Big Bend

9 Incredible Glamping Spots Near Big Bend National Park

Posted by
Cindy Brzostowski
June 19, 2023
Updated October 15, 2023

glamping near big bend national park
Photo: The Summit at Big Bend

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West Texas is a glamper’s dream with its many quirky stays scattered around the awe-inspiring landscapes of Big Bend National Park.

When you plan to visit a place as wild and wonderful as Big Bend National Park, it just seems right to stay somewhere that embraces that remoteness and natural beauty.

Of course, not everyone is interested in pitching a tent, and that’s okay — that’s what glamping is for! Bridging the camp between the comfort of a hotel and the ruggedness of camping, glamping offers a stress-free way to enjoy the crown jewel in Texas.

Best Glamping Near Big Bend

From geodesic domes with expansive views of the night sky to renovated trailers with modern amenities, these glamping options near Big Bend give you a taste of camping without the struggles of roughing it.

1. Domeland

domeland glamping texas
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: Once featured on HGTV, this remote, off-grid adobe dome allows you to put the technology away and focus on those unbelievable West Texas skies.

Pros: Domeland is an earthen structure with a thick cob/adobe barrier that helps regulate the temperature while sheltering you from the elements. The hosts also provide a fan and a small propane heater if you’re coming during the height of summer or winter.

Domeland is set up for two, although you can squeeze a third person on the sofa if you want. But really two is ideal since the place itself is quite romantic given the location and gorgeous night skies. It’s a great spot to see the Milky Way.

Cons: You may like the sound of going off-grid, but you need to be ready for the reality.

The water for the kitchen sink comes from a small cistern and isn’t suitable for drinking (so bring your own), and the bathroom has a compost toilet. Also, unless you’re okay with using the outdoor solar shower, you’ll have to drive to other places in the area with coin showers or a bathhouse.

What’s nearby: The entrance to Big Bend National Park is just a 25-minute drive away, and when you want a little more civilization, Terlingua — a former mining town, turned tourist “ghost” town — is about a 25-minute drive away too. In Terlingua, enjoy a meal and some live music at The Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon.

Related read: 8 Captivating Texas Waterfalls You Absolutely Need to See

2. The Summit at Big Bend

summit at big bend glamping
Photo: The Summit at Big Bend

Why you should go: It’s the only cave hotel in Texas, and it has awesome stargazing domes too.

Pros: Parts of West Texas already look like another planet, and when you see the domes scattered across the property, The Summit at Big Bend looks like an alien world.

These geodesic domes have clear ceilings and sides so you can enjoy spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and stars from the comfort of your king-sized bed. Having air conditioning and a heater along with a coffee maker and mini-fridge only adds to the luxury.

Another option is to go for one of the property’s cave rooms, which are built into the side of the Tres Cuevas Mountain. You’ll be surrounded by rugged rock walls and tall glass windows and doors. It creates a unique feeling of being underground, indoors, and outdoors all at once.

Cons: These accommodations are next-level glamping, but that experience can sometimes be expensive. Rates for one of the cave rooms start at $549 while the stargazing domes start at $199. If you’re on a budget, you can find more affordable options in the area.

What’s nearby: Terlingua is just 15 minutes down the road when you need a taco or barbecue break. You’re also next to Big Bend Ranch State Park (Texas’ biggest state park) for hiking, mountain biking, and more. Otherwise, you can drive the 45 minutes to get to Big Bend National Park.

If you go: 2500 N Lone Star Mine, Terlingua, TX 79852; (432) 777-7866

Related read: Best Backpacking Routes in Big Bend National Park

3. Big Bend StarGazer

airstream glamping near big bend national park
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: Privacy isn’t a problem since you’re surrounded by forty acres of private land, and an overlook with 360-degree views is all yours.

Pros: Big Bend StarGazer is a retro Airstream that comes with a whole lot of extra outdoor space. You’ll have amenities like a stove, oven, sink, and a covered deck that’s complete with a comfy couch that looks out to the far-reaching desert vistas, an outdoor kitchen with a propane grill for barbecues, and a fire table for s’mores at night.

There’s even a whole separate bathhouse building with an outdoor shower.

“This is the ultimate in private luxury glamping. Your very own vista of Big Bend National Park from Casa Grande to your east to Santa Elena Canyon to the west of your little valley,” wrote one guest. “Peaceful, private, quiet…The Stargazer is a great getaway!”

Cons: You’re in the middle of a sensitive desert ecosystem here so be mindful. This isn’t the place for long steaming showers. As a respectful guest, the hosts ask guests to keep their washing up to three minutes max and to watch how much water they’re using from the sink.

What’s nearby: Bring your mountain bike because you’re just five minutes away from the trailhead at Big Bend Ranch State Park and even closer to the mountain bike trails at the Lajitas Airport. For more outdoor adventures, there’s always Big Bend National Park.

Related read: 10 Best Hikes in Texas for Top-Notch Lone Star State Scenery

4. Cholla Ranch Camp

Cholla Ranch Camp
Photo: Hipcamp

Why you should go: These cozy tents are close to town but feel worlds away.

Pros: Situated on a working ranch where horses and cattle are free to roam, the 10-acre Cholla Ranch Camp has a variety of glamping tents to choose from.

The glamping part comes in because each tent is outfitted with indoor plumbing, AC, heat, a fridge, a microwave, and extra comfy sheets and blankets on the bed. The en-suite shower and toilet are major pluses, and the record player is a nice touch too.

As nice as the inside is, being in West Texas means spending time outdoors. Walk out of your tent and you have a good-sized patio and cooking area of your own. It’s highly recommended to fire up that grill and enjoy some meals al fresco.

Cons: It’s one of the farther glamping spots from Big Bend, sitting over 72 miles away (a little over an hour’s drive).

What’s nearby: You’re right next to the small town of Alpine. Hike up Hancock Hill to see the quirky bicycle tree (exactly what it sounds like) and leave a note at the iconic university desk that’s been up there since 1981. You can also visit the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University.

Related read: 11 Best Texas National Parks & National Monuments

5. Luxury Glamping Dome

dome glamping big bend
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: Treat yourself while staying in the largest dark sky reserve in the world. On top of the stellar night skies, there’s also amazing mountain views.

Pros: Luxury Glamping Dome — Sirius feels like bits of a fancy hotel dropped into the middle of the desert. The bathroom inside the dome is glam with a rain showerhead and guest robes.

The bed has a romantic canopy and looks out through big windows. Better yet, comfortable lounge chairs are waiting outside for you when you want to enjoy the fresh air.

There are three other domes on the property, about 200 feet away from each other, so you won’t be completely secluded if those are booked out.

“It was cozy, clean, and incredibly comfortable,” wrote one guest. “One of our favorite memories was watching the sunset while lounging on the outdoor furniture with a soothing fire keeping us warm.”

Cons: To reach this spot, you’ll need to travel down some private dirt roads that aren’t labeled. Don’t count on your cell signal to guide you though.

You’ll need to preload your GPS and download those directions in advance. The hosts recommend keeping it on as you go through each turn just to make sure you don’t get lost.

What’s nearby: Not too much, but that’s the beauty of it. If you want to hike, raft, or soak in some hot springs, you can drive around 30 minutes to the Big Bend National Park.

Related read: 11 of the Coolest Glamping Destinations in Texas

6. Meteor Farm

meteor farm glamping
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: You’ll know why people are always talking about the Texas sky when you take in the panoramic views from your tent.

Pros: The tent at Meteor Farm is large, with four separate openings/entrances so you can feel the fresh air from all sides — and soak up those gorgeous views. Instead of sleeping on a mat or sleeping bag, you also get the comfort of a big bed.

When not relaxing in your tent, you can hike up the big hill in the middle of the property where you’ll have 360-degree views of the desert, as well as the mountains in the background.

“We had a great stay and really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing,” wrote one guest. “The natural beauty of this area needs no help, but the hosts have put a lot of effort into providing a comfortable place to relax and enjoy it!”

Cons: Be prepared if you want to come during the hottest or coldest months of the year. The tent has a fan, but it isn’t outfitted with AC. It also has a propane space heater, but take into consideration how cold you might be when traveling back and forth from the toilets and showers, which are outside.

What’s nearby: It’s 15 minutes by car to Terlingua, where cold brews and live music await. And of course, Big Bend National Park is within easy driving distance if you want to stretch your legs on some scenic hikes.

