Cabin

Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin

Photo gallery for Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin

Property Under Starry Sky
Front View of Property
Front View of Property
Solar Panels
Kitchen

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Mountain view

Explore the area

Map
Terlingua, TX
  • Many Stones
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Big Bend National Park
    ‪51 min drive‬
  • Santa Elena Canyon
    ‪95 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Garden

About this property

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.

Property manager

Janet Eby
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Outdoor space
Mountain view
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
• Children allowed • No pets • No Events or Parties Allowed

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Terlingua

Located in Terlingua, this cabin is in the mountains. Many Stones is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and Big Bend National Park.
Map
Terlingua, TX

What's nearby

  • Many Stones - 42 min drive - 30.6 km
  • Big Bend Library - 44 min drive - 37.5 km
  • Big Bend National Park - 51 min drive - 39.8 km
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center - 88 min drive - 74.8 km
  • Santa Elena Canyon - 95 min drive - 62.7 km

Frequently asked questions

Is Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ringtail Cabin: Economical & Solar Powered Cabin located?

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

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 87 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 87 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 87 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 87 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 87 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sarah C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little gem!
My husband and I recently stayed here and had the best time!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Get Away
This property was the perfect respite after long days in the Park. Star Gazing was amazing. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A lovely desert hideaway
We enjoyed the quiet and the spectacular starry sky at night. The place was clean and comfortable. Hosts were easy to communicate with and responsive. Mattress is memory foam and very comfy. We spent our days at the Big Bend Park. It’s about 20 miles to Terlingua and then a few more miles to the park.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie J.

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

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Little Cabin
I usually rent this for several days during the winter, as it's perfect as a home base for hiking, exploring, etc in and around Big Bend National Park and Terlingua. Nothing fancy here but it's great for having all the basics. Will return!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

James Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Week in Big Bend
This property is a gem. The location is perfect. A short drive into town and to the National Park. Great view of the stars. We were greeted by a roadrunner as we pulled up. At night we would see javelinas outside and an unbelievable amount of stars. There is a cafe up the road with great food and cold beer. We will definitely return for another trip.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Laura F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Post Election Escape
All as described, very peaceful and just what was needed. Easy drive to the park. The sky was phenomenal and the local javelinas and quail came daily to drink water from swamp cooler puddle outside the front door.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron F.

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

JF V.

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

Albert M.

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

Tonya S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin under the stars
Close enough to everything. Far enough to feel remote. Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria M., Austin Texas USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Affordable Big Bend Area Stay
This is a great affordable place to stay for exploring the Big Bend area. The hosts are very communicative and welcoming. The cabin is simple but comfortable and we really appreciated being off the grid and being aware of our resource use. The night skies were spectacular and the majestic surrounding scenery made a wonderful boost for the soul and rest from the craziness of world at large. I would highly recommend a stay in Ringtail cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lily R.

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

8/10 Good

Gabriel S.

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

Annelies M.

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

Steph L.

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

Richard B.

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

Matthew C.

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

10/10 Excellent

Tony P., Denton, TX USA

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

Arturo S.

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

About the host

Hosted by Janet Eby

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests