Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping

See all properties

Entire home·Private host

Choose dates to view prices

Dates

December 2024

January 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Explore the area

Alpine, TX

Many Stones
38 min drive
Big Bend National Park
46 min drive
Santa Elena Canyon
90 min drive

Room options

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

This is a romantic studio style cabin/house with a lofted bedroom in the second floor peek of the a-frame. This house offers privacy and solitude being that it is on a 20 acre piece of land on Terlingua Ranch with beautiful 360 degree views of the Christmas Mountains and Nine Point Mesa. I built this house as a creative space to make music and enjoy the Big Bend Region. The beautiful wooden porch with hammock and outdoor couch is great for watching sunsets. Outside cats are Franky/Chaco/Capitan.

The space
This is a beautiful but rustic place. It has daytime air conditioning. The house has running water collected from the rare desert rains. It has a 2 burner Coleman propane stove, wifi, landline, bluetooth speakers, sink, pots, pans and dish ware. A coffee percolator is provided, please bring your own coffee. This house runs on solar power energy and is able to run everything that is in the house(including cieling fan and 1 floor fan) charge cell phones or computer chargers, but not much else. There is a composting toilet for # business , solar shower set up, and a refrigerator for your use. When renting this house if your party is over 2 guests or the Queen size bed isn't enough, there are 2 comfortable floor mattresses also . These will accommodate an individual or a couple. All bedding is provided for the Queen sized bed but not for the floor mattresses. Personal sleeping bags are recommended for them.

Guest access
This is a small house. There is a four guest maximum for the standard pricing. After that it will cost 20 dollars Per night per head extra and a tent or more should be pitched out somewhere on the property.
The one mile of dirt road to the Casa is all weather and does not require a high clearance vehicle.

Other things to note
I have a gravity feed Berkey water filter that filters my rainwater for drinking and cooking. This water is high quality and potable. If you should desire an alternative please bring your own water.
June , July and August are the least popular months to be here because of the high summer temperatures .
Although , personally, I find It comfortable and a great time to be here because the park and the ghostown are much less busy!

Air-conditioned home with kitchen and shower
24.7 mi (39.8 km) from Big Bend National Park and 19 mi (30.6 km) from Many Stones

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

Shared/communal pool

Internet

WiFi available

Bedrooms

1 bedroom
Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

1 bathroom
Shower
Bidet
Shampoo
Toilet paper
Soap

Comfort

Air conditioning

Pets

Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

Smoke-free property
Note from host: Outside smoking permitted

Safety features

Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are welcome
Restrictions apply
For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Casa Creosote Off Grid Camping

Casa de Creosote. Off grid Cabin Camping

Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping Terlingua

Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey M.

30 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Stay at Casa de Creosote

Great place and great views

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Courtney S.

29 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Vaness

Very Cozy and relaxing! Absolutely breathtaking surroundings!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Payton M.

6 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

couldn’t get enough

love love love this cabin! Off grid living with a shower…can’t get any better than that. The hammock was a huge hit with our 4 year old and don’t get me started on the views and the sky!! Jim is the best host. We will definitely be returning!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Courtney R.

2 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Good but not for us

Jim was gracious about his hand built home but we felt some things were a little too ambiguous once arriving. We traveled with a dog and in the summer heat in the desert and only solar powered window A/C it was way too hot. We also didn’t know the “bedroom” was lofted. And we also didn’t know that the wonder lives on the property only a few feet away. The listing could use a little bit more info on a lot of these things. We did not end up staying here. With our dog not allowed in Big Bend we had to take him somewhere he could be kept cool and comfortable during the day. This place might be better for a couple that is not traveling with any animals and in the cooler months.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hannah C.

20 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great basecamp in the desert

Perfect base to explore the Bug Bend area. Excellent drinking porch for the evenings. Jim was super communicative and helpful.

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon F.

