Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, SkyDeck
Cabin in Big Bend National Park, TX
4 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valuePrice for this property is higher than average in the area
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this cabin rental
Summary:
Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, Observation Deck, and Cedar Cabin Offers Celestial Views.
• Become our next Visiting Astronomer
• Roll Top Observatory w/ 6" Lens Scope
• Elevated Observation Sky Deck
• Open Kitchen, Dining, Living Room
• Just Minutes from Terlingua and BBNP
The Space:
Become our next Visiting Astronomer and enjoy a stellar vacation!
The Big Bend Observatory is the only vacation rental in the Terlingua area with a private observatory and an elevated Sky Deck. Just north of Terlingua and across from Willow Mountain, Big Bend Observatory offers a newly-built cedar cabin that sleeps up to four. Enjoy exclusive use of our elevated Sky Deck with giant binoculars, and our private observatory with a telescope and roll-off roof. The observatory and telescope are designed for easy use with simple instructions.
By day, enjoy scenic mountain vistas and wildlife viewing from the elevated Sky Deck, using our giant binoculars, your own equipment, or your natural vision. By night, be amazed by celestial views using our private observatory, your own telescope, or your unaided eyes. Our dark skies are unparalleled. The Big Bend Region is internationally acclaimed for having the darkest night skies and best astronomical views in the continental US.
Whether you are a professional astronomer, hobbyist with your own telescope, or someone that has never viewed the Milky Way, you will be inspired and astonished by the celestial views from Big Bend Observatory.
The private observatory has a roll-off roof with a fold-down southern wall for unparalleled sky views. If you are planning to attach a DSLR camera, you will need to purchase a T-ring specific to your camera model. These are typically available from any full-service photography store or website for less than twenty dollars. A 1.25 inch eyepiece adapter is available on-site which will screw into your T-ring and allow prime focus imaging.
The SkyDeck is located between the observatory and the cabin. It has a 7'x7' deck, 11' above ground level. It is equipped with a mounting point for the supplied pair of giant 11X80 Celestron astronomical binoculars. Outdoor AC power outlets are available at the observatory, on the Sky Deck, and outside the cabin itself. A professional tripod is available for steady unguided astrophotography. Guests are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and/or binoculars to take full advantage of the dark sky site.
Located just over two miles north of Terlingua and less than a half mile off Highway 118, Big Bend Observatory has easy access to Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande River, a variety of restaurants and bars, adventure outfitters, and all the local tourist venues. Enjoy everything Terlingua and the Big Bend has to offer, plus your own private cabin and observatory.
The vacation rental home at Big Bend Observatory is a newly built cedar cabin with an open floor plan. A small kitchen and dining area is open to the living room and sleeping area. The living room has a comfortable sofa and a desk with a computer that is available for guest use. The sleeping area has full-size bunk beds. There is a single bathroom with a flushing toilet, sink and vanity, and shower. The cabin is air-conditioned and heated for your comfort. A spacious covered porch provides shaded views to the west.
Once you visit here once, you will be eager to return again and again as a Visiting Astronomer. Big Bend Observatory will be your home away from home in the Big Bend and your own private window on the universe.
Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live a 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.
Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, Observation Deck, and Cedar Cabin Offers Celestial Views.
• Become our next Visiting Astronomer
• Roll Top Observatory w/ 6" Lens Scope
• Elevated Observation Sky Deck
• Open Kitchen, Dining, Living Room
• Just Minutes from Terlingua and BBNP
The Space:
Become our next Visiting Astronomer and enjoy a stellar vacation!
The Big Bend Observatory is the only vacation rental in the Terlingua area with a private observatory and an elevated Sky Deck. Just north of Terlingua and across from Willow Mountain, Big Bend Observatory offers a newly-built cedar cabin that sleeps up to four. Enjoy exclusive use of our elevated Sky Deck with giant binoculars, and our private observatory with a telescope and roll-off roof. The observatory and telescope are designed for easy use with simple instructions.
