Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping

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Entire home

Off grid small house.
Beautiful area facing Nine points Mesa

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.0

Wonderful

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Check-in time

4:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Explore the area

Alpine, TX

Many Stones38 min drive
Big Bend National Park46 min drive
Chisos Basin Visitor Center91 min drive
Alpine, TX (ALE-Casparis Municipal)103 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

2 Queen Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

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!

Amenities

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Outdoor space

Mountain view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 18

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Outside smoking permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

On-site 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

About the area

Terlingua

This holiday home is located in Terlingua. Local points of interest include Many Stones, Big Bend Library, and Persimmon Gap Visitor Center.

Alpine, TX

What's nearby

Many Stones - 38 min drive
Big Bend National Park - 46 min drive
Panther Junction Visitor Center - 83 min drive
Santa Elena Canyon - 90 min drive
Chisos Basin Visitor Center - 91 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping located?

Situated in Terlingua, this holiday home is within 25 miles (40 km) of Many Stones, Big Bend Library and Big Bend National Park. Big Bend Ranch State Park and Persimmon Gap Visitor Center are also within 32 miles (52 km).

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Matthew Y.

16 Apr 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location

Disliked: Listing accuracy

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

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

12 June 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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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

6/10 Okay

Gary C.

23 Nov 2022

Liked: Location

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Disaster Strikes

No safety rails for entrance and with rain and high winds this is dangerous for any age. Outhouse is a great distance and with rain treacherous. Propane insufficient for 29 degrees even with our tank. Solar lighting poor on cold winter day. Summer stay may be better. Steps to loft bed narrow and steep. Recommend only for agile and young.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Ashley

16 Oct 2022

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brandon E.

30 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly recommend

Great spot to unwind, pull up a seat on the porch and kick back. Some of the easiest ranch roads to drive make for quick getting in getting out, if your in the area to explore or just want an easy entrance to a nice relaxing cabin. Jim is an excellent host.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Billy B.

20 Mar 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright, Deep in the Heart of Texas

I'll begin by saying that Jim is a generous host and a good dude. Due to the nature of things at the property you will probably see him during your visit. This is the place for you if you think you want to give off the grid living a go, it's located in the desert about halfway between Alpine and Terlingua on the old Terlingua Ranch. If you load the address into Google Maps(not apple) before you go it will take you right to the property, do not wait until near the property because cell service is sketchy in the area. We visited Spring Break 2022, me, my wife, two adult girls and two small dogs. I read the reviews and prepared accordingly. The cabin is located on a 5 acre plot of remote desert, the views, when clear are breathtaking, both day and night. Currently the cabin is a two room structure, there is a generous sleeping area upstairs and a living area downstairs. This is an off the Grid property that operates on Solar power and precious rainwater collection, be kind and conserve water. There's a water filtration canister that makes exceptional drinking water. The house is equipped with WIFI, plan & prepare maps and lookup info before you leave the cabin! The parks are a bit over an hour away, an easy drive to Terlingua. The wife and I grew up with outdoor toilets and no AC so we were prepared for the composting toilet, it's an outdoor facility 100 yards away, the path is lit by knee high solar tiki torches. There's a single serve coffee percolator, it also has an over the cup coffee strain, if you like coffee I recommend you pack a 6 cup percolator for use on a camp stove. Jim will advise that the shower is a hike down to the lodge, it's 12 miles away or you could bring a shower bag and take a shower out in the wild, he's working on the shower at the cabin but the recent freeze caused a setback. During our visit It was warm in the afternoon/evening and very cold overnight. I brought a propane burner and a bottle to cook outdoors in the afternoon, I brought firewood...but there was a Burn Ban, no open outdoor fires were permitted. Heat if needed is via a propane heater on the first floor. You may be greeted by two kitty's lounging on the porch, our pup wanted to play but didn't know how to properly introduce herself and scared them off. I recommend you bring a fully charged LED lantern, charged power pack, cap/visor w/headlamp, some AA batteries, if it's overcast you may have limited solar power, and bring an iced down cooler.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason

12 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Great place to get "Off-Grid", amazing view of the night sky and just perfect for me.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

30 June 2021

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

I liked that is was far away from people and we mostly had the place to ourselves. It was so pretty and so much fun to see the life away from city. However, plan for your stay. Pray for good weather because of inclement weather, rainy or overcast days, you will be hard pressed for electricity. We lost electricity more times than I can count and every night. We chose the worst time to go since it rained and was overcast. I wish we had chosen better times since it made that part hard.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021