The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits

Photo gallery for The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits

north elevation at night, lighted and heated pool.
north elevation midday, pool has insulated security cover that rolls off.
north yard looking west toward the sunset
south elevation looking northeast across parking area
southeast elevation looking northeast

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
AU$826
avg per night

Explore the area

View map
Marfa, TX
  • Place, Chinati Foundation Museum
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Fort D. A. Russell
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Marfa Lights Viewing Center
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Airport, Marfa, TX (MRF)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

North Bedroom

1 King Bed

South Bedroom

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

North Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

South Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

West 1/2 Bathroom

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area
The current price is AU$826
avg per night

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About the area

Marfa

Located in Marfa, this farm stay is in a rural area. Chinati Foundation Museum and Marfa and Presidio County Museum are cultural highlights, or if an activity is on the agenda, check out Château Wright Winery. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Chinati Foundation Museum - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Fort D. A. Russell - 20 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Marfa Lights Viewing Center - 14 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Davis Mountains State Park - 37 min drive - 53.2 km
  • McDonald Observatory - 54 min drive - 77.1 km

Getting around

  • Marfa, TX (MRF) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Angel’s Restaurant - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Bordo - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Sentinel Marfa - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hotel Saint George - ‬6 min drive

About this property

The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits

Located on 300 private acres of agricultural land just 1 mile outside of the City of Marfa, the Merit Camp is a 2 bedroom/2.5 bath home constructed in 2021 with saltwater pool that can be heated. You will enjoy uninterrupted views of the Davis Mountains to the north, Puertacitas and Haystacks to northeast, Goat Mountain to east, and Chinati Peak to the southwest. There is not another home available to rent short term like this property this close to Marfa!

We built the Merit Camp so guests could experience what it is like to live on a ranch, with the convenience of being only a few minutes drive to all that the town of Marfa has to offer. The home was sited to take advantage of the movement of the sun, the big sky, and the sweeping views 20-30 miles in each direction. There are miles of private walking trails on hundreds of acres available exclusively to guests of the Merit Camp. High end appliances, luxury linens, and top-quality furnishings throughout bring all the conveniences of a luxury home to the untamed high desert. There is no need to compromise comfort when you choose our home.

Reimagining a historical structure was the central goal in construction of The Merit Camp. The house is the exact same dimensions as one of our favorite barns on another ranch further south in Presidio County that was built around 1900, but it is located next to operation cattle pens and is still in use as a barn. The shape and scale of the1900 building were just perfect for a house, so we spent years measuring and planning how best to build a new version. The living, dining area, and larger bedroom suite of the Merit Camp have 16 foot ceilings and are in what was the main hay storage and a tack room of the 1900's barn. The smaller bedroom suite, screened porch, kitchen and half-bath occupy the location that serves as horse stalls in the old barn. We have gutters in the Merit Camp in the same exact location that the 1900s barn has them for rainwater collection that fed a trough, but ours water the Desert Willows.


FAQs:
Can we have an event? If you plan to have more than 4 adults onsite an event fee must be paid and this must be approved PRIOR to check in. We offer rates for events of up to 100 guests, please inquire for fee schedule and other pertinent information.
What if I need to cancel? Please read the rental agreement prior to booking.
Where do 6 people sleep? The house can accommodate 4 adults and up to 2 more kids (2 adults 4 kids, 3 adults 3 kids, etc), so it sleeps 6 if some of the children are small and the guest brings their bedding (pack-n-play, etc).
Are there other houses or people on the ranch? Throughout the year there are cattle at the property, but the Merit Camp is the only residence.
How close is Marfa? The City limits are just over 1/2 mile from the gate. Downtown Marfa is less than a 5 minute drive.
Can I charge my car? We do not offer car charging at this time.
What if I want to have friends out to swim? If you will have more than 4 adults onsite, or 6 people including children, an event fee must be paid.
Can I bring my cat? The Merit Camp allows up to 2 dogs, and cannot accommodate cats.

