M
Mackenzie M.
Traveler
TravelerMarathon Motel & RV Park
Great location, cool property
Convenient and well-priced. Property has some nice little sitting areas around. This is also the location for the Dark Texas Skies observatory.
Camping near Marfa, TX
28 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near Marfa (28)
1. Tumble In RV Park
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability2. Davis Mountains State Park Campground
"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."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability3. Marfa Yacht Club
"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."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability4. Marfa Overnight Trailer Park
"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. "
from $40 / night
5. Lost Alaskan RV Park
"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."
6. Davis Mountain RV Park
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. Historic Prude Ranch
"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."
8. Madera Canyon Roadside Park Dispersed
"This is a spectacular location for star gazing. It's also close to the McDonald Observatory. This is an important historical site and I would strongly recommend getting a tour."
"Short hiking trail at the entrance. No service for 15 miles or so each way."
9. Mountain View Lodge
"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"
from $39 - $49 / night
Check Availability10. Pecan Grove RV Park
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 37 min from Odessa, TX
- 2 hrs 41 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 48 min from Midland, TX
- 3 hrs 23 min from Las Cruces, NM
Recent Camping Photos near Marfa, TX
24 Photos of 28 Marfa Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Marfa, TX
188 Reviews of 28 Marfa Campgrounds
- KKimberly W.
ScoutMarfa Yacht Club
Tasteful, clean, pleasant
Nicely staggered spots that afford a Sense of privacy despite the wide open spaces. The facilities are impeccably maintained and hookups a breeze. Just know there is little human contact, all services through the email. B5 site is both close to the laundry/shower and at the end with an open view and even a wee planting.
- PPamela B.
GuideBalmorhea State Park Campground
Checked off the Bucket List
This park was closed for a number of years as they redid the campground, so we were never able to stop when we were in the area. It’s finally done and it’s wonderful! A+
- HHope H.Guide
Balmorhea State Park Campground
It is what it is!
This is a tiny state park that happens to be very convenient to I10 and has great newer showers and restrooms and an interesting and deep natural pool that is its main/only feature. The campsites are little more than a well-spaced parking lot with covered picnic tables and shelters, but if you are in the tent sites, you do have a nice unobstructed view of desert hills in the distance, which makes for a nice sunrise and sunset. It can be quite windy at times. I was there in February and again in March, so the weather was mild. The gate is locked at night and you have a code. There is a swim wear shop right across the street if you forgot to pack a swimsuit.
- BBo D.Scout
Valentine Bar and Campground
Cool desert stay behind old dive bar
Stayed here while passing through on the way to Big Bend and had such a great experience! I parked my RV behind the bar and felt totally comfortable the whole time. The bar out front is a really cool spot to hang out and super friendly vibe. They even have live music sometimes, which was such a fun surprise. At night, it was peaceful and quiet. Valentine is one of those hidden gem stops you hope to find on a road trip. Would definitely stay again!
- BBob B.Guide
Madera Canyon Roadside Park Dispersed
Quiet and Spacious
Free camping at this picnic area! First come, first serve. We had a spacious and quiet site with great views. Every space was taken on this Saturday evening by 6 PM. No facilities.
- CCarl O.Traveler
Davis Mountains State Park Campground
Great campground
Only had one night here due to spring break but it was very nice. The trains and driving roads to viewing points are highly recommended. There are all types of sites, our site has good wat er and electricity. The bath and shower
areas were very clean and the hot water was welcomed. A plus is you are close to the McDonald Observatory which was well worth a visit and tour.
Travis A.
RangerDavis Mountains State Park Campground
Beautiful Scenery
Davis Mountain State Park is a gem. They offer RV sites with full hookup, or just electric and water. Tent sites with water only. If you want to glamp, there is a lodge renting rooms. Hot showers, dumpsters, hiking trails and amphitheater. State Park is near the town and historic site of FT. Davis. The town has a grocery store and several restaurants. I highly recommend this campground
- MMichael G.Scout
La Vista RV Park
La Vista RV Park Alpine, Texas
Stayed at this RV park on a monthly basis from May 14, 2025 until February 10, 2026. The park has an excellent & beautiful location seven miles south of Alpine, Texas in the Del Norte Mountains and Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas. Pluses include a very quiet park that is well kept. However, a huge negative resides with the campground host, Kathy DeLeon, who regularly walks her dog off leash and regularly walks through occupied camp sites, ours and others without cause, which is an egregious violation of camper privacy. Her dog regularly defecated & urinated on the site I was in, #7, and other occupied sites in this park and when confronted about this when it occurred the weekend after move-in on May 14, 2025; she denied that her dog did these things, even though they were done in plain, firsthand and witnessed view. She has been hostile in her temperament at times ever since the first occurrence of this issue the first weekend I was in the park last May, 2025. An outline of this issue was given by myself via phone to Lori Cross, the park owner in the fall of 2025 and again to her three weeks ago in January, 2026 by text after numerous incursions and walk through of my occupied site (& the next door neighbors), again without cause, standing immediately outside my living room slide out window, staring at my RV & all simply as she was walking her dog off leash. Nothing, to my knowledge, was ever done despite my mentioning this to the owner as outlined above; it occurred increasingly the last two weeks, several times on a daily basis & as a consequence, I decided to end my stay there effective yesterday, May 10, 2026. I do not, as a result recommend staying there on a long term basis due to the campground host, Kathy DeLeon's dog's behavior, her consistent, regular walk through of my & other occupied campsites without cause, her denials of her dog's bathroom behavior and her projection of her behavior on me with a hostile temperament ever since move-in nearly 9 months ago. This is positively & absolutely shameful& despicable behavior on her part, especially on light of her being a campground host. I will never stay at this park again as a result. The Wi-Fi is not very good for anyone at the park & I regularly experienced dropped phone calls; also one of the two dryers in the common house does not dry and requires being set on the highest heat setting to get clothes dry. A text to the owner, Lori Cross, about this has yielded nothing in terms of remedying this issue. This park needs radical & immediate improvement on the part of the owner vis-a-vis her campground host…the host is lucky her behavior didn't occur after dark as not knowing who would be there right outside my RV home, she would be met with a legal and home defense armed response.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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