an elevated spot to obtain a strong signal. However, it’s important to note that reception can be unreliable, and we recommend you plan ahead. Starlink works very well here.

97%

(43)

9 Points Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Our family has owned property, on Terlingua Ranch, since the 1970's. Since that time, we've added additional property and our love for this area and our passion for sharing it with others, has grown more and more. We've continued to value and preserve the area's natural, primitive beauty.

BBC Terlingua Overland Camping

3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX

Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain. Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property. Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way. Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience. When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist. Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.

Starry Night Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Come out to enjoy solitude at the Starry Night Retreat! Pitch your tent in your very own desert escape with 360 degree Mountain View’s and soak up some of the best views of the stars in all of the United States! You will have this entire 5 acre lot all to yourself which allows for extremely peaceful solitude! You will be only 25min~ from both Big Bend national Park and Terlingua Ghost town!

Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm and currently is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am to 8 pm, serving dinner those evenings. We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

12 top desert campgrounds near Marathon

93%

(1235)

El Cosmico

40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX

El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now. Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk. Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.

BBC Terlingua Overland Camping

3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX

Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain. Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property. Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles. To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way. Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience. When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist. Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.

Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm and currently is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am to 8 pm, serving dinner those evenings. We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

Nesting Star Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Nestled within the rugged and mesmerizing landscape of Terlingua, our off-grid desert camp offers an unparalleled escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. This camp is a sanctuary for those seeking solitude and a connection with the raw beauty of the desert. Nesting Star Camp is situated within the legendary Terlingua Ranch and is strategically located to provide easy access to the stunning offerings of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and the surrounding backcountry. The West entrance to Big Bend National Park is 23 miles from the camp. Big Bend Ranch State Park's East entrance is 38 miles from camp. The camp sits on 5 acres and is located 0.7 miles from Terlingua Ranch Road, which is a paved asphalt road leading to Hwy 118. The final 0.7 miles to the property consist of dirt and gravel roads maintained by the Property Owners Association of Terlingua Ranch (POATRI). These dirt and gravel roads leading to the camp are generally easily traversed, though they can become silty or muddy if it rains. In some areas, heavy rain may cause road flooding. We recommend driving an SUV or a truck, as low-profile cars may struggle depending on the road conditions that day. Please be aware that the roads within Terlingua Ranch, while publicly accessible, are located on private land. We kindly request that you not drive off of any roads, as the surrounding areas are all privately owned. While navigating the deeper parts of Terlingua Ranch can be challenging, reaching the camp is usually straightforward. We've driven in with a 3500 dually with a 20’ gooseneck horse trailer, and we’ve never encountered any issues. It’s easily accessible yet remote enough to showcase its pristine natural beauty. The surroundings are incredibly tranquil and serene. At night, under Nesting Star Camp's skies, the stars unveil a majestic tapestry that will leave you in awe. The night also awakens with the coyote calls, the gentle desert winds, and the possible flutter of a bat or owl hoot. We also have wild donkeys that roam the area, and you might hear them braying. Please avoid approaching them, though. We provide a composting toilet for your use. Please note that when we are not present to manage waste (#2), you will be responsible for removing the toilet liner bag and disposing of your waste in the provided trash cans. There is also a shower room, and we will supply solar shower bags for your use. If you’re not familiar with them, please research solar showers before booking. Essentially, they are bags you will be responsible for filling with water and placing in the sun to heat up. On a sunny day, you can achieve a temperature of around 115 degrees, although on cloudy days, it won’t heat beyond the ambient temperature. The camp features two uncovered decks for stargazing and one deck with a roof that is partially open on the sides, providing more shelter from the elements. Please be aware that this is an off-grid camp, meaning there is no running water or power on-site. You are required to bring your own water. Additionally, we request that you limit generator use to basic needs only and keep it off between 7 PM and 8 AM. Cell phone coverage on the property can be inconsistent, but on most days, you can expect to get 2-3 bars of 3G signal on Verizon and Google Fi. We personally use a cell phone booster and recommend one if you don't have one, on most days it can provide a 4-bar 3G service. Sometimes, you may need to find an elevated spot to obtain a strong signal. However, it’s important to note that reception can be unreliable, and we recommend you plan ahead. Starlink works very well here.

Starry Night Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Come out to enjoy solitude at the Starry Night Retreat! Pitch your tent in your very own desert escape with 360 degree Mountain View’s and soak up some of the best views of the stars in all of the United States! You will have this entire 5 acre lot all to yourself which allows for extremely peaceful solitude! You will be only 25min~ from both Big Bend national Park and Terlingua Ghost town!

