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Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin

Exterior
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Miscellaneous
Offices
Fridge, oven, stovetop, coffee/tea maker

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire cabin

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Mountain view
    Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Terlingua, TX
  • Many Stones
    42 min drive
  • Big Bend National Park
    51 min drive
  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center
    96 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

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

Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin

Summary:
Ringtail Cabin: Economically Priced Solar Powered Cabin. Easy Access for All Vehicles.
• Small Solar Powered Cabin with Covered Parking
• Most Affordable Big Bend Vacation Rental
• Easy Access for all Vehicles. Near Pavement
• Evaporative Cooler Powered by Solar, No AC

The Space:
MPORTANT DISCLOSURES. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING:
LIMITED AIR COOLING:
-Cooling is provided by an evaporative cooler. Guests expecting inside summertime temps in the low 70’s or wanting to run the evaporative cooler constantly should consider a different property. We would be happy to recommend other lodging options.
SOLAR-POWERED HOME:
-No electronic devices other than those provided or chargers for phones and consumer electronics.
-Absolutely no electric device with heating elements of any type.
-If you rely on medically necessary electronics, we would be happy to recommend a different property.

Ringtail Cabin is small, but it has a full kitchen and large bathroom.

Spend less cash and burn less carbon.

Ringtail Cabin is an ideal vacation rental for budget minded visitors, anyone wanting to conserve fossil fuels, or anyone needing access for a low clearance vehicle or motorcycle.

Don't be fooled by the low price, solar panels, or easy access. This cozy cabin is very well appointed with a full kitchen and comfortable furnishings, the solar system is backed-up by a propane generator, and the nearest neighbor is over a quarter mile away.

Enjoy the mountain views, amazing sunrises, spectacular sunsets, and stunning starry skies from the Ringtail property, or drive into the nearby parks, Terlingua, or the Ghost-Town for all the adventure and entertainment that the Big Bend has to offer.

The Neighborhood:
TERLINGUA RANCH: Located between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park and including much of the town of Terlingua, Terlingua Ranch is a private subdivision of over 190,000 acres, divided into 9,500 tracts owned by about 5,000 individuals and crisscrossed by 1,100 miles of dirt and rock roads. Tracts range from five acres to several hundred acres. It is some of the most rugged and scenic land in Texas.

Back in the 1960’s, the Ghost Town and much of what later became “Terlingua Ranch” was owned by racing legend and car designer extraordinaire, Carol Shelby and some of his friends. The decided to promote the area by holding a chili cook-off in the then abandoned Ghost Town. That little stunt of a cook-off grew into CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) which now hosts nearly 500 chili cook-offs around the nation and internationally, all leading up the championship cook-off every year in Terlingua. Shelby and friends later subdivided the Ranch and started selling it off to hunters and rugged naturalists. Over the decades, the area was reborn and an eclectic community of nature lovers, artists, musicians, adventurers, and folks just wanting to escape from “civilization” has grown and started to resettle this rough country.

People have come and gone. New buildings have risen while others have fallen, Dreams have been realized and others crushed. Through it all, the land remains. The harsh desert and vast openness encourages positive development and slowly swallows up and recovers from past abuses. The old cinnabar mine sites and ranching outposts persist as relics and ghost towns, some redeveloped, some carefully preserved, and others dissolving back into the desert. Abandoned dreams eventually become points of interests for those of us that stumble upon them decades later. Terlingua Ranch is a bizarre mix of old and new, good and bad, growth and decline, all completely unregulated. Modern homes with high values and stunning designs stand beside dilapidated do-it-yourself mistakes and abandoned ruins of the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

The landscape is even more varied than the people and the structures. Rugged mountains, deep canyons, wild arroyos, dry and wet creeks, peaceful valleys, breathtaking badlands, moonscape like mud flats, the remains of ancient volcanoes, and fossilized ancient seabeds. All of it nurturing a vast array of plant life and wildlife. Around every corner and over every hill lies new and unexpected surprises.

The Ranch is now home to a few hundred hardy souls. It is also dotted with a diverse array of vacation rental lodging options and campsites. Like the diverse land, they range in quality, style, value, and price. A few are amazing dream destinations. Some are good places to sleep. Others are the stuff of nightmares. (We don’t manage any in the nightmare category.)

Big Bend Vacation Rentals started out in 2007 and initially managed three of the first four vacation rentals in the Terlingua and Terlingua Ranch area. We now manage dozens out of a couple of hundred options. We represent dozens of property owners and have hosted tens of thousands of guests. You can trust us as managers, and you can rely on the properties that we manage. We have become very selective about the properties and the property owners that we add to our portfolio. Visit our website at www.BigBendVacations.com.

Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.
  • The cabin offers a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a stovetop
  • 24.7 mi (39.7 km) from Big Bend National Park and 19 mi (30.5 km) from Many Stones
This cabin offers its guests a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Terlingua cabin is smoke free.

Property manager

Janet Eby

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In the mountains

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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.

Property is also known as

Ringtail Cabin Low on Cost but High on Comfort
Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin Cabin
Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin Alpine
Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin Cabin Alpine
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Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

JF V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
Excellent instructions and useful information provided by the host. Enjoyed the peace and quiet in the evenings, sleeping with all windows open, listening to the wind, watching the stars, eating my breakfast and dinner on the front steps. Great minimalist experience. I recommend the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Natalie J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute Little Remote Cabin
I loved the cabin and its proximity to Big Bend. I enjoyed the area around the cabin and stargazing at night.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annelies M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place for stargazing
We loved our stay here. It can feel warm when you enter for the first time, but there is some kind of special cooling system. It did make some noise. We preferred the cooling of the night and set the windows open. The kitchen was well equipped. We would have stayed longer if we were not on a schedule. At night we could see many stars. It was romantic.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Albert M.

Liked: Cleanliness
50th wedding anniversary
neat little place to stay; needed to arrive before dark to get oriented...
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tony P., Denton, TX USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Just the BEST cabin
We were visiting Big Bend and wanted a place close but still had privacy and solitude. This cabin exceeded on all accounts. It has all the needed conveniences: living room with sitting space, full kitchen with basics for cooking and meal prep, great bathroom/shower space, and a comfortable bed. Our trip was the week before Thanksgiving so HVAC wasn’t needed. Covered parking was provided and would be great for summer. Directions provided were from Alpine but can easily reach from Terlingua as well. Entrance access worked flawlessly and internet was fantastic. Highly recommend this location if you are visiting Terlingua or the Big Bend area!!! Terlingua is about 15-20 min and has fantastic restaurants, shopping, and gas.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steph L.

