El Cosmico: Airstream Glamping in Marfa, Texas
Marfa is located in Far West Texas
The little desert town of Marfa, Texas is known for its many quirks: from the infamous Marfa Lights sightings that often occur just beyond the horizon to the Prada store art installation that Beyoncé was photographed in front of in 2012
But there’s one place in particular that truly encompasses the quirky, cool, weirdness that is Marfa, and that is El Cosmico Hotel - a bohemian hotel and campsite that offers glamping experiences for the wanderers and adventurers out there.
El Cosmico is located in the high plains desert and spreads out across 21 acres. Its decor is influenced by Marfa’s cattle ranching history, its proximity to Mexico, and local southwest art and culture.
Entrance to El Cosmico
What makes El Cosmico so unique, however, is that its campsite offers the opportunity to lodge in a distinctly decorated, vintage, and restored trailer, with high class amenities that you’d expect to find in a five-star hotel!
Wait, what is glamping?
Glamping is “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.” - Google’s English Dictionary via Oxford Languages.
At El Cosmico, there’s the option to stay in spacious trailers, tepees, tents, yurts, and open-air cabins. But, if you’re someone who likes to camp traditionally, just reserve a space onsite and bring your own tent and camping supplies!
Each of these lodging options offer an experience to remember under a wide open sky of stars in a safe and spacious area.
Lugging the luggage…but with ease!
Bringing a lot of luggage with you and worried about carrying it to your lodge?
No worries there!
Even though the parking lot isn’t very close to the campsite, the hotel offers wagons for you to load and wheel your items in and across the grounds.
Did you know that Beyonce and Solange stayed at El Cosmico in 2012?!
During a 10 day solo road trip through the US back in 2021, I chose to make a stop in Marfa, Texas after reading about the city’s artsy-quirky offers… plus Beyoncé stayed there?? Um, yeah…say less!
Click to learn more about my 10 day solo road trip through the US.
The Princess at El Cosmico
Before arriving, I chose to book one night in the Princess trailer. The name felt appropriate at the time ;)
The Princess is a medium-sized bright, spacious, and rainbow colored Airstream trailer. Out front sits a large elevated deck with chairs and tables for you to spend time outdoors, play a game of Uno, or maybe drink some chilled beverages with your homies.
During the summer early morning hours, the sun isn’t yet so bright in the desert so I chose to wake up and practice yoga out on the deck.
This was so beautiful and peaceful because it was sunny enough to soak up some sun rays while still feeling the desert cool breeze.
Inside the trailer is where the magic happens. The inside of the Princess has walls made of vintage wood repurposed with touches of bright yellow and hot pink throughout the interior.
Spacious bedding in the Princess
At one end of the trailer lies a spacious bed with a soft, comfortable mattress and four fluffy pillows to encourage deep sleep. The bed is also big enough to fit two adults comfortably, and one child if you’re traveling with kids.
In the kitchen area, there’s ample space for the stove, sink/washing area, storage, and a mini fridge. The amenities are great, as there are pots, pans, bowls, and utensils for you to use, as well as a snack box with delicious, healthy, and tempting snacks, sodas, and alcoholic beverages.
There’s a Chemex available, too, for my coffee makers and lovers, so that you can make your own cup of delicious brew to enjoy.
Kitchen area of the Princess
For all my couples out there, there’s even a section in the provisions’ box that promotes safe sexual experiences for those who’re looking to have that kind of a good time.
For those traveling alone, the trailer does have a lock and key situation so that you can feel secure in your lodging during the night. There’s a lamp outside of the trailer, as well, so that you can easily see out into the darkness.
Inside the trailer at nighttime
The windows are covered by a light cloth, which at first made me feel a little nervous of people being able to see my silhouette in the lamplight. However, there were areas for me to sink comfortably into so that I didn’t feel as though I was completely vulnerable in front of the windows.
As you move further into the trailer, you’ll find the bathroom at the opposite end of the bed area. The bathroom is enclosed and has a low sitting bathtub for those who like their baths and privacy. It’s a big enough area to also fit the sink, cabinet space, and toilet.
If you’re into showers, just step outside and to the right of the patio you’ll find an outdoors shower that pours out a deliciously warm and steady stream of water to wash away your sins.
The showers are enclosed with a thick canvas-like material so that you’re out of the public eye and unexposed. As a solo woman traveler, I felt very safe taking my showers outside and even at dusk. There are slabs of rock for you to stand on so that you’re not standing in dirt. It’s truly a vibe that’s fun, daring, and memorable!
The Bathtub and Shower
After your shower or bath, wrap up in the large El Cosmico signature robe that is vibrant, soft, and made out of 100% cotton. Hang out on your bed and feel the warm desert breeze flowing in through the screen door while you listen to soft tunes on the trailer’s radio.
Please note: There are ADA accessible trailers.
Lounging around in the comfy complimentary robe.
My stay at El Cosmico in early August was very quiet, and there were hardly any crowds or tourists on the grounds. I felt comfortable going to sleep and slept soundly. It really didn’t feel like I was surrounded by complete strangers in the desert - and though I was, it truly didn’t feel that way.
I truly loved my experience in the Airstream so much. It was my first time staying overnight in lodging like this. It was so grand and so fun.
I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I decided to book another night! Luckily the Princess was still available so I was able to stay in the same trailer and have a second day of enjoyment.
If you’re wanting to book another night in the middle of your stay, make sure to call the front desk as soon as you can to claim your additional stay. The staff is very understanding and flexible, so I had a supportive experience in booking at the last minute.
Art from previous Trans-Pecos Festivals
El Cosmico is also known for hosting the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music and Love, an annual festival lineup of artists, vendors, and workshops in September. Unfortunately, after 17 years, 2023 will be the last festival hosted at El Cosmico - so go if you can!
The large campsite has many winding paths that you can walk on. You’ll find that there is an amphitheater/stage area, art, sculptures, and small garden areas on the grounds.
If you’d rather hang out inside and out of the heat, the lobby of the hotel has a provision store with awesome souvenirs and clothing.
In the lobby, there are also large comfy chairs and chill music, where you can sit and read newspapers and books. If you’re into art, check out the beautiful art sculptures and posters on the wall.
Make sure to grab some coffee offered by the staff during your stay - I had a delicious cappuccino that I most definitely indulged in.
Other amenities that the hotel offers include wood-fire Dutch hot tubs that you can lounge in during the day. You do have to make a 24hr reservation in advance for $85. For outdoors celebrations, the campsite has plenty of picnic areas and hammocks for you to set up and grill as you enjoy the day. If you want to get active, rent a bike and ride around the area and downtown that’s just up the road.
El Cosmico is right near all of the happenings in the town of Marfa, but is also located just a ways away for you to sleep peacefully without any noise disturbances. If you’re planning a trip to Marfa, definitely make sure to explore making reservations at El Cosmico to really enjoy the natural offerings that this desert town has to offer.
To learn more about what to do and where to go in Marfa, TX, be on the lookout for my next Marfa post!
Have you ever visited Marfa, Texas or a similar desert town? If so, where’d you stay? Let me know in the comments below :)