9 Points Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Study Butte, TX

Our family has owned property, on Terlingua Ranch, since the 1970's. Since that time, we've added additional property and our love for this area and our passion for sharing it with others, has grown more and more. We've continued to value and preserve the area's natural, primitive beauty.

100%

(24)

Saddletramp Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Alpine, TX

Consistently drawn to the Big Bend area, after horseback riding and traveling all over Texas I decided to make it my home and have never looked back. The property is on and surrounded by other large ranches between Alpine and Terlingua, allowing space and privacy. Learn more about this land: Open range is a thing of the past, yet the ranches here intertwine, and the view goes on forever. Undulating hills of desert shrubs, cactus and rock – like an ocean with its waves. Just over 30 miles from Alpine and within an hour from the Big Bend National Park entrance. At a higher elevation than Terlingua, temps are at least 10 degrees cooler here. Easy access to Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis and Terlingua. Great location for Viva Big Bend or a stop-over on the way down south. We have two campsites available. Site 1 can accommodate trailers and Site 2 with primitive tent camping (or car camping) - no trailers. High clearance preferred with both sites, required for Site 2. Campsites are far enough apart to allow privacy. High desert camping, dark skies, views of Calamity Creek, Elephant Mountain, Santiago Mountains, Santiago Peak, Kokernot Mesa. 300 acres. No wifi currently or amenities other than pure peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets. Immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness of our high desert. 360 views! Campfire ability dependent on weather/wind. Improvements ongoing. Pack it in, pack it out. This is a wildlife exemption, please respect the desert. Rattlesnakes are more prevalent in the warmer months. Leave no trace! Please dispose of all human waste. No hunting or gathering of any kind allowed. Hiking roads is permitted, as well as on host property. Gates and sites are difficult to find after dark - please notify host if arriving after sunset. Specific/detailed directions will be sent upon booking. Owner lives nearby, out of sight. Yes - you may hear a donkey!

85%

(39)

Agua Fria Adventure

4 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX

Created by legendary automotive engineer, Carroll Shelby, Terlingua Ranch is nearly 200,000 acres nestled between 1.1 millions acres of wilderness in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Star Haven's expansive vistas afford views of the state park 9 miles southwest, the national park 20 miles southeast and Nine Point Mesa 6 miles due east. The broad horizons mean unobstructed views for star-gazing and the remote location means the least light pollution you'll find anywhere. After 45 years of leading groups hiking, climbing, rafting, and canoeing the Big Bend, we are glad to share our basecamp with you.

95%

(267)

Jackass Flats Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX

Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access. The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies. Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS. Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving. NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters. We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items for sale on the property to meet your needs.

Booked 4 times

Yaqui Moon Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Study Butte, TX

Come enjoy Mountain View’s from both sides of this mini ranch located just 30 minutes off a paved road. We have just one tent site & stone fire ring set up at the moment so the entire property would be yours to enjoy. Our property includes the base of a large hill, seasonal river/ ravine and a large plateau area with ample parking, road and level Rv turn around.

100%

(11)

El Rancho Lejano

3 sites · Tents43 acres · Study Butte, TX

90%

(24)

“Roble Perdido” private RV site

1 site · RV1 acre · Marfa, TX

Learn more about this land:“Roble Perdido” is a private , full hookup RV site , just outside the city limits of Marfa TX. Easy walking access to this unique little town in West TX , close to Big Bend National Park. The site is a back in site , accommodating up to 40’. The site is a leveled gravel parking pad, with full hook-ups. There is a shade shelter ,a picnic table and ,a fire ring with this site. (Please check for local fire bans!)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(17)

Davis Mountains State Park

Fort Davis, Texas

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Desert camping near Marathon guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking for a desert adventure near Marathon, Texas, you're in luck. We have over 800 options specifically tailored to your activity and terrain preference. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, our top campsites, such as Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch (657 reviews), El Cosmico (537 reviews), and Paisano Azul Ranch (428 reviews), offer exceptional experiences. With popular amenities like pet-friendly accommodations, campfires, and potable water, and activities ranging from whitewater paddling to snow sports, you'll have everything you need for an unforgettable camping trip. Plus, with prices as low as $5 per night and an average price of $30 per night, you can enjoy nature at an affordable cost. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the stunning desert landscapes of Marathon, Texas!