6 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Rewarding Off-Grid Desert Experience

I appreciated the thoughtful care and attention to the architectural detail of the cabin. It was essential that I take the time to learn about and ask questions, as well as make the effort to become familiar with what "off-grid living" entails for the desert-like conditions of the surrounding Alpine / Terlingua / Study Butte, Texas environs. I found information and planning components for this via online forums, from Jim, as well as from the visitor information provided by nearby Big Bend National Park. Jim was a gracious and amenable host, and I was impressed by the depth of his tenacious experiences off-grid and resolute kindness to coordinate my stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew Y., Fredericksburg, VA, USA

16 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Access to Big Bend National Park

Property is exactly as described - off grid cabin. Very comfortable place to come back to and relax after long days of hiking, canoeing, and explore Big Bend. Looking up at the stars at night was one of the highlights for us.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

一读芊.

3 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Great gateway cabin

We had a great experience staying at Jim’s remote cabin. The cabin is not connected to any public utilities. It uses filtered rainwater for water usage, solar panels + battery packs for electricity, and septic tanks for sewerage, which are great for the environment. Jim is super friendly and easy/fun to talk to, we exchanged a beer and had a blast chatting various things. Just before we end our stay, Jim completed an indoor bathroom with toilet and hot shower. That made my wife and daughter very happy. We would definitely stay at this place if we are ever visiting that area again

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Travis H.

29 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

If you like off-grid, you'll love it out here

I can't actually comment on the cabin itself as there was a small mishap with the scheduling, but Jim took care of it and put us up in a place nearby. What I can tell you is that he's a really nice guy and he made sure we were taken care of. As to the area itself, when it says off-grid, it's no exaggeration. That means you get beautiful days and incredibly starry nights, not to mention a quiet night's sleep. My kids and I were outside looking at the stars for over an hour.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin S.

21 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful place

Great place, great view, great trip. I highly recommend going and seeing the beautiful landscape!!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jordan D.

8 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Off grid living in Terlingua

Jimmy was a great host and has set up a charming cabin for guests. Comfortable to sleep and hang out at. I love off grid living so I enjoyed it much and Jim was very accommodating. Would stay there again if I come back to the area.

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caleb A.

26 Feb 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Homey refuge in the desert

I loved this charming cabin and look forward to staying here again. As others said, this rustic stay is not for everyone. However, I stay in a lot of rentals and who is not sick of rental interiors filled with mismatched, tacky Target purchases that they are calling decor these days? Every inch of Jim's place is strange, lovely and most importantly, has character. The location is remote, but not too far from town and has great internet and phone connection. The quiet is medicine. I went out early one morning and saw the largest moon on the horizon over a pink sky. Thank you Jim for sharing this with us!!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Peggy H., Small town Alberta, Canada, (pop.1000 !)

7 Feb 2024

Good Rustic Experience-If you Haven’t Flown in

What is Great- craftsmanship of cabin & interesting decor/items. Isolated for star gazing. Is a solid building; and it’s fair to be asked to limit water use, power etc (off grid- Solar etc). But, if you have flown to the area- one doesn’t have towels (none provided), nor are u likely to buy a propane tank for additional heat for cold nights. The not so great: Loft floor was very dusty; outhouse quite a walk away; shower - a drive away; yard area could be tidier- tires strewn about & RVs.. we aren’t city folks- camp in mtns with horses, etc, but if u have to use the biffy in the night much, or think this is a big step up from camping, then it’s not for you.

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paula P.

26 Jan 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

A Slice of Heaven in the Boonies

Perfect desert stay ... peace and solitude, billions and billions of stars. Loved the location. I stayed downstairs and slept on one of the rolled up mats with some bedding I had brought with me. I was comfortable. I would definitely consider staying there again

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Julie V.

2 Jan 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness

Great idea but poorly done

The cabin is cute, but it was very dirty. The bedding, which is nice to have, was very dirty. The propane stove was dirty, and an inch of dirt/dust on everything in the cabin. The solar shower system was a hose on the ground. Granted, you are camping but a solar shower would have a different set up. Mr. Jim, the owner was nice but he constantly kept reminding me of the rules of the cabin. It was a little discerning. Not sure if it was because i am a single woman or what. There are other trailers there and some vehicles. I did not see any sign of life, so was not sure if others lived there or not. Honesty, been at deer camps that were a lot better kept. The cabin is well built, just needs some TLC.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg G.

