9 Best Rentals and Hotels in Big Bend, From Desert Ghost Towns to Dark Sky Oases

The vibe: Off-grid Chihuahuan Desert hideout without a soul around
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Firepit and chiminea, soaking tub, expansive desert vistas
Best for: Small groups and families looking to recharge in the wilderness

There’s so much to love about The Perch. For one thing, it’s situated atop a 60-million-year-old limestone plateau, so its enormous outdoor deck offers unparalleled sunrise and sunset views looking into both Big Bend and the neighboring Terlingua Ghost Town. Inside, guests will find original works by local Texas artists, midcentury furnishings, and a hint of industrial design (the property was partially constructed out of two shipping containers). Due to its remote desert location, a 4x4 vehicle is required for access.

The vibe: Bright bohemian casita with a dash of vintage
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Firepit, private yard, luxurious bedding, local art
Best for: Couples exploring Marfa’s galleries en route to Big Bend

Colorful Mexican blankets, succulents, and vintage album art greet guests at this adorable one-bedroom Marfa home that’s a little bit Texas, a little bit boho, and a lot of good vibes. It earned a place on our list of top Airbnbs for stargazing (look out for the mysterious Marfa lights, too), and while it’s true that the outdoor space is positively cozy—think hammock chairs and an al fresco dining table—the inside also shines with local art, a full kitchen, and a plush queen-size bed made with Parachute sheets.

The vibe: Bare necessities with style
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fast Wi-Fi, split air conditioner/heater, workspace
Best for: Couples hitting Marfa and Big Bend in one trip

What if a vaulted shipping container and a midcentury-modern furniture store had a baby? The result might be something like Desert Sky Hut, a large, open-plan studio that’s equal parts trendy Williamsburg loft and industrial desert bunker. Filled with natural light, original artwork, and Southwestern textiles, this low-key dwelling has basic amenities like a kitchenette and full bathroom, so that you can hang out comfortably even in remote, wild West Texas. 

The vibe: Funky and colorful, with outstanding outdoor spaces
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor stargazing bed, fireplace, shady hammock, clawfoot tub
Best for: Desert devotees, couples looking for true Terlingua vibes

They say that good things come in small packages, which is especially the case at this charming, petite adobe cabin. The indoor space is basic, with a queen-size bed, full kitchen, and small breakfast nook, but the outdoor space is where this property truly shines. When you’re done rafting Santa Elena Canyon and hiking the Window Trail, warm up by the handmade outdoor fireplace, dine in the shade as the sun sets, or snuggle up under the stars on the large outdoor bed.

The vibe: Secluded cabin surrounded by West Texas peaks
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: Full kitchen, large porch, Nest New York bath products
Best for: Couples or friends seeking some Texas R&R (no under-30s)

Step inside of this funky, two-bedroom off-grid cabin and be wowed by textured, reclaimed wood, big mountain views, floor-to ceiling windows, and undeniably bohemian decor. Sip coffee in bed overlooking arid desert peaks, curl up with a throw blanket and a good book in the airy living room, or dine al fresco on the large front porch. No matter what you do at Boca de la Roca, you’ll find peace and solitude—the home is set on 81 private acres.

The vibe: Rio Grande riverfront abode
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Top amenities: River views from the porch, Molton Brown products, indoor fireplace, outdoor firepit
Best for: Families with older kids, small groups who want privacy

Named after a mountain just opposite Rio Bravo Ranch, La Centinela is elegant, with a tasteful desert-inspired interior design theme. Arched adobe windows showcase spectacular Rio Grande views, hand-carved wood accents adorn the indoor space, and an open-plan living and dining room encourages groups to congregate when their day of hiking is done. Considering that this listing’s porch alone is the size of a two-bedroom apartment (at 1,000-square-feet), it’s a worthwhile stay for sunset seekers, too.

The vibe: Hip desert hotel with mountain views
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Large communal house with kitchen, Aēsop bath products, private patios
Best for: Couples and small families who value high-end design

With its cluster of 12 desert casitas, evocative of Marfa artist Donald Judd’s stark concrete installations, Willow House has been thoughtfully designed for versatility. Its guests can revel in unmatched quiet and solitude, as there are no shared walls in the tiny houses. Or, if they're feeling social instead, they can mix up a batch of Negronis in the fit-for-a-foodie communal kitchen, making friends around the open-air firepit. Either way, they’re sure to fall in love with the earthy, modernist decor and proximity to the national park, just six miles away by car.

The vibe: Glamping resort in a dark sky oasis
Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath
Top amenities: Outdoor kitchen with gas grill, million-dollar views
Best for: Couples looking to enjoy luxury amenities and epic Milky Way vistas

As the name might suggest, Starstruck Glamping was constructed to highlight the wonders of West Texas after sundown. As such, guests here will be treated to phenomenal sunset views from their fully equipped outdoor kitchens, and each geodesic dome comes with a telescope to help them witness some of the darkest night skies in the world. The interiors of Starstruck’s tents are pretty posh, too, adorned with heavenly queen beds, spa-inspired en suite bathrooms, geometric rugs, and split heating/cooling units.

The vibe: Burning Man but with running water
Bed & bath: Varies by accommodation
Top amenities: Wood-fired hot tubs, hammock grove, hip on-site store
Best for: Fashion hippies seeking photo ops

El Cosmico provides perfect shelter for those of us with short attention spans. Not only are there myriad lodging options (think mirrored tiny homes, Mongolian yurts, vintage trailers, and a huge, modern apartment), but the space also boasts a bevy of unique amenities, from a shady gaggle of hammocks to snooze in, to workshops and outdoor concerts. Of the many abodes to select from, we like the space-efficient Cosmic Kasita (a collab with Kasita) and the roomy Brite Building loft.