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    El Cosmico

    3.9 (204 reviews)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Cosmico Photos

    Recommended Reviews - El Cosmico

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    Seriously one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on
    Guy H.

    This is a tough one to get started. Given to us by Liz Lambert the hotelier, and hospitality guru. She does stuff right, with flair and creativity. Usually, you can expect the bar to be set high at her properties. El Cosmico is now 17 years old. Hard to believe since ive been keeping up with it in hopes of one day staying here. I finally made the trek way out to southwest Texas and it was imperative I stay at El Cosmico. Part campground, pasture, motel army camp, unique is an understatement. You have your choices of several types of stay be it, Teepee,Vintage House trailer, Safari tent,Yurt and others. Plans are in for an expansion next year involving 3D printed structures! I chose the Yurt this trip. Even though there was a common bath, I still wanted to experience the yurt. Im glad I did. Each one has independent climate control, heat, and air. I needed it one night as it got down to 32 degrees. it was interesting going out in the cold night air to the restroom!!! Not for everyone but, if you want to Glamp, this is definitely a great option if you're coming this way. The front lodge office has a great fireplace, free coffee, wifi, and a great place to hang out and meet new travelers from across the country. Easy check-in with carts to haul your possessions to the Yurt etc, it's a very easy pleasant stay. Highly recommended for the unique experience it is.

    Elissa P.

    I read mixed reviews but booked a yurt for 2 nights on a drive adventure. What a great place! Very magical and perfect for me and 2 dogs. The yurt was equipped with a big bed, a sleeping size couch, two side tables and a table at the foot of the bed. It had heat, AC, electricity and a cute deck with table and chairs. Communal bathrooms, kitchen and showers all quite functional and clean. The grounds are so well kept while it maintained its funky style. The options are many for different shapes and sizes of accommodations. It's right in town but feels far away. Great staff, convenient and just plain groovy. I went in early August and was surprised by the awesome weather!!

    Kelly O.

    We loved this property! So much variety in unique places to sleep. We got a retro camper, but everything else looked equally fun. The only thing not fun is an outdoor shower when it's cold out! We def skipped out on that! They do camp fires, live bands, hammocks, all the things. They have a bar but no food is served on the property. The town is so close it's perfect. When in Marfa this is a great lodging option.

    Sunrise over the tent camping area
    Rae R.

    Winter stay in one of the trailers. Kinda worried reading other reviews but this place was outstanding for the Southwest Slow vibe I was going for. Having done other camping experiences in the Southwest, I was definitely prepared for a lot of DIY (food, heat, toilet stuff). This place had enough of the essentials (heat, coffee, toilets) that it felt like a fancy camp without losing the "roughing it" vibe that's integral to SW "outdoors" experiences. The main building has a boutique shop, comfy couches, and good heat (again, winter stay) as well as a nice cup of coffee in the morning. Large trailer fit two adults and a kid; could have brought the dog and fit nicely. Two burner stove, very small fridge, and a big hot water tank made doing my own food easy without taking up all the inside space. Beds were comfy, warm, and clean. Heat worked well. Old trailer so the window and door seals were meh but the heater and warm blankets made up for it. If you go in winter bring some slippers or slides - the floor gets cold! Bring your own entertainment. This area is not a scene - classic camping in that you need to make your own fun. Books, puzzles, etc. Trailer had lots of outlets and a great Bluetooth radio speaker so music can play all day and night if that's your thing. I'm not sure I'd come out here in the middle of the summer because being in a trailer all day when it's 100+ isn't great. But this place would be a lot of fun to try in spring or autumn as well. Definitely an Experience and one that's worth a stop if you're in the region.

    Welcome desk, lodge, gift shop
    Mario E.

