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Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping

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Interior
Fridge, stovetop, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
1 bedroom, WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 493 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Alpine, TX
  • Many Stones
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Big Bend National Park
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Santa Elena Canyon
    ‪90 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

Property grounds

Longhorn Ranch Motel - Standard Room

  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, (30)
The price is €149
for 1 home
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Longhorn Ranch Motel - Standard Room

About this property

Entire place

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

Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping

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, fridges and stovetops
  • On-site recreation includes a playground
  • 19 miles (30.6 km) from Many Stones and 23.3 miles (37.5 km) from Big Bend Library
Casa de Creosote. Off-grid Cabin and Camping offers its guests a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Jim Keaveny

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Communal pool

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Refrigerator

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bidet
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming cats and dogs only
  • One pet total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Outside smoking permitted

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 100% renewable energy
  • Composting
  • Garden
  • Local artist showcase
  • Solar energy
  • Unit size: 1,000 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

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
  • Only dogs and cats are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • 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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that 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

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 44 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Off-Grid Hidden Treasure
We absolutely loved our stay in Big Bend. This was one of the most unique and memorable places that we have stayed. This cabin has been built with lots of love and care, and you can tell. The porch was one of the most beautiful parts of the property. Every morning we would watch the sunrise and every evening the sunset. I’ve never been somewhere more quiet and peaceful. Jim wasn’t able to be there for our stay, but made sure that everything was well taken care of for us. It seems that most guests love when he is around as you can tell by reading the guest book. You will not regret booking this VRBO. One thing to note that I think is important is that the cabin is “off-grid” meaning that everything is run off solar power and precious desert rainwater that is collected when it does rain. Make sure you are sparing with the power and water and I would recommend bringing some of your own! Additionally, the stairs to the lofted bedroom are steep! If you can’t climb steep stairs this may not be the listing for you until Jim is fully done with the second downstairs bedroom. Overall, great experience and loved this place!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Magaly L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay!
We loved our stay! I appreciate the fact that pers are welcome. They enjoyed the dessert as well :) Property and amenities were exactly as described. Will definitely come back!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Remote and peaceful
The cabin was amazing. The landscape surrounding us was very surreal to wake up to. The cabin has a lot of charm, and the host was very attentive to any needs or questions. If i am back in the area, i would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dylan Wiest

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place Close to Big Bend
The property is smaller but is such a great stay right near Big Bend. The stars outside are just incredible and there was plenty of room for 4 adults to sleep. Everything went super smoothly and I would highly recommend staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Off the Grid
If you are trying to get away this is the perfect spot. The property is nice and clean. They have everything you need. It was quiet and private far from any roads or other properties.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

David F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awe-some
Casa de Creosote may not be the kind of place for everyone, but some, like me, will find everything. I booked a 5-night stay because I needed to get away from it all and let my mind wander a little while. The Chihuahua Desert seemed like the ideal place, and Casa de Creosote looked remote, relaxed and rejuvenating. It totally delivered.The property owner, Jim Keaveny (who is a great musician...seriously, listen to "Happy Man"), met up with me the day I got there to show me around the place and explain how the off-grid cabin worked, the essentials of water and energy conservation, and to tell me about the area. I could tell how proud he was of his quirky, handcrafted cabin and how much he wanted people to enjoy and respect it. I enjoyed all of it.Folks should know that while there is an indoor toilet, those who wish to help conserve water can (and should) use the compost toilet as much as possible. I would also recommend bringing your own water--not that the water there isn't usable or drinkable, it is--but the fact that all the water there is collected from the rare desert rain, it would just mean a lot to bring your own.As for the area, the views are spectacular, the night sky is gorgeous, and the desert life is fascinating. I would spend my days taking in the mesas in an area so quiet I could hear ravens' wings slowly fold as they flew by. I would spend my nights staring out into the stars in awe.This place will reward you for what you put into it. Treat it kindly.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
THE best place to stay.
A beautiful cabin with breathtaking views! Absolutely perfect! We enjoyed our stay very much! Thank you so much Jim!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Must Rent Off Grid Cabin
Everything was as advertised but there is so much more!! Jim was great about communicating and when my two grand children and dogs were added to the trip at the last second he was like "no problem". He even brought us propane for the heater as it was unseasonably cold. Off grid with some luxury, 1 million stars with no light pollution, a fire everynight and a great host. Highly Recommend!! Terlingua is a small community andJim knew everbody, great recommendations and an incredible host. Thanks Jim
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet desert stay
Jim's cabin was a great place to stay, away from the noise and lights of the city. The property is set with views in all directions and we were able to disconnect in a big way. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try off-grid living.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at Casa de Creosote
Great place and great views
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Courtney S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vaness
Very Cozy and relaxing! Absolutely breathtaking surroundings!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Payton M.

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.

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

Roger

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Jim the host is a good soul. The shower and the floating chair on the porch that made you feel like you were going to fly into the Stars were my favorite part of my stay. A memorable experience and a good spot to stay for the big bend park. Would come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hannah C.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !)

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.

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.

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