Liked: Cleanliness
desert getaway
If you're like me and anxious about booking this stay: do it!!!! My boyfriend talked me into this, and I'm so glad we did! It was a great change of pace from the other hotels we stayed in during our roadtrip. The cabin was clean and well stocked, the directions provided ahead of time got us there with no troubles, and the views and star gazing were absolutely incredible. We'll be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ron F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect little base for Big Bend NP
This place we great. Everything you need for a great trip. Would definitely come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tonya S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cabin under the stars
Close enough to everything. Far enough to feel remote. Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Little Gem
I recently stayed in this cabin and will sun up by stat by saying I had absolutely ZERO issues with this accommodation. Do not be fooled by the price, this cabin is clean, nicely appointed, and has everything you would need or would want for your stay. For those who do not own a truck or SUV like myself, this cabin is accessible by car, so you do not need to waste money on rental truck/SUV like you might with some other properties in the area. Lastly, as is typical with Daryl and Janet, they are extremely responsive and ensure that everything is clean, ready, and functioning, and they genuinely want to ensure that guests enjoy their stay. I definitely recommend this property and would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Gabriel S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Bend visit
We really enjoyed our stay at the property even though we were gone most of the day(s). The evenings were beautiful with the dark sky that gave a great view of the stars. The only drawback was that it was a long drive to Big Bend from the cabin….about 20 miles or so. However, if you like the solitude, then this is the place for you. We would stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice & quiet
Our stay was good. Propane heater lighting instructions are difficult for a novice (us) to deal with. Recommend replacing the futon with more comfortable option and maybe provide a couple of outdoor chairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lily R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best view of the night sky
We were very comfortable during our stay. I had questions about the heater, Daryl was quick to help me get it up and running. The property had everything we needed. Will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Arturo S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Spot
Great experience! 1st time in the Big Bend area. Will definitely look at you all again for future stays
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Victor M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Had A Ring Tail of a Time
We enjoyed our stay would recommend to anyone.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rommel C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfectly Imperfect
This property was perfect for my friends and I, who came down to Terlingua to hike at Big Bend. It was just isolated enough to give the impression of "being out in nature", but close enough to the town to make sure all our needs were properly met. It's far from luxurious, but I assume if you're coming down here it's to get that 'down to the roots' feeling.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ed H., Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
This was a great place to hike Big Bend or visit Terlingua. I know people have talked about the drive but it truly wasn't bad., There isn't any traffic (at least in Nov). It was pretty great The house maybe could use a new couch but it is very dusty there so I understand why you would not have great furniture there. We were using it for a place to shower, eat and sleep for the most part. It met my needs and I loved to sit out on the front step and have a beer and watch the sunset. I drove to the park every day and it was absolutely amazing. I appreciate the use of the house. If you want to visit big bend this is a great option!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Ann J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice if you want isolation & don't mind driving to Big Bend Nat. Park
Could use some outfit furniture & a real couch. Nice kitchen. Since oven is available, might want to supply a cookie sheet or oven ware. Incredible stars!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Paula P., Brazoria, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Our third stay @Ringtail cabin
This was our third and probably last visit to Ringtail cabin. The location is great-no neighbors nearby, so it's quiet and peaceful. The cabin was clean, plenty of basic needs too. Our only issue was the futon and the bed. The futon has been replaced with a very small sofa of sorts. It is not comfortable seating and I feel sorry for anyone who has to sleep on it. The bed (mattress) is showing it's age- not much support left, definitely not comfortable anymore.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Kamile P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Off the grid
The description is precise. If you are looking to get away from it all, this is the place. It was our first time to Big Bend. The house is quite a distance from the main park attractions, so know you will be driving a lot during your stay. All such beautiful scenery, though. The house was plentiful for us after an exhausting stay. The only thing we would recommend is having pans to be able to use the oven and maybe outside seating. We love hanging outside at night and star gazing. Overall, the house worked out well for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gregory D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great little cabin!
This cabin was perfect! The instructions for how to get there were very clear and we had no problems checking in. We found the property itself well-suited for us -- we cooked several meals in the well-stocked kitchen (we brought all our food for the trip with us, and would definitely recommend that others do the same!). The propane heaters were able to keep it warm on the cold December nights. The location is fantastic (we went hiking in Big Bend both days we were there) and the stargazing is great! Would definitely return if we were visiting the Terlingua / Big Bend area in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Cabin for a Big Bend Visit
Ring Tail Cabin was the perfect get-away for my wife and I as we visited Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park (try to make time to visit both if possible). The cabin is remote so it will take about an hour to get to the Visitor Center in Big Bend but in times like this it was just what we wanted. The cabin was exactly as described, clean and ready for a our four night stay. The kitchen was well equipped with a full sized stove and refrigerator, plus plenty of dishes, silverware and cooking utensils and a few supplies like coffee etc.. This allowed us to bring a cooler of food to make breakfast, pack sandwiches for lunch as we were hiking and then make dinner after we returned from the Parks. We actually did not go out to eat one time during our stay. The bedroom was small but had everything we needed and enough electrical outlets to allow both of us to plug in our phones and computers to keep them charged. The bathroom was surprisingly large and the water was hot so nice showers after we returned from an afternoon of hiking. Plenty of towels and linens for our stay all clean and ready. Soap and shampoo in the shower plus soap at the sink and in the kitchen. The internet connection was great so even though no TVs we had everything we needed via internet. Actually my wife said it was nice not watching the news for a few days. We had a small issue getting one of the propane heaters to work but one quick call to Daryl (the owner) and he had a maintenance man get it on-line (just a dead battery on the igniter switch) in about a 5 minutes. The owners make sure you have all the instructions you need, contact information in case you need anything and are very responsive. Hard to ask or expect much more. We really enjoyed our stay and will be coming back - as a matter of fact my wife was giving me a hard time wondering why we did not book a week stay as there is so much to do and enjoy in the two Parks. Although remote and having very detailed driving directions from the owners we found Google maps directed us right to the Cabin with no issues.

10/10 Excellent

Vining S., Oakton, VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Good location and basic lodging
Clean simple house. All we expected and wanted. Management communicated well. All questions answered. No problems.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

David E., Seabrook, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Bend hiking with my brother
Great little house in an awesome location. Perfect spot if you want to get away from it all and see the stars but still have easy access to Big Bend National Park and Terlingua. We really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

8/10 Good

Vanessa G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stars and Mountains
Great location! Stars and mountains all around us. The best mountain to view is behind the house. Would suggest outdoor furniture for viewing pleasure. Other than that bring your own outdoor chairs to view. AC is adequate and we didn't feel hot once even though temps were in the high 90's in the middle of October.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Paula P., Brazoria, TX

Liked: Cleanliness
Ringtail Cabin is a unique vacation home
This was our second visit to Ringtail cabin. And for the second time, we enjoyed our stay at this unique, off grid vacation cabin. It is the perfect size for 2 adults and the property management does a great job to make sure the cabin is clean and well stocked with basic needs. Neighbors are about a quarter mile away (very few lights on after dark) so skies get very dark. We saw the milky way & many, many stars every evening. We will probably visit Ringtail cabin again on a future vacation.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020