Related read: The Coolest Hot Springs in Texas for a Relaxing Soak

7. Desert Pearl

trailer glamping texas
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: This stylish, vintage trailer is within walking distance of a ghost town that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Pros: From the outside, Desert Pearl looks like your run-of-the-mill trailer — the kind that has become an extra-popular glamping option — but come on inside, and you’ll see that it’s something special.

The set-up looks far more like a legit house or hotel room with the queen-sized bed off to one side and a den area on the other with a couch, Marshall Bluetooth speaker, and telescope just waiting to be used. All of the attractive furnishings like the cacti in terracotta pots and hide rug come together to make a space that screams modern Texas.

For showering and whatnot, there’s a private detached bathhouse complete with a roomy shower and rain showerhead that’ll be perfect after a long day in the desert.

They’ve got your toiletries covered too with shampoo, conditioner, and soap from Public Goods. If you go here by Tesla, you’ll also be happy to know there’s a Tesla charger in the parking lot.

Cons: Being close to a town has its perks, but it also means that it’ll be a bit louder and less private than some other glamping spots in the region.

If you want somewhere really remote, opt for another stay, but this trailer works for easing into glamping.

What’s nearby: Terlingua is right there when you want a bite to eat or need some more entertainment. Get tacos at Taqueria el Milagro, pizza at Long Draw Pizza, and beer at The Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon.

Related read: 12 Must-Visit Texas Hill Country Towns

8. Adventurer’s Backcountry Off-Grid Desert Dome

big bend dome glamping
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: It’s really remote and really rustic at this glamping dome that’s great for adventure-seekers since it requires a high-clearance vehicle to reach.

Pros: If there’s a glamping scale from “extra cushy” to “more involved,” Adventurer’s Backcountry Off-Grid Desert Dome would fall closer to the latter. Designed for visitors who don’t need much hand-holding, this dome is situated in an isolated area between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

That means off-roading opportunities, phenomenal stargazing, and lots of privacy.

It also means that you get a taste of self-sufficiency without having to throw yourself into the deep end of backcountry camping. The dome is beautifully decorated inside with amenities like a memory foam mattress, wood stove, and kitchenette. But you’ll need to bring the bedding, firewood, and propane tank.

Cons: Depending on how much of a thrill-seeker you are and how reliable your car is, getting to this stay is either a whole lot of fun or kind of stressful.

For about 45 minutes, you’ll need to traverse rough roads, make some creek crossings, and drive up and down steep hills. Heavy rains can make it difficult to get to or leave the property.

What’s nearby: There’s not much in the immediate vicinity as the dome’s remoteness is part of its appeal. But if all of your West Texas explorations leave you mad hungry and you’re willing to drive, you can grab some great barbecue at DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ. Their brisket is a particular favorite.

Related read: 15 Romantic Getaways in Texas for Adventurous Couples

9. Terlingua Longhorn

Terlingua Longhorn
Photo: Airbnb

Why you should go: You’re well positioned to enjoy the nature of Big Bend National Park or the conveniences in Terlingua without having to rough it in a tent.

Pros: Terlingua Longhorn is a 1949 trailer turned into a colorful, West Texas getaway. There are some fun additions inside like the candy-red kitchen appliances and the stained glass window.

How often do you see a stained glass window in a bedroom…let alone a trailer? When you need to go in the middle of the night, there’s a half bath inside the trailer. For showers, there’s a separate shower house steps from the trailer door, but it’s more fun to enjoy them in the desert air in the private outdoor shower.

While you’re in West Texas you should be taking advantage of the outdoors as much as possible, and a perfect place for that is the RV’s little porch. You’ll want to see the skies change colors over the Chisos Mountains during sunrises and sunsets.

Cons: This stay is located off a main road, so your evening stargazing sessions may be interrupted by some headlights coming down the way.

What’s nearby: Terlingua is down the way with its restaurants like The Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon and Chili Pepper Cafe. From Terlingua, you can also book some tours into Big Bend National Park, which is just seven miles away, with Big Bend River Tours or Far Flung Outdoor Center.

Related read: 8 Most Amazing Yurt Rentals in Texas

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