Marfa Lights Viewing Center
Marfa, Texas
Terrain // Pavement | Cost // Free
Chasing Shadows
We heard about the Marfa Lights from my brother last year. The Marfa lights, also known as the Marfa ghost lights, have been observed near U.S. Route 67 on Mitchell Flat east of Marfa, Texas. They have gained some fame as onlookers have attributed them to paranormal phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, or will-o’-the-wisp.
Since Marfa is only a few hours outside Big Bend National Park, we decided to check them out ourselves. As the sun set and the hour drew closer to the average light timeframe, we stood outside and waited to witness the phenomenon for ourselves. Unfortunately, it was entirely too cloudy for us to see anything. It was incredibly cold and windy, so all I wanted to do was bundle up in the camper. Michael went outside every hour or so to see if there was any change, but alas, he didn’t see a thing.
Regardless of the evasive lights, the Marfa Viewing Area had a nice extended parking area for vehicles and RVs needing a spot to pull over for a night.
Tip:
For the best shot at catching the mesmerizing Marfa Lights, head to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area after sunset. Bring a blanket, kick back, and keep your eyes peeled – patience pays off when you're under the West Texas stars. Optimal viewing conditions are on clear nights, so check the weather and embrace the mystery of the desert night sky.
Campendium
Campendium is another camping resource we use when looking for free/cheap places to stay. It’s free to use the app, but we have a subscription for $50 a year that provides an ad-free experience and detailed coverage maps you can filter by elevation, public land boundaries, and wildfire and smoke conditions. Plus, you can save your favorite places and trails in the area.
It is a leading online platform for camping enthusiasts, offering a user-friendly interface to discover and review campgrounds across North America. With detailed information, user reviews, and photos, Campendium helps both seasoned travelers and newcomers plan memorable outdoor adventures. If you're into camping, Campendium is basically your go-to sidekick for discovering awesome spots and connecting with a bunch of like-minded outdoor people.