By day, enjoy scenic mountain vistas and wildlife viewing from the elevated Sky Deck, using our giant binoculars, your own equipment, or your natural vision. By night, be amazed by celestial views using our private observatory, your own telescope, or your unaided eyes. Our dark skies are unparalleled. The Big Bend Region is internationally acclaimed for having the darkest night skies and best astronomical views in the continental US.
Whether you are a professional astronomer, hobbyist with your own telescope, or someone that has never viewed the Milky Way, you will be inspired and astonished by the celestial views from Big Bend Observatory.
The private observatory has a roll-off roof with a fold-down southern wall for unparalleled sky views. If you are planning to attach a DSLR camera, you will need to purchase a T-ring specific to your camera model. These are typically available from any full-service photography store or website for less than twenty dollars. A 1.25 inch eyepiece adapter is available on-site which will screw into your T-ring and allow prime focus imaging.
The SkyDeck is located between the observatory and the cabin. It has a 7'x7' deck, 11' above ground level. It is equipped with a mounting point for the supplied pair of giant 11X80 Celestron astronomical binoculars. Outdoor AC power outlets are available at the observatory, on the Sky Deck, and outside the cabin itself. A professional tripod is available for steady unguided astrophotography. Guests are encouraged to bring their own telescopes and/or binoculars to take full advantage of the dark sky site.
Located just over two miles north of Terlingua and less than a half mile off Highway 118, Big Bend Observatory has easy access to Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Big Bend Ranch State Park, the Rio Grande River, a variety of restaurants and bars, adventure outfitters, and all the local tourist venues. Enjoy everything Terlingua and the Big Bend has to offer, plus your own private cabin and observatory.
The vacation rental home at Big Bend Observatory is a newly built cedar cabin with an open floor plan. A small kitchen and dining area is open to the living room and sleeping area. The living room has a comfortable sofa and a desk with a computer that is available for guest use. The sleeping area has full-size bunk beds. There is a single bathroom with a flushing toilet, sink and vanity, and shower. The cabin is air-conditioned and heated for your comfort. A spacious covered porch provides shaded views to the west.
Once you visit here once, you will be eager to return again and again as a Visiting Astronomer. Big Bend Observatory will be your home away from home in the Big Bend and your own private window on the universe.
Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live a 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.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Map of Big Bend National Park, TX
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
The quaint cabin was very clean and equipped with everything we needed during our stay. The day we arrived the power went out and apparently it impacted a lot of residents. Thankfully, power was restored within 20 minutes. Daryl followed up by calling and checking on us which was a very kind gesture.
There aren't a lot of dining options throughout the area, so I suggest bringing your own food. The cabin's fridge is large enough to store a lot of groceries.
10.0
Like staying in an RV except with no wheels and more room and comfort. There is another property 100 ft away that was occupied for some of our stay, but we didn't see them, only their car. Otherwise, there's not much else in sight. The front porch faces due west and we enjoyed drinks and snacks while watching the sunsets.
The bed and seating is comfortable. There were no measuring cups or spoons in the kitchen if you need them. They did have 2 counter stools in the kitchen that were very convenient. The driveway is very muddy after a rain and has some short steep hills.
8.0
A great location to stay while visiting BBNP! This cabin has all the necessities and was a breeze to get to. The observatory was an excellent bonus! We will check this one out again if available when we visit the area again.
10.0
Really enjoyed out time at the cabin!
10.0
Perfect place for serenity and stars
Feels like the 1800’s or maybe Mars
Host provides all you need
Makes it so you won’t want to leave
10.0
Gorgeous vistas, nicely sited and well-appointed cabin with fantastic sky viewing. Good proximity to Terlingua, Lajitas, Presidio, Big Bend, Mexico and more!
10.0
Very nice, had everything we needed...great views
8.0
Wonderful property at an excellent location!
10.0
We had a great stay far enough way from everything but close enough to still be convenient. Cabin worked great for a small family.
10.0
A stay in this cabin is a unique experience given the location and star gazing amenities.
10.0
Memorable life experience!