    Wow! Let me first start with, i read the reviews after already booking and got worried. Upon arriving, seeing the Pride flag on their pole and though out the city relieved the anxiety! Upon check in, Angie was so friendly and nice, and gave excellent recommendations. First day, we came in around 4pm to a couple walking around in towels, and a women standing in her Safari tent shirtless. I was curious to at first did i check into a clothing optional, but figured oh, she air drying from her shower! Anyhow we stayed in a tent, and it was just beautiful! It was raining and storming and we were worried at first but it bypassed and was just an excellent evening! 2nd day, we stayed in a yurt! What a beaut! The folks out and about we're so friendly, the bathrooms are very private and the showers are easy to use and comfortable temperatures. The place was neat, cleanliness and pure quiet. When they say, stay on the path - stay on the path because there are a lot of grass stickers! The hammocks are nice, the little kitchen area was good. It def was a safe and secure place and people were trustworthy and friendly. The only thing i would suggest, are two things - fire pits, bbq grills by the teepees, yurts and Safari tents AND because it's so hot, some steel stock tanks to cool off in around the property! Haha excellent place! Def will be back! Not as loud as people were saying, throw on a fan and get some white noise and you'll sleep excellent. It's def really quiet, the only loud noise you'll hear off the road are the annoying loud folks who want to drive with their exhaust all loud but the fan helps - and everyone else is fairly quiet around the camp site.

    Our safari tent (interior, featuring Ax)
    Christina H.

    El Cosmico is THE place to stay when you're visiting Marfa. Before you make the journey to west Texas, here are a few tips: 1. I would suggest setting up your own tent instead of booking a tent/yurt/trailer/teepee. You're technically still "glamping" with all the "amenities" included (ie: communal bathroom, one wifi spot, fresh coffee served in the morning) minus the extravagant costs 2. Pick your poison, either suffer the smoldering heat in the AM and cool down in the evenings (summer, spring, fall) or freeze in the AM & PM (winter). 3. Pack light! Paths are NOT paved, but rather unpaved via gravel (suitcases are a B to go back & forth) 4. Bring your own food & drinks, don't bother purchasing at the shop as they up-charge (still water costs $7) 5. Bring a flashlight or any other camping gear you have. Though there are some solar paneled lights along the paths, they are very dim. 6. Bring your own personal wifi, as wifi is only available at/near the shop/lobby We stayed in the Safari tent which included a queen bed, one extra thick blanket, one standing fan, two lamps, two towels, a trash bin, one dim light fixture, outlets, a wooden bench, console table and chair. Warning: NO A/C! We arrived at the normal check-in time (3 PM-ish), but noticed not many people were here. There's a reason why: it is scorching hot in the summer! Crowds started rolling in around 6 PM and later (shop/lobby closes at 8 PM). There are communal showers and toilets on the grounds, and yes, hot water IS included. Surprisingly, all were clean! What was also a nice touch was seeing the usage of Dr. Bronner's Soap everywhere (it's truly an all-purpose cleaner). There is also lots of space to take walks and see the grounds, our pups loved it! Unfortunately: you can hear the train and cars run, as they are located next to the highway.

    Entrance
    Darin S.

    Traveling west from Austin to Phoenix, my wife and I stopped in Marfa for 2 nights to explore this wonderful, west Texas town. We stayed at El Cosmico in one of their teepees in February. The first night was VERY windy, so it was loud sleeping at night, but in a relaxing and calming way. With the fire pit going, plenty of blankets, and our electric mattress, we were able to stay plenty warm during the cold nights. We rented the Dutch tubs both nights and absolutely loved capping off our days under the stars. Highly recommend getting a Dutch tub reservation. The staff was extremely friendly, the checkin and our process was super easy, and it's in a great location to explore the town.

    Shradha A.

    This place is so dreamy! It feels like we're back in the 70s! The trailers were my favorite but all the options - yurts, tents, tipis, etc were thoughtfully created. The XL Trailer was huge, with it's own bathroom and kitchen. It even had a nice seating area and a full closet. The outdoor shower didn't feel clean enough to use. And I have the same feedback for their shared facilities - wish there was a bit more upkeep of it. The they so many hammocks to enjoy sunsets from and your own outdoor seating area too. The second night we were in a yurt and it didn't hold a light to the trailer. It was pretty but dimly lit. It was on a raised platform so we didn't have much of an issue with bugs, but the bathroom was a turnoff. The common areas are nicely designed, with free WiFi.

    Giena L.

    Magical magical place. I can only imagine how much more awesome it would be without all of the restrictions. Stayed in a safari tent-- it was cold (went in November), but the bed (with a mattress!!) was heated!! So obviously we were glamping. There's electrical outlets, fans. Other accommodations you can book: vintage trailers, teepees and tent campsites. There's a communal kitchen area, hammocks, and plenty of bathrooms and showers-- again with HOT running water. Yes, please!

    When we arrived at El Cosmico we were blown away by the super cool, hipster space. The energy was peaceful and inclusive and we felt right at home. When we stepped into our airstream the princess it was so hot, definitely felt like the Texas Sun was shining on it. The fridge wasn't cooling but immediately they allowed us to move to a tent that was super chill both in temperature and amenities. We were always greeted with super chill staff who helped us with our journey to big bend. They also provided great tasting coffee in the morning that we enjoyed. The best part of El Cosmico is definitely the view of the Texas sky at night. Wow, the stars at night are BIG and Bright at El Cosmico. This was an experience we will never forget. Thank you for an unforgettable experience.

    Bed you won't be disappointed with.

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    No. No. No. We thought it would be fun for a night. It was dirty, dilapidated, overpriced and broken. Choose anyplace but this.

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    Ask the Community - El Cosmico

    Balmorhea State Park - Comfortable seating

    Balmorhea State Park

    (87 reviews)

    Out on the frontier removed from the frustrations of civilization sits Balmorhea an artesian gem…read morehiding among the tumbleweeds. The springs themselves are astonishing. Crystalline water, a natural oasis. Wilderness as a touch of elegance. The water is cool, refreshing, and large enough you can swim without bumping into a flotilla of inflatable flamingos every ten seconds. It is serene. Now, the true pièce de résistance: tiny fish. Yes darling, little cousins of piranhas nibbling delicately at your skin. At first, it's mildly horrifying. Being lightly snacked upon by aquatic creatures isn't typically on the itinerary. It's nature's exfoliation service. Truly. These miniature aestheticians gather around and provide the most delightful, ticklish skin treatment imaginable. Think of it as a rustic version of spa fish pedicures, except this one is completely natural, wildly entertaining, and performed by creatures that actually live in the ecosystem instead of a questionable salon tank. The entire place has this fascinating ecological charm that sneaks up on you. You're floating in a massive spring-fed pool, mountains in the distance, dragonflies skimming the water, and tiny fish politely tend to your skincare needs. The magic of Balmorhea (I'll let you figure out how to pronounce it correctly) is that it's a living ecosystem, and being able to swim in the middle of it is special. It's frontier chic. Don't expect marble spas and cucumber water. Following an afternoon, my skin felt absurdly smooth, stress level plummeted, and it was imperative to recommend the remote desert destination without qualification. Five stars for the fish running the spa.

    Fun time at this park…read more Enroute from San Antonio to El Paso, we were able to stop at this park to get the kids out of the car and into some refreshing spring water It was clean, not crowded and left us already planning a return on our next trip back or towards Big Bend National. There are cabins on the ground, picnic tables, barbecue pits. I saw a basketball court. They had a few nature areas to enjoy. I was certainly pleased with just getting my feet wet, but the water is clear and if you were interested in seeing more below the water, I recommend goggles or snorkeling gear. I hear companies teach scuba here too. There's not much else near the park, so bring all the amenities you need or want there. Good times with nature. We will return.

