Camp Elena — Hotel in Manuel Benavides

What a peaceful setting with views of the beautiful mountains and views of the stars like I haven’t seen in a long long time. I grew up tent camping so really appreciated the private and lovely bathroom with toilet, walk in shower and full size sink and the kitchenette with two burner gas top range, microwave, refrigerator and even a freezer. The owners stocked the kitchen with all the gadgets, dishes and utensils we needed for 2, plus a fantastic coffee press, kettle, coffee grinder and coffee. It was wonderful! The large ceiling fan and air conditioning unit had to work hard in the hottest part of the day (June in south Texas!) but the mornings and evenings were pleasant. The winds could be strong at times and made the canvas flap pretty loudly but the ear plugs that are provided did the trick for me. The owners are in the process of making a common, covered hammock area which will be great for enjoying views of the mountains. There are a couple of good places to eat in ghost town - Starlight Theater (get the cosmic cowgirl marg) and a tiny breakfast/lunch place right next door. The country store in town had everything we needed for eating in most meals however. We hope to go back in the fall. I’m sure the parks will be busier (no crowds this time of year probably due to high temps) but I really want to experience the tents with the large side windows unzipped and the screened deck door opened. I would give Big Bend parks in the summer a 3.5 or 4 star review due to the extreme heat, but Camp Elena is definitely a five star...

Big Bend has been my bucket list for some time and I have searching the nearby hotel to stay with my family. I was very skeptical of what to expect and I spoke with Stacy a few times but even then, I did not know what to expect. From the moment we arrived at Camp Elena we were blown away by the impeccable service and stunning ambiance. The staff welcomed us warmly and went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our stay was perfect. The rooms were not only spotless but also beautifully decorated, offering the perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort. The bed felt like sleeping on a cloud, and the panoramic views from our balcony were simply breathtaking.

The amenities were equally impressive. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool, indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments, and savoring delicious meals at the on-site restaurant. Every dish we tried was a culinary delight, and the breakfast spread was especially exceptional.

What truly set this hotel apart was the attention to detail. From the complimentary treats in the room to the personalized recommendations from the concierge, we felt pampered throughout our stay.

Did I mention - Stargazing - as the night went on - it just got better and better....

Thank you Stacy - you were simply amazing and thank you for taking all my calls and putting our minds to ease - we truly appreciate your help!

We can’t recommend Camp Elena highly enough! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just some time to unwind, this hotel is an absolute gem. We can’t...

This place was perfect! Every detail well thought out by the owners, zero disappointments. Magnificent sunrise views over the mountains, beautiful stars in the darkness. Glamping at its best, with a private bathroom and kitchen. Our days were spent in Big Bend with dinners in Terlingua but everything that we would have needed to cook at the Cabin was provided. They even supplied local coffee and a pour over system which was fabulous. The Aesop, soft towels and robes were an added bonus! When reviewing the Camp Elana website I was concerned that our unrelenting Texas heat this year would ruin our stay, but I had absolutely nothing to worry about! Whether we slept in late or came back while the sun was still up the Cabin was never too hot and the split system along with the ceiling fan cooled down the sleeping area more than enough to be a happy camper. They provided a book with great recommendations for the local area and none disappointed. We actually enjoyed BBNP, BBSP and Terlingua during the heat because we got to spend much of it without crowds, something we thoroughly enjoyed and needed coming from Houston. As far as venturing out, Ft. Davis, Marfa, Balmorhea etc. are not so far that you cannot get out and enjoy other areas, just remember us Texans think nothing of driving an hour or so for a quick trip! We are already planning to go back in the cooler months so we can hike more and experience those tent windows open and enjoy the...