Best Campgrounds near Marfa, TX

Campgrounds near Marfa, Texas range from established RV parks to glamping-style accommodations, with several options located within walking distance of town. El Cosmico offers unique lodging including teepees, safari tents, yurts, and primitive tent camping, while Tumble In RV Park provides full hookups for RVs along with tent sites. Other notable properties include Marfa Yacht Club and Marfa Overnight Trailer Park, both offering various accommodation types within close proximity to Marfa's cultural attractions.

Most campgrounds in the area have limited shade and are exposed to the desert elements, with temperatures varying dramatically between seasons. Summer brings intense heat while winter nights can drop below freezing. Highway noise and train sounds affect many of the camping areas, particularly those closest to town like Tumble In RV Park. Facilities range from basic to well-appointed, with most offering at least drinking water and restrooms. Some provide additional amenities like showers, picnic tables, and communal kitchens. According to one visitor, "Tumble In RV Park has clean bathrooms/hot shower facility and a common kitchen/hang out area that was pretty cool. The site may sound really unappealing, but it's actually quite typical of the very rustic Marfa area."

Campers consistently mention the convenient locations of Marfa's campgrounds relative to town attractions and art installations. El Cosmico receives praise for its unique atmosphere but mixed reviews regarding tent camping areas, which can become crowded and noisy. Several visitors noted the contrast between the higher-priced "glamping" options and the more basic tent sites. Tumble In RV Park earns recognition for its reasonable pricing and adequate facilities despite highway proximity. For those seeking developed campgrounds with more natural settings, Davis Mountains State Park Campground lies approximately 20 miles north of Marfa and receives high ratings from visitors. Travelers report that reservations are recommended during peak seasons, especially for the more unique accommodations that tend to book quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Marfa, Texas (28)

    1. Tumble In RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Marfa, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (432) 301-9860

    $15 - $35 / night

    "Tumble In is conveniently located on the out skirts of Marfa, TX. It is walking distance to the town and near the highway. You are right in the middle of both so the star gazing is amazing!"

    "Lots of Highway noise. Freight trains too. Very basic. $15 a night for dry camping no hookups. Hit me through the night. Bonus: walking distance to Marfa bars and restaurants."

    2. El Cosmico

    14 Reviews
    Marfa, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (432) 729-1950

    "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."

    "Punchline: super hip launchpad to check out the rest of the Marfa art scene."

    3. Davis Mountains State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Fort Davis, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 426-3337

    $10 - $25 / night

    "The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” "

    "They have a lot of great trails, and you never know what wildlife you will see. We have seen Mule deer, Javalenas, Audad, as well as numerous birds I had never seen before."

    4. Marfa Yacht Club

    3 Reviews
    Marfa, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (917) 887-0857

    $40 - $45 / night

    "This campground will be rated as a Basecamp — grounds that offer a comfortable home base that you’re happy to return to after a day of exploring the surrounding area."

    "There are structures at each site for the RVs--would definitely help with the heat in the summer and we loved having the extra space around the camper during a rain storm."

    5. Marfa Overnight Trailer Park

    2 Reviews
    Marfa, TX
    0 miles
    +1 (432) 729-4405

    $40 / night

    "Marfa, TX is one of those middle of nowhere towns that you NEED to explore, plus it is close to Big Bend National Park so if that is your destination then be sure to check this artsy little town out. "

    6. Lost Alaskan RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Alpine, TX
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 837-1136

    "Hiking up to see the desk on the grounds surrounding the Sul Ross campus is just one fun excursion. Also, the Big Bend Museum and Kokernot Field. "

    "I stayed here for two nights during the Texas snow and deep freeze of Feb. 14 to 16, 2021."

    7. Davis Mountain RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Fort Davis, TX
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 249-0327

    $20 / night

    "Very well maintained, FULL hook ups, nice views and so close to tons of trails and scenery. We even saw deer a few nights wandering through."

    "New plantings around. A bit of traffic noise but almost no traffic."

    8. Historic Prude Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Fort Davis, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 426-3201

    "Close to Fort Davis, McDonald Observatory. Not far from Balmorhea, Marfa."

    "If you are from Texas, then you already know the legend that is Prude Ranch. I'm not sure when they added RV spots to the Ranch but you can't imagine how excited I was to find out they had."

    9. Hornets Nest

    3 Reviews
    Fort Davis, TX
    21 miles
    +1 (720) 376-9962

    $35 - $75 / night

    "Tent camping was rather basic at each location, which offered water and electricity but no other facilities. A few minutes after we got there, the proprietors pulled up to take the$10 camping charge."

    10. Mountain View Lodge

    1 Review
    Fort Davis, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (432) 426-3481

    $39 - $49 / night

    "Mountain View Lodge & Cafe) The Mountain View is a great place to stay while visiting the Davis Mountains / Big Bend region, convenient to McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Marfa"

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Recent Reviews near Marfa, TX

173 Reviews of 28 Marfa Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Balmorhea State Park Campground

    Could be so much better.

    Small park with a large spring fed pool. Tight pull through spots. Wildlife is fantastic. Store, motel and day spots. Needs landscape maintenance.

  • William B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Madera Canyon Roadside Park Dispersed

    Off the grid

    Nearest place to get signal on my phone was at least 15 miles away. That in itself is no problem as this is what I would expect for this location. Only two more campers were in the area. Saw a javelina on the way in and a bighorn sheep on the way out. The site I picked had an enormous picnic table (20 people at least).

  • S E.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Marathon Motel & RV Park

    True hidden gem

    This place is amazing! It’s the perfect place to stop for a night or even a week if you’re in the area. The outdoor showers are heavenly, and the stars are incredible. They have tent spots, RV hookups, and little cabins. Plus a beautiful courtyard in the center of the property. There’s also the Dark Sky Park right there where you can check out some awesome telescopes.

    This place is really beautiful and the staff and residents are so kind and friendly.

    The only thing that wasn’t great is that the water is hard and has a very high mineral content. It’s totally fine to drink, but if you’re sensitive to that kinda thing, take that into consideration. It does leave a white crust on stuff.

  • L
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Davis Mountains State Park Campground

    Probably the most beautiful park in this part of TX

    Beautiful facilities, friendly park rangers, flat sites on asphalt. Scenic and historic location!!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Balmorhea State Park Campground

    Impressive Showers/Bathrooms

    This place is definitely more for the swimming trip than it is camping. Nothing in particular cool about the spots themselves, but a short walk to the swimming is absolutely awesome That being said, the showers were very warm and, private, which is nice after a full day of swimming.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Elephant mountain WMA

    Great place to stay for free near Big Bend NP

    We stayed for 2 weeks, with a night out of it. We really enjoyed our time here. The views are great .. although we didn't see any wildlife, you could tell there was a lot. The sites are very well maintained.

    You do need a permit, but we found it worth it.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Davis Mountains State Park Campground

    First Visit

    It was an amazing camping site. Super clean restrooms and trails close to the site. There was a creek bed next to the site. It was dry but still super cool! Lots of cool flora and fauna! The animals are also a muck! Raccoons stole our dogs food bowl! That was my bad and the only thing I left out of our tent.

  • Clint D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    Balmorhea Lake Public Campground

    Beautiful lake view with hills in the distance

    One clean bathroom, some cool covered picnic benches very Rocky ground. You do not want to camp directly on the great for car camping and over landing.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2025

    Balmorhea State Park Campground

    Dry

    Is very southwest style. Picnic tables have shade. Bathrooms are really nice with individual showers. Super quiet. We got in late, about 8 pm. There’s a place to leave CASH for your site and the board has a list of available sites for the evening. The evening was breezy so not a lot of mosquitos.


Guide to Marfa

Campsites near Marfa, Texas are located at an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region. Temperature extremes define this area, with summer daytime temperatures exceeding 95°F while winter nights can drop into the 20s. Wind is a constant factor at camping areas, and many sites have little natural protection from the elements.

What to do

Visit McDonald Observatory: Located just 20 miles from Marfa camping areas, the observatory offers star parties and educational programs. "You are driving distance for the McDonnell Observatory and several other fun places to go and see. The star gazing is amazing!" notes a reviewer at Historic Prude Ranch.

Explore local art installations: The Prada Marfa art installation is accessible from several campgrounds. "The highlight was the sculpture installation which right on the edge of the campground. A must visit when in the area. Great to explore during the day, best to see at sunset when it lights up and the colors match the sunset," writes a camper who stayed at Tumble In RV Park.

Hike the Davis Mountains: The rocky terrain offers challenging but rewarding hikes near camping spots. "We chose to hike the near by hills in the state park... be prepared for the walk is on rocky, shale hills so extra work on the leg muscles but WELL worth it!" advises a visitor at Prude Ranch.

