Welcome to the Dome on Javelina Hill, an off-grid glamping experience on 40 wild acres located 15 miles from Big Bend National Park and 12 miles from Terlingua. Hand-built with purpose and soul, this stay is for travelers seeking more than a place to sleep. Off-grid by design, this stay trades modern luxuries for stars, silence, and the raw beauty of the desert. If you’re craving adventure, connection, and the true Big Bend experience, you’ve found it.
The space
Off-Grid. Handbuilt. Soul-Filling.
I’m Tom — your host, builder, and fellow Big Bend dreamer. My family and I finished building this dome by hand in 2024 as a family project and a tribute to this land we love. The dome blends minimalist, Japanese-inspired design with rugged desert resilience, offering a rare balance between raw wilderness and thoughtful comfort.
Inside, four futon mattresses allow you to customize your sleeping setup. Lamps powered by a solar power bank illuminate the space after sunset. Outside, you’ll find a simple kitchen and a private shower area with shower bags you fill from a non-potable water storage tank. While there’s no plumbing or grid power, there’s peace, silence, and something far more valuable, reconnection with each other and the wilderness. The power in the dome comes from a solar charged power bank that provides Starlink interet access, lighting from lamps, ability to heat water in an electric kettle, and convenient charging for all of your devices. We also have battery powered fans if you need a bit of a breeze while you sleep. There is no air conditioning
Some direct quotes from previous guests:
“It falls right in between the experience of camping and a hotel stay.”
“You’ve captured the essence of the Big Bend.”
"The location was extremely private and allowed for the family to disconnect and experience the peaceful scenery of the hilly and mountainous surroundings."
“This was our favorite stay ever! It was our first time off the grid, so we were nervous but had the most amazing time. It definitely changes our perspective forever. Thanks for building and providing such a wonderful spot."
Essentials You’ll Find Here:
Non-potable water storage tank for any rinsing, washing, and showering.
A propane-powered heater (20lb tank supplied)
Battery-powered fans for airflow
Solar lighting and a power bank
Coffee, tea, cookware, and utensils
Outdoor propane grill (20lb propane tank supplied)
Propane stove in Kitchen (1 lb propane bottles supplied)
Sun-heated shower bags for showering
Four Japanese style futons for sleeping
What You Need to Bring:
Bedding, blankets, and pillows (or sleeping bags)
Drinking water & food
Towels & personal items
Cooler for perishables
This is a space for those who want to an adventure and wilderness experience. If you're looking for running water, air conditioning, and plumbing, this may not be the right fit.
Guest access
Explore Your Own 40-Acre Desert Landscape
Beyond the dome, this vast desert landscape is yours to explore. From sweeping vistas to hidden corners, every step unveils something new. At night, the sky transforms into a celestial canvas, a stargazer’s paradise under some of the world’s darkest skies. Find your perfect spot to watch the universe unfold above you.
Other things to note
What to Expect — and What Not to Expect
This is a remote, off-grid stay. Please read carefully to ensure it’s a good fit for your expectations.
🚫 No electricity. Lighting is solar-powered.
🚫 No plumbing or running water. Shower bags, wash basins, and a 1,500-gallon non-potable tank are provided. There are pay-per-use hot showers near by we can recommend if needed.
🚫 No A/C. You’ll have a fan and ventilation, but summer heat is real.
🚫 No linens. Please bring your own bedding, towels, and pillows.
🚫 No on-site cleaning service. Guests are responsible for basic cleaning before checkout (trash removal, sweeping, surfaces, grill if used). A checklist is provided.
Our solar power bank powers our Starlink internet services, lamps, electric water kettle, device charging.
Access Note: The property is 2 miles off the highway via a dirt road. In dry conditions, even a sedan can make it up to the dome (many trips I use a Corolla). However, the road is rocky and given that we don't have an all-weather road, I highly recommend using an off-road capable vehicle.
⚠️ In rare heavy rain events, the road may become impassable. Guests may need to delay arrival/departure. We recommend checking weather conditions before arrival and packing as if you're going camping.
This place is not for everyone, but if you’re looking for silence, stars, soul, and a simple desert shelter: Javelina Hill is calling.