The place was beautiful and well equipped. The owners were nice and gave active communication and an easy way to talk to them if needed. Highly recommend staying here and would do it again!
8.0
My Stay at Big Bend. Observatory
The property was as promised, beautiful view of the night sky. Beautiful terrain.
I was disappointed in the cleaning. We moved the rugs and there were cobwebs and trash under them. We cleaned dead bugs and flies off the window sills, and we bought a candle and febreeze to take the smell from the cabin. An insect strip near the door would help as the door has cracks that small bugs fly in. If we had been warned about the bugs we could have bought insect repellents. The scorpion in the sink wasn’t as alarming as all the dead bugs on the window sills
10.0
Under the stars
The bunkbeds shook dramatically when you climbed into the top bunk, but they were sturdy. The owners left us binoculars and scopes for our use, this was very generous. It was only 6 miles from the entrance two big bend national park, and it was equally as close to the state park. It was as close as you can get without staying within the park.
10.0
Cozy cabin near Big Bend
Our family enjoyed our stay at this very cute and cozy cabin. It's only a 20 min drive to Big Bend entrance. It's very peaceful and remote setting. The cabin is well stocked and great amenities. We enjoyed the star-gazing as much as we could - the full moon was the only bummer!
10.0
Perfect location
The location was perfect to both the national park and the state park and just 2 minutes from gas and groceries. We didn’t try the telescope but the night skies with the partial lunar eclipse was beautiful. We would definitely stay here again.
10.0
Peaceful!
We celebrated our 31st. anniversary and couldn’t have been happier with the cabin and location! Every year we try to find a location that is unique, quiet & relaxing and BBO was perfect. Even with neighbors in the cabin next door we had no problem enjoying the peaceful view from the porch. We did struggle with the telescope, we tried it one night with no luck! We decided not to stress about it, it didn’t ruin our stay because the Sky Deck was awesome, from the amount stars to the number of shooting stars we saw, it was amazing!! The drive to Big Bend is so easy and convenient, we went everyday. You have stop by Many Stones on 118, for rocks and cactuses, the gentleman there is very kind, the prices are good too! Fair warning though, don’t leave your purchases on the porch, I woke up to find all of them gone 😆I had to go back and buy more!! The cabin was the perfect size for me and my husband, I would suggest bringing T.V. trays or bar stools, we ate our meals on top of our travel totes for a table, lol! As far as the water situation it’s common sense knowing where your at, water conservation is key and getting our water from a tank is something we are used to!! The owners make sure you have plenty of drinking water!! Which we greatly appreciated! We definitely plan on going back❤️
10.0
Outstanding
Our family of four had a wonderful time at this awesome dark sky cabin. Thanks so much for the hospitality. We will definitely be visiting again.
8.0
Beautiful Sunsets in Cozy Cabin
We very much liked the cabin. Only giving 4 stars because of the hefty price paid (incl the fees, etc....) for such a small place. Overall communications were top notch. The skies were indeed dark, with no nearby lights at all - perfect. The WIFI was the best we've had anywhere.
Only 2 minor negatives I can think of. We were without electicity for several hours one morning, (and this means no water, no WIFI....), which wasn't fun. And the nearest neighbor has a wind chime "bell" that rang during wind gusts, disturbing the supreme silence of the area.
Beautiful sunset from the covered front porch every evening!
10.0
West Texas Nature Solitude
We were very happy with this property...the owners truely included all the amenities...plus, plus!!! Communications with the property owners were excellent from booking to arrival, access and directions to the property were easy and without any issues. The property faces the west, so sunsets were marvelous and breath taking!!! The opportunity to star gaze was like nothing we had ever experienced, also over-all breath taking. The area offers an abundance of hiking trails, scenic site-seeing and water tours all located relatively close to this property. We did it all in three days!!! I would recommend the property to anyone wanting to experience and enjoy Big Ben National Park and/or Big Ben Ranch State Park.
10.0
Fantastic Cabin
The cabin was very well equipped. Had everything that we could have possibly needed! The observation deck was wonderful. Never seen stars that clearly! The location was perfect for easy access to the park! The telescope probably would have been amazing but we were not high tech enough to figure it out but we didn't need it.