    Davis Mountains State Park - Overlook at sunset

    Davis Mountains State Park

    (62 reviews)

    Davis Mountains State Park is a park that I've always wanted to come back to and I finally did…read moreafter 8 years. As one of two Texas state parks that provides mountain trail access, this place can offer some phenomenal views of nearby mountains both near and far. I came here for a two-night camp. I made all my reservations online and arrived before the office closed to check in. The campsite I reserved had both water and electric hookups, which I did occasionally use during my time here. There are many hiking trails to choose from, although some trail access was restricted due to recent flooding. But all the trails I hiked were well-maintained and clearly marked. My favorite trail, Skyline Drive Trail, took me up the side of the mountain via switchbacks up to the mountain ridge. The trail leads all the way to the famed CCC overlook that allowed me to see differently-shaped mountains in the distance. I thought it was cool that I could see the University of Texas McDonald's Observatory from the overlook, even though it requires a 13-mile drive to get there from the park. During my stay, I also had the opportunity to attend a ranger talk. The ranger came from the nearby Fort Davis National Historical Park with some relics of times past. The talk was informative and entertaining. I enjoyed the clean bathrooms near the campsite, though you'll have to bring your own shampoo and body soap to shower. The water provided at the campsite is potable and I thought it tasted better than the tap water I get at home! I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would love a chance to come back in the future!

    Stumbled upon this stunning state park during a short stay in Fort Davis. We did a scenic drive on…read morethe Skyline Trail, and did some short hikes to enjoy the absolutely stunning vistas o west Texas from various viewpoints. We also briefly visited the recently renovated Indian Lodge (open for breakfast and lunch), which we hope to stay at next time. This state park is a hidden gem and absolutely worth a visit!

    Davis Mountains Preserve - Davis Mountains Preserve 2.15.2025

    Davis Mountains Preserve

    (5 reviews)

    Davis Mountains Preserve - which is separate from the Davis Mountains State Park - is home to…read moreMadera Canyon Trail. While searching for an appropriate hike for my crew, I came across the the 32,844-acre Preserve established by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This trail unlike others within the preserve is open to the public. No permit required. The beautiful, slightly moderate 2.4-mile trail is also open all year long, from sunrise to sunset, regardless of the closure of the Davis Mountains Preserve. My young daughters, my Black Mouth Cur, and I are now fans. We hiked the entire loop on 2.15.2025. A sign-in sheet was at the large kiosk at the entrance. There was a somewhat snobby couple that came in after us that neglected to sign in. But I digress... Yes, contrary to Shannon B.'s review from Apr 2, 2018, leashed dogs have always been and still are welcome... there is a dog waste bag station near the trail's entrance. Remember to leave no trace - only footprints. Best part of all of this beautiful nature? Free parking & entry. Thank you, TNC and DMP. What a Lonestar State gem. Here's more info: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/davis-mountains-preserve/