What campers like

Night sky viewing: The dark skies around Marfa provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The views of the night sky are bar none," reports a camper at Marfa Yacht Club. Another mentions "We stayed up late enough to see the strange Marfa lights!"

Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "This is a great place for birdwatching as there are a large variety of species that live there," notes a camper at Historic Prude Ranch. Another mentions, "The deer come in at night and you can sit and watch them wander."

Community spaces: Several campgrounds feature communal areas for socializing. "It offered communal refrigerator, sink and tables," explains a visitor to Tumble In RV Park. Another camper at El Cosmico appreciates "The camping area has tables, trees for shade, and a hammock grove."

What you should know

Water availability: Bring extra water as some sites have limited access. "Aside from newly planted trees and a dumpster, there's nothing at the park. It's a dirt lot, but it serves its purpose," notes a camper at Davis Mountain RV Park.

Temperature management: Prepare for extreme temperature swings. "In Jan it was mostly empty. Very open and spacious place which fits the feeling of Marfa," writes a camper at Tumble In RV Park. Another visitor mentions, "We've been told of the craziness during the summertime when all of the kiddos show up, so be sure to plan for that."

Road conditions: Access roads to some camping locations can be challenging. "The one downside was the road leading to the MYC—it was gravel and when we were there, suffered from washboarding that really jostled things around in the trailer," notes a visitor to Marfa Yacht Club.

Tips for camping with families

State park advantages: Families often prefer the more developed facilities. "My family and I enjoyed the park. I have 3 boys, 4 month old, 5 & 6 year old, they had a blast," shares a visitor to Davis Mountains State Park Campground who also notes, "Love that the restroom are very clean."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Plan activities around wildlife sightings. "We watched the horses in the pasture. Deer came through camp every evening," reports a camper at Historic Prude Ranch.

Noise considerations: Some sites have noise that might disturb children's sleep. "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," warns a tent camper at El Cosmico.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on shade and layout. "Our assigned site was #6, a horrible site that really only had grass behind the hookups so you would always be walking around the trailer to get to the grass area," cautions an RVer at Tumble In RV Park who moved to a better spot with "a small tree and a very old and damaged picnic table."

Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "The sites were spacious and we had a picnic table and small tree next to where we set up," notes a camper at El Cosmico. Another RVer mentioned their spot "did require leveling, but had full hook ups."

Reservation timing: Book well in advance for peak seasons. "Spent the night in my car here - paid $15 for a tent spot which worked perfectly. I was the only one and had plenty of spaces to chose from," shares an off-season visitor to Tumble In RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free or paid camping options available near Marfa?

Marfa offers both free and paid camping options. For budget travelers, Marfa Lights Viewpoint Rest Area provides free overnight parking between Marfa and Alpine, perfect for watching the mysterious lights phenomenon. Paid options include Marfa Overnight Trailer Park, which offers basic accommodations at reasonable rates with the advantage of being within walking distance to town. For those exploring the broader region, the surrounding Davis Mountains area has additional camping options with varying fee structures. Most campgrounds in the immediate Marfa area require payment, with prices typically ranging from $15-35 per night depending on amenities and location.

Where are the best camping spots in Marfa, Texas?

Marfa offers several excellent camping options. El Cosmico stands out as a unique destination with diverse accommodation options including traditional tent camping, safari tents, yurts, and vintage RVs in an artistic desert setting that complements Marfa's creative vibe. For RV travelers, Tumble In RV Park provides convenient access to town with excellent stargazing opportunities and serves as a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the McDonald Observatory. If you're looking to experience the famous Marfa Lights phenomenon, camping options near the viewing areas make for a memorable West Texas experience.

What amenities are available at Marfa camping sites?

Marfa Yacht Club offers comfortable basecamp amenities for explorers, with good value for the cost. For a more unique experience, El Cosmico provides access to indoor showers, potable water, communal hammocks, and grounds to explore, though amenities vary by accommodation type. Most Marfa area campgrounds offer basics like restrooms and showers, with RV parks typically providing hookups. WiFi availability varies by location, with some parks like Tumble In offering serviceable internet even in tent camping areas. Common areas are a feature at several sites, with Tumble In providing a communal kitchen and barn hangout space. While amenities tend toward the basic side, they support the desert camping experience that draws visitors to this artistic West Texas destination.