4.0
Great rustic cabin.....but needs to be sprayed for spiders! Oven doesn’t work but does have a small convection oven. Pretty well equipped. Instructions needed to operate telescope.....the instructions I received were more for installation....not use! We were not able to use! Needs another chair on front porch to enjoy the sunset! A bigger coffee pot is needed desperately! No table to eat meals at...needs a table or picnic tableVery private and quite! WiFi was great! Plenty of drinking water supplied!Booking pretty easy and all my questions promptly answered by rental agency!
10.0
Quiet and cozy cabin
We enjoyed our time at the cabin! The sky deck was great for viewing the landscape by day and stargazing at night. The observatory was perfect for observing the great conjunction as well as the moon and other clusters and nebulae. It was easy to use. Though we brought our own eye pieces for the telescope, there were a variety available. We brought a camera to attach to the scope, but if you want to do astrophotography with another telescope, you would need to bring your own mount because you can’t attach it to the observatory telescope. The binocular mount was nice for the large binoculars. The drive into Big Bend National Park was convenient and the cabin itself had everything we needed. Our two 7 year olds enjoyed the stay as well. We hope to return soon.
10.0
Cozy. Clean. SeCluded
Middle of no where and it was great!! The cabin had everything we needed and a great view. We didn’t have much luck with the telescope. Our calls, texts, and emails to the owner were unanswered. I chalk it up to user error although we had read the manual beforehand. Regardless it was a great stay!!
8.0
Rustic Cabin!
Great rustic cabin.....but needs to be sprayed for spiders! Oven doesn’t work but does have a small convection oven. Pretty well equipped. Instructions needed to operate telescope.....the instructions I received were more for installation....not use! We were not able to use! Needs another chair on front porch to enjoy the sunset! A bigger coffee pot is needed desperately! No table to eat meals at...needs a table or picnic table
Very private and quite! WiFi was great! Plenty of drinking water supplied!
Booking pretty easy and all my questions promptly answered by rental agency!
10.0
Secluded, dark, and very nice place.
In the middle of no where in a good way. Beautiful night sky!! Could use some guidance on the use of the telescope but other than that it was awesome!!
4.0
We enjoyed our stay at the Big Bend Observatory and knew that it would be rustic but I must admit that I was a bit disappointed in the cleanliness of the cabin. Cobwebs were everywhere, dead bugs in the windowsill in kitchen, dusty counters and surfaces. That being said, the cabin offered everything that was advertised. The kitchen was well appointed, (full sized coffee pot might be a nice addition) plenty of towels, toilet paper etc and even bottled water (which was unexpected but much appreciated)The star gazing from the observation deck was incredible but, when you advertise a private observatory folks will expect to be able to use it(one of the main reasons we chose BBO). Our first night we struggled for over an hour to look at the planets with the very fancy appearing telescope with NO luck. We decided to use the deck and simply enjoy the night with the intent on reaching out to the owner for some guidance or offer of help to best utilize the telescope the next day. the response by Janet on day 2 to my email offered NO help or tips. This was a huge disappointment to me, if she didn’t know how to help I’m sure Daryl would have. Perhaps some simple printed tips and tricks would allow the very novice astronomers the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience.The very best part of our stay was the solitude and quiet and for that the BBO can’t be beat
8.0
Big Bend Observatory (BBO)weekend
We enjoyed our stay at the Big Bend Observatory and knew that it would be rustic but I must admit that I was a bit disappointed in the cleanliness of the cabin. Cobwebs were everywhere, dead bugs in the windowsill in kitchen, dusty counters and surfaces. That being said, the cabin offered everything that was advertised. The kitchen was well appointed, (full sized coffee pot might be a nice addition) plenty of towels, toilet paper etc and even bottled water (which was unexpected but much appreciated)
The star gazing from the observation deck was incredible but, when you advertise a private observatory folks will expect to be able to use it(one of the main reasons we chose BBO). Our first night we struggled for over an hour to look at the planets with the very fancy appearing telescope with NO luck. We decided to use the deck and simply enjoy the night with the intent on reaching out to the owner for some guidance or offer of help to best utilize the telescope the next day. the response by Janet on day 2 to my email offered NO help or tips. This was a huge disappointment to me, if she didn’t know how to help I’m sure Daryl would have. Perhaps some simple printed tips and tricks would allow the very novice astronomers the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience.
