It’s time for us to Spill the aTx on Basecamp’s bubble stay in Terlingua, Texas! If you haven’t already added it to your bucket list, do it now! When you think Big Bend you probably think campgrounds or little motels but Basecamp makes glamping in Big Bend a truly one of a kind experience. Read on for tips on everything you need to know before you go – from what you should and shouldn’t take to what apps to use to best capture the Milky Way from your bubble!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Basecamp bubbles in Terlingua.
Basecamp Terlingua has plenty of unique stay options like: casitas, tipis, lotus tents, campsites and, of course, bubbles! The bubbles combine panoramic views of Big Bend and modern convenience. They have both one or two bed options as well as deluxe options. The abodes have air conditioning and heat, WiFi, indoor showers and toilets, Keurig coffee makers, mini-fridges and outdoor seating areas with private fire pits.
There are seven bubbles with Basecamp Terlingua and 10 bubbles with Bubble Terlingua. Click here to see more detailed information about each bubble. These book up fast and months in advance so plan ahead!
When to go:
There isn’t a bad time to visit Terlingua but it depends on what you want to see and experience. They say fall and spring are the best times to visit the area. The temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is definitely one of the busiest months in the park, because of the great weather and spring break travelers. We went in July and though it was hot, it wasn’t unbearable. But if you’re looking to stargaze and see the Milky Way, October to April is the best time for you to visit. Also avoid bright moon phases if you want to see the stars and Milky Way more clearly.
We highly suggest downloading a stargazing guide app, especially if you don’t have a telescope. There’s plenty of apps to choose from in the app store but we liked SkyView Lite and Sky Guide best. The apps allow you to hold up your phone to the sky and they show you the planets and constellations in real time!
What to pack:
The bubbles come fully equipped with all the necessities and more. They include a mini fridge, coffee maker and water filtration system. So, besides your hiking/ exploring gear, you don’t need much. And don’t forget your swimsuit for the shared pool or the personal hot tubs! Clothing wise, we suggest layers because in Texas you just never know.
If you need snacks, drinks, ice and other things you can find it all at the gas station down the road off TX-118. There are a few places to eat in the area and, while you really can’t go wrong with any of them, Starlight Theater is a must!
Getting there:
We do suggest checking in before it gets dark. Due to the lack of street lights and paved roads in addition to spotty service, finding the bubble and getting inside can be a little difficult. We suggest going during the day so you can get a lay of the land. Also the bubble can get hot during the day due to the transparent roof for stargazing so the Basecamp team comes by every morning to cover it. It’s your job to uncover it at night for stargazing. Arriving during the day ensures you figure out how to take it off so you can enjoy your night(s) under the stars.
The Bubble itself:
Basecamp does a really great job at providing detailed check-in instructions that are emailed to you prior to your arrival. Make sure you read them thoroughly. We might have skipped past the part that tells you to ensure the first door is closed before opening the secondary door to enter the bubble. If the first and second door are open at the same time it releases the air from inside the bubble making it deflate a little. While the problem fixed itself after a few minutes, it was a great reminder to read through all of the instructions carefully!
Getting to the parks:
The park is about eight miles (10 minutes) from Basecamp. While we definitely encourage everyone to plan ahead, checking the park the day before or the morning of is the best course of action. Sometimes there are unexpected closures and it’s better to know before you go! If you don’t have a car fit for the off-road trails, you can rent a jeep through Terlingua Jeep Rentals. We rented one and it was great knowing that we were in a car that can handle the terrain.
Also make sure you pay attention as you leave the park, you might just see your bubble!
