Camping near Marfa

Q: What are the Marfa Mystery Lights?

The Marfa Mystery Lights are strange luminous orbs that seem to dance around at dusk in the air close to Highway 90 in Marfa . Researchers believe the lights might be an optical illusion caused by heat haze or car headlights. Less scientifically minded viewers think there might be a paranormal explanation. No one has proved anything either way, though, so go see for yourself!

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

90% (867 reviews)

United States
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Texas
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Marfa

90% (867 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Marfa

Community favorites near Marfa

Public campgrounds near Marfa

Taking in the view of the Davis Mountains

100%

(15)

Davis Mountains State Park Campground

94 sites · RVs, Tents In Davis Mountains State Park

100%

(1)

Primitive Equestrian Campground

6 sites In Davis Mountains State Park

Davis Mountains Primitive Campground

1 site In Davis Mountains State Park

94%

(11)

Balmorhea Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In Balmorhea State Park

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9 top campgrounds near Marfa

93%

(1282)

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.

93%

(40)

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!

89%

(9)

Peaceful Private RV Space

1 site · RV1 acre · Balmorhea, TX

Offers a pleasant view of the Davis Mountains, direct access to the Balmorhea Lake, Balmorhea State Park <5 minutes from town. At your leisure Accommodations will be 50 Amp Electrical Service, Local Freshwater, Sewage, and Wireless Internet. You will be allotted the space and room for 2 vehicles to setup camp and enjoy what Balmorhea has to offer 😊

88%

(96)

Gardens Oasis Lobo Texas

100 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Valentine, TX

This is part of many recreational properties in very & unique places, Gardens Oasis are one of the most interesting places for all members of Artists for Humanity coming here to enjoy the true South West of America. Mountain biking, dirt bikes, hiking and exploring this ranch will give you experience you will never have in your city. Part of Sonora Desert this Green Valley is not known to any travel agency. It is yours to explore in it's pristine and original state. Never miss the chance to see it and park your trailer here. Quiet, safe, exotic. Don't forget to take some water with you. You may need that.

98%

(30)

Cholla Ranch Camp, Glamping Tents

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Alpine, TX

Learn more about this land: Cholla Ranch Camp, situated in the Chihuahuan Desert of Far West Texas is both remote and convenient as it lies just a few miles from the small town of Alpine. This desert setting has been consistently used as a working ranch for decades. The camp is a 10 acre section we have dedicated to hosting guests out of the 1100 acre ranch. Two unique Glamping Tents and 1 Cabin are offered on the ranch to rent. Each unit offers indoor plumbing, comfy beds, refrigerator, microwave, heat and ac seasonally, a private deck, outdoor cooking space and much much more. From your deck is a direct view of the Twin Peaks during the day and spectacular stargazing at night. Pasture Horses and Cattle Roam the Property while Chickens stay safe in their oversized run. One part ranch, one part camp- all Far West Texas Desert. We supply a range of fantastic organic toiletries that help support our grey water system. Fresh Locally Ground Coffee and yes even snacks. Here at CRC we try to ensure your needs are well taking care of. We look forward to your stay as a place to relax while being submerged in the history of the land.

90%

(25)

“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!)

100%

(16)

Rancho Estrella Marfa

1 site · Tent1 acre · Marfa, TX

Two country lots on the edge of Marfa. Hammocks, tent camping and vintage trailer rentals all surrounding an old adobe church which is over 100 years old. All located a half of a mile to the center of Marfa, Texas. The pictures and reviews tell the story. We offer plenty of places to camp and hammocks to sleep on. This is a mellow spot and peaceful for those who want to relax and take a deep breath. We don't host big parties and all nighters. Not our style.

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!

Booked 2 times

Shipping Containers Ranch View

2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Alpine, TX

Located on Highway 90 between Marathon and Alpine, the property is secluded with wonderful night time star gazing! The property is on a working cattle ranch, and the cattle and horses are often seen by guests. Wildlife is abundant and guests have reported seeing javelina, hogs, deer, bobcats, and other wildlife. We do recommend being cautious and watch out for snakes.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(17)

Davis Mountains State Park

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Marfa guide

Overview

The tiny town of Marfa sits in West Texas, close to Davis Mountains State Park and Big Bend National Park. With a population of just 2,000, Marfa definitely has a remote, small-town feel to it. It's over 6 hours east to the state capital, Austin. Even El Paso is almost 4 hours to the west! Make sure you're stocked up on everything you need before making the drive out here. If you've got a taste for the unexplained, you won't want to miss the chance to see the infamous Marfa Mystery Lights. Strange luminous orbs seem to dance around at dusk in the air close to Highway 90. Researchers believe the lights might be an optical illusion caused by heat haze or car headlights. Less scientifically minded viewers think there might be a paranormal explanation. No one has proved anything either way, though, so go see for yourself! Traveling via RV? Try Tumble In RV Park, which sits a quarter-mile east of Marfa proper. Tumble In is fairly small, with just 14 sites. The site does offer full hookups, strong Wi-Fi access, and tent camping options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Marfa Mystery Lights?

The Marfa Mystery Lights are strange luminous orbs that seem to dance around at dusk in the air close to Highway 90 in Marfa. Researchers believe the lights might be an optical illusion caused by heat haze or car headlights. Less scientifically minded viewers think there might be a paranormal explanation. No one has proved anything either way, though, so go see for yourself!