The very best part of our stay was the solitude and quiet and for that the BBO can’t be beat
10.0
Vivid stars at night
Big bend observatory had a very cozy home secluded from the rest of town. We had everything we could need. The best part was at night when the stars came out. We couldn’t figure out how to properly work the telescope but we were also just very star struck with what we could see with the natural eye. Great stay here, would come back if I was back in the area.
10.0
Beautiful scenary
This little cabin is in such a lovely place. I really fell in love with the Willow Mountain, which you can see from the bed in the cabin. The drive from Terlingua to Presidio is one of the most beautiful stretches of land around. The night sky in Big Bend is also absolutely gorgeous. We enjoyed out trip, and the owners were very communicative and the cabin itself was very well kept.
10.0
AWESOME EXPERIENCE!
The cabin was exactly as advertised, clean and perfect for what we were looking for. The property manager was quick to answer all questions very thoroughly and made everything easy and fun. The telescope and observation deck were wonderful with beautiful views and new experiences had by all of us. I high;ly recommend this property and plan to visit again!
8.0
Amazing stars!!
This place was soooo cozy. The property accommodated the views of the night sky. I know of its summer, but the little A/C unit did all it could to cool the cabin. I'm glad we brought a stand alone fan. We did run out of water, but the property manager, Daryl, was so quick to respond and fix the problem. Other than those 2 hiccups, it was great stay!!
8.0
Great place
We stayed for 4 nights and I definitely would stay here again. The views were great, the location was perfect, and the cabin had everything as it was listed. Overall the cabin was pretty clean.
6.0
Big Bend Observatory
Loved location, peaceful, rustic, excellent sunrises/sets, loved the skydeck, perfect access to Big Bend.
Needs more deep cleaning (rafters etc), beds uncomfortable, more warm blankets and better room set up.
10.0
January stay
Excellent time ,enjoyed Big Bend and the night sky
10.0
Beautifully rustic.
We had a great 3-night stay at this wonderful Terlingua cabin.
The property was exactly as described. We had everything we needed. The hosts were fantastically responsive to the one (quickly resolved) issue we had with our accommodations.
We enjoyed the proximity to Big Bend National Park, the sunsets from the porch (spectacular) and the star-studded skies (breathtaking).
I would definitely stay here again.
10.0
Quiet, great views of sunsets
We spent 5 days in Terlingua visiting Big Bend. Loved the views and great sunrises and sunsets from the cabin. Nice viewing the Milky Way from the observation deck. The 2 kids could have slept on the top bunk but we brought camping mats and sleeping bags and that worked better for middle of the night bathroom needs.
10.0
Isolated cabin
Just as advertised! Hair dryer and better mattress would be nice, but hay it’s a cabin.
10.0
Excellent vacation spot
A wonderful property with an excellent view of the surrounding environment and the stars at night. Our host was amazing and any issues we had were addressed quickly and effectively! Thanks again for the excellent stay!
10.0
Amazing Views!
Amazing! The view of the mountains surrounding the cabin were breathtaking. Easy to find with the instructions that were provided. Close to Terlingua. The only negative, was the bed, not comfortable to me; but the cabin was very cozy.
5.0
We enjoyed our stay. My only regret was not studying up on how to use the telescope.
FAQs
How much does this cabin cost compared to others in Big Bend National Park?
The average price for a rental in Big Bend National Park is $380 per night. This rental is $16 above the average.
Is parking included with this cabin?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, SkyDeck. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cabin?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cabin. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, SkyDeck pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this cabin is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Big Bend Observatory: Private Observatory, SkyDeck?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and balcony or patio.
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