    The Davis Mountains Preserve is a privately-held 33,000-acre treasure managed by the Nature…read moreConservancy approximately 25 miles northwest of Ft. Davis on Hwy. 118 (about 10 miles past McDonald Observatory and about ¼ mile past the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area; 30.70723, -104.09968) in Jeff Davis County in the northeastern Chihuahuan Desert. No, this isn't the state park with a similar name, but a wholly different destination that you should add to any Fort Davis, Texas itinerary if you love the outdoors. The Conservancy established the Davis Mountains Preserve in 1997 from the lands of the historic U Up U Down Ranch, with the heart of the preserve being the evergreen-covered, 8,378-foot Mount Livermore, the highest peak of the Davis Mountains and the 5th highest in Texas. They describe the place as "a unique sky island with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world." It took until 2004 to acquire the total acreage and the Conservancy continues its vital efforts today to restore and protect this sensitive region through innovative partnerships with ranchers and other landowners, as well as service & educational groups like the Boy Scouts and the Texas A&M Forestry Service. These later agreements with owners of the surrounding lands have created an additional 70,000-acre buffer zone around the preserve. The majority of this nature preserve is closed to the general public, but we can get a taste of what's inside by hiking the 2.5-mile loop known as the Madera Canyon Trail (map: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/multimedia/madera-canyon-trail-map.pdf; information about what you'll see: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/multimedia/madera-canyon-trail-fact-sheet.pdf). The trailhead is adjacent to the Lawrence E. Wood Picnic Area just off Hwy. 118, and the trail is open to the public year-round from dawn until dusk. Hikers should sign in at the trailhead kiosk prior to departing upon the trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water, stay on the trail, take only photos, and leave only footprints. At a small number of annual special "Open Days" events (generally bi-monthly, around 7 per year), the public is invited inside the preserve for a more intimate look throughout the entire property: hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, picnics, photography, birding, stargazing and other outdoor activities. You can check the calendar for those 2018 dates and start planning your trip here: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/events/davis-mountains-2018-open-days.xml Know before you go to the special Open Days: * Only high clearance street legal vehicles will be allowed past the McIvor Conservation Center. * Only camp stoves are allowed, and ground fires are prohibited. * Restrooms are available at the McIvor Center. * Guests should bring their own food and drinks, and take their trash home with them. * Hikers should bring their own binoculars, cameras, sunscreen, hats, appropriate footwear and plenty of water to drink. * Firearms and any technology that disrupts quiet enjoyment are not permitted. * For safety reasons, children must be supervised by parents or other designated adults. * No pets are permitted on the Preserve, other than service animals for assistance. More about the Davis Mountains Preserve and scenic drives in the area: http://www.davis-mountains.com/pages/Davis%20Mountains/nc.html https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rjd03 https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2017/jan/ed_3_ponderosa/index.phtml http://www.texashighways.com/travel/item/257-postcards-davis-mountains-scenic-loop

    Crow's Nest Ranch

    Crow's Nest Ranch

    (3 reviews)

    Very pleased, in short. No bugs or horror stories…read more In length, the reason I give it 5 stars is they are honest in what to expect and the service was very easy to work with and nice. There are no on line reservations, but with a quick phone call I had two nights reserved easily. Originally the girl and I were very skeptical and not too sure how to prepare for a cabin that said "its not for everyone." Even though, we found it very easily at night and followed the path off the main road. We were pleasantly surprised with the cabin which had a full kitchen, small front porch BBQ, and even a little living area. It could easily accommodate 5 people who didn't mind sleeping in close quarters. The big front windows of the cabin gave a great view and proof of our seclusion which made it mentally very quiet/peaceful. While getting ready in the early morning we could see the milky way better than I ever have before (couldn't see it in Fort Davis). There's no room service or continental breakfast, its not that kind of place, but for 65$ a night I will happily make my own food. Jim was the only "employee" I saw during my stay and he was a pleasure to work with. The bad: The furniture in the living area was well used which was totally acceptable, but if your a clean freak its gonna be below par. Same goes for the shower. To me, all things you would expect for a mtn town cabin. I came for Hammerfest bike race and would definitely recommend it for team lodging especially considering it is a 15 minute drive from Fort Davis and stage 2 ended at the dirt road leading to the cabin.

    We did a short Spring Break camping trip to the Davis mountains and stayed three nights at the…read moreCrows Nest Ranch. It is about 18 miles west of the town of Ft. Davis, so not too far from Davis Mountains State Park. I found the accommodations average for a campground. The restrooms are not new, but they were presentable and usable. The toilets flush with running water, so they aren't the kind that sit on an open hole above a smelly holding tank. There is hot water for showering and even a couple of coin operated washing machines! One reason I chose to stay here is because it is a ranch with a lot of area to roam around on without having to see or hear a lot of people like you do at state or national parks. We hiked up to the top of one peak for a 360 degree view of the area around the ranch. A flashlight is a must at night. It is pitch black, so it is excellent for viewing the stars!

    El Cosmico - campgrounds - Updated May 2026

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