20 Dec 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

Enjoyed the stay. Casa de Creosote is the real deal if authentic is your thing. Great library as well! Thanks for sharing your home JK.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tom W.

12 Dec 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place in the ranch

Be prepared and you'll enjoy it

Stayed 13 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Phyllis M.

20 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Outhouse 500 ft. from place of sleep.

This place would be perfect for younger people. But 60 somethings might have a problem toddling out to the privy multiple times in the pitch datk. Otherwise a really cool place.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Maja G.

11 Nov 2023

Big bend trip

Short ride to Big Bend national park, excellent wi-fi.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colton Y.

23 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing stay

Our stay was absolutely amazing and we had a blast! We are thankful for Jim giving us the run around of Terlingua and we are happy with our choice and hope to be back soon!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

8 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome place to stay!

We really enjoyed our stay. The views were great. Our host was a really nice, friendly and available for any of our needs. The cabin was nicely filled with rustic decor and all was as expected from the ad postings. Highly recommend for anyone that can/wants to be " a little off the grid".

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joe Michael M.

10 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Terlingua

It was a good place to stay. Kinda far from restaurants, places to see. But the night sky view made-up for it. Able to rest up for the next day adventures.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olamiwa

Travelled with family

12 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful pioneer experience- “Little House in the Desert”

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donald R.

1 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Desert Gem

The Casa de Creasote is not for everyone. It is in the desert- but amazing scenery, there is an outhouse with a compost toilet - it's only 50 feet from the front porch, and throw in a little peat moss after use, don't over think it, water is captured from the rare rains- I had plenty for my needs, solar electric - but plenty of juice for the indoor lights, porch light and charging phones and cameras, and yes the bedroom is a loft- I have some mobility issues and had no problems going up and down. I loved that it's only 30 minutes from the national park and the price is very low compared to other accommodations. Lastly Jim is a great host. He knows and loves the area. He can tell you everything you need to know to enjoy your in the Big Bend.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina G.

19 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun Cabin Experience. Great Value. Just as pictured.

We booked this place looking for nothing more than a roof over our heads. It provided that and so much more: views of the sky, quiet surroundings, desert plants, nothing in view between you and the nearest mountains, solar powered experience, drinking collected rainwater, plus personality to spare. The Wi-Fi is the best we had for the trip. Very reliable. Cabin is 30 minutes to Big Bend which, in Big-Bend-travel-time is very close. There is a lot of stuff (equipment, trailers, trucks, etc) around the property and a lot of collected items on the 1st floor (just as pictured). The 2nd floor has quite a bit of open square footage. Because the host is so easy going, he allowed people beyond the recommended group size (as mentioned in the listing). We fit 3 army cots up there (collapsible as a folding camping cot may not fit up the steps) in addition to the comfortable bed provided. If you want to sleep more than two, I’d recommend bringing something. We didn’t use the floor mattresses and the couch is on the porch. The toilet was our big question mark but the curiosity of how it would work was enough to book the place. It was fine. We all survived the experience. We would book this place again. We approached it with a pack-in/ pack-out mentality- all of our bathroom trash we disposed of in little bags each visit and let the composting toilet (bucket, toilet seat & peat moss) work it’s magic on the “natural” items. Even in the snow, the temp in the outhouse was bearable. In the rain, the walk seems far- bring an umbrella to the desert. The home was clean but it is the desert so expect to have dust. Not a bug in sight- inside, outside, or at the toilet. Floors were very clean when we arrived but it didn’t take long for us to leave our shoes outside not inside the door. We showered at the place up the street. It was fine. Clean enough with plenty of hot water for showers plus, flushing toilets. We had 85 degree weather as well as snow. The house, thanks to the massing of the walls and the space heater, was comfortable in both conditions. It is very well constructed which was evident in a wind storm we had one evening. Great property, you can’t beat the price. Y’all don’t take all the dates. We want to be able to book it again!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023