 El Cosmico is an 21 acre nomadic hotel and campground in Marfa, Texas. In keeping with the belief that life should be a balance of adventure and do-nothingness we offer shelter, occasional entertainment, opportunity for learning/doing/making, and access to the majesty of the high plains desert. From its wide open spaces to the vast canopy of stars above, El Cosmico provides temporary liberation from the built world. It is second home to intrepid travelers and wanderers from all corners of the planet.

Accommodations at El Cosmico include renovated vintage trailers, safari and scout tents, Sioux-style tepees, a Mongolian yurt, and tent campsites. The property also offers several communal spaces for guests – a hammock grove, an outdoor kitchen and dining area, a community lounge and mercantile, an outdoor stage, a reading room. We rent wood-fired hot tubs as the burn ban allows, and bikes for exploring Marfa.

El Cosmico

This is an interesting concept for a campground.  They have cool trailers and campers and traditional teepees with comfortable amenities.   We were here in November and the place was nearly empty.  I liked the idea but could not help to think this place lacked authenticity.  They are owned by a successful boutique hotel chain operator that markets  to the upscale young urban sector.  So, you can decide if this is your thing.  You are going to pay a fairly high price to sleep in a teepee or an old fixed up camper.  It’s on the south side of town in a large open space.  You will need to plan your visit if you are camping.  Marfa can be quite chilly in the late fall and winter and very hot in the summer.  The site is also fairly open and dusty, especially when the wind kicks up.  The main attraction here is the proximity to Marfa and the arts scene.  It’s one a few places to stay in Marfa and can be a good pace meet others in some of the community spaces and events.   

New Camping Experience   

Punchline: super hip launchpad to check out the rest of the Marfa art scene. Okay- first off El Cosmico is by no means a natural setting- so if you're looking for that kind of camping, look elsewhere. This place clearly works hard to cultivate a new age artsy desert vibe. It offers a variety of accommodations- of which I've only tried out the tent camping and a teepee on one 14 degree night (they had electric blankets, I caved). In addition, they have some nicely restored trailers. It is super close to the middle of town and is a Marfa art destination in its own right. The communal bathrooms and kitchen area were impeccable, but they're outside so obviously get quite chilly in the winter. Gnarly icicles coming out of the faucets when I was there. It would be an awesome kitchen setup in slightly warmer conditions. I despise the term 'glamping'... this ended up being a relatively affordable way to check out Marfa ;)

New age desert resort (with tent camping)

I stayed here very briefly because I had to leave quite early. Considering how hipster this place is, self tent camping wasn’t terribly expensive ($20) but you can also stay in some pretty cool yurts, teepee, retro trailers, or even a luxury tiny home. The whole site was well maintained and very quiet the evening I was there. The camping area has tables, trees for shade, and a hammock grove. They have a really cool shop with clothing, books, etc, and the staff was very friendly with great recommendations with things to do and where to eat. Bathrooms were semi outdoor (roofless but private) and well maintained. By far the most exciting for me was the outdoor private shower. Also roofless but covered in vines and outdoor string lights. I could have showered for hours. 

Awesome

Tucked away in Marfa, el cosmico is an excellent retreat from the city. With traditional bring your own tent spaces to Safari tents, yurts and old-school RVs. They have a space for what you are yearning for. Check in and guest house complete with a shop and indoor showers sit at the front over looking the campsite and hot tubs. The hot coffee in the morning was very much welcomed before we set out to see the town and surrounding are exhibits that are all close by. I would definitely recommend. We stayed in a safari tent complete with a wonderful bed, side tables,  lamp fan and power. 

An oasis in the desert 

$40 for 2 people on bikes with one tent. That’s the highest price we’ve ever paid for one night of tent camping with our own gear. This is a very nice place though. The camping area was spacious and we had a picnic table and small tree next to where we set up. Bathrooms, outdoor showers that are nice and hot with good pressure, sinks available. The self check in was great- book on Hipcamp.com, show up, grab a map of the campground and find your spot on your own. The other lodging options, ie tipis, canvas tents, yurts, etc seemed pretty cool but it appears they book up fast this time of year (week of Thanksgiving). The campground is close to town where you can find food and groceries. The only problem I find with these types of campgrounds is that there are a lot of novice campers who are inconsiderate of their noise late at night and in the early morning. Some people do actually want to sleep! 

Cool and comfortable 

It’s right next to town (I biked in and out of Marfa). There are so many options to choose from for accommodations, or just pay very little and bring your own tent! They have showers, a kitchen, lounge area, and fast WiFi!

Out of this world amazing!

I reserved via Hipcamp to “self camp" in the gravel parking lot for $20/night. No hook ups, but generator use is allowed. Campers also have access to the on site facilities which include showers, potable water (not to fill tank), hammocks and grounds.

No shade in the parking lot and very dusty. Actually was there when a dust storm occurred. Unreal! For a quick stopover and to visit Marfa, this was okay. I recommend checking out the Marfa lights viewing area for dry camping. Also check out downtown Marfa and the iconic Hotel Paisano.

Groovy self camping in the parking lot

El Cosmico is a place you have to experience, even if you just stay in your own tent! They have hot tubs, a hammock garden and an amazing gift shop. I enjoyed it, but it is quite pricey if you stay in one of the trailers. I would have been okay just staying in the trailer for one night if I had known camping was an option when I booked :) I will say, the trailer’s outdoor shower was pretty sweet. The trailer was amazingly decorated and had plenty of space for two people!

Super cool place to stay, with great amenities

Before I begin this review, you must understand that it is not like what it once was. It is a busy resort campground with a cult following.

  

The safari tents are comfortable and spacious. Perfect for basecamp. They definitely arent cheap, but they are definitely worth every penny. The host was very nice and hospitable.

  

We went in March, arrived after dark, and departed very, very early. It snowed in the morning, so be ready for any extreme weather surprises in the desert!

A little loud, but magical

This place is really cool and in the great town of marfa! We didn’t stay in one of their trailers or cabins but rather booked a camping spot through hipcamp. This turned out to be just a camp anywhere you want in the parking lot situation which was a little disappointing. Bathrooms are open air and outside as welll, so be advised if you are visiting in the winter. 