Amenities

Pool
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
House is not childproofed, POOL ONSITE with cover
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Events

No events allowed
To have visitors onsite there is a $1000 min fee.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$100 fee, must remain INSIDE fence or on leash
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
READ THE RENTAL AGREEMENT BEFORE BOOKING. This property is a ranch with special considerations to be taken before booking. 30 night max reservation.
Event Fees must be paid to have more than 6 guests (max 4 adults) onsite. There is a camera on the road, we will confirm the make/model of vehicles.
No smoking onsite, indoors or outdoors. Violations will result in forfeiture of your ENTIRE deposit. No fire pit or ground fires allowed.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: To have visitors onsite there is a $1000 min fee.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock

Frequently asked questions

Does The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits?

As of 28 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits on 4 July 2026 start from AU$826, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits pet-friendly?

Yes, The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits located?

Situated in a rural location, this farm stay is within 1 mile (2 km) of Chinati Foundation Museum and Fort D. A. Russell. Ballroom Marfa and Marfa and Presidio County Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).

The Merit Camp: private modern ranch house w/pool just outside Marfa City limits Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 53 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Gorgeous setting, beautiful house, the whole trip was unforgettable! We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to enjoy Marfa!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning views! Our family loved spending time together in a home that was so well maintained and organized for guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As a repeat customer, I must say this house continues to deliver with tremendous views, ample privacy, amazing amenities and always spotlessly clean. I keep coming back because of the level of luxury and quality of house furnishings. The host obviously knows what it takes to offer a stay that makes the customer want to return. The sunrises and sunsets are the best. The wildlife is always there to greet you. This location is so close to Ft. Davis, Alpine, Marfa Prada, Valentine and the 1950s movie scene memorial for, "Giant". I cannot wait to book my next stay.
Rabbits playing just over the courtyard wall.
The colors at sunrise and sunset are like a painting.
You never get tired of this view.
Complete privacy for miies.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aimee V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We absolutely loved our stay at The Merit Camp. The space was beautiful, comfortable, and filled with thoughtful details that made it feel special. The pool was perfect, and the privacy made it such a peaceful escape just outside Marfa. Lauren was a wonderful host, attentive and easy to communicate with from start to finish. We can’t wait to return.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time at this house! My young kids enjoyed the pool, and we enjoyed the views and proximity to Marfa & the Davis Mountains. Would absolutely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing…. This home was out of a storybook. Set in the middle of 300 acres, yet only a few miles from town. Loved the minimalist design/decor and how comfortable it was, add in the gorgeous views and you get a perfect relaxing stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Ultimate Marfa Experience! 2 miles outside of Marfa offers the quiet and secluded ranch experience with dark skies and beautiful moonlit nights, while still ensuring easy access to town’s amenities. Wildlife abound, with visits from what we named the “resident” quail, who showed up daily to sing the song of his people, to a pleasant visit from a local Road Runner. (it did not say “Beep Beep”) The daytime views were equally stunning, with desert landscape, beautiful mountains in the distance and large Texas skies. The host was communicative, very cool and friendly. We have stayed at various places in the surrounding areas for the last 6 years, from Alpine to Balmorhea to Marfa, and we can honestly say this was the best experience the entire family has ever had.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing property and experience. We loved it so much.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location was stunning and perfect for a sister’s weekend getaway. We enjoyed the pool and beautiful home very much. The sunsets and stargazing were especially nice. Our host, Lauren, was wonderful and attentive. I highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Marfa Stay

Marfa vibe very close to town but just far enough to feel like you are in the vastness of Texas wilderness.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Get away incredible view

The house was well appointed and the views were incredible. Very quiet and relaxing! Will be staying here again soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martha B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Marfa 2025

Absolutely wonderful. A modern vibe with touches of West Texas. Comfortable and accommodating for two couples. With no disruption from lights, the night sky is amazing. recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laurie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, spacious home

Property owner was very polite, prompt and curteous with communication. The property itself is located just outside of town. It feels secluded enough to be a lovely getaway, but very convenient, as it is just a few mins from town. The home has gorgeous views of the property in every room. Definitely recommend and will likely be back!!!The
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good family trip

Stayed 3 nights. Family of 6 with 4 kids 10yrs old and less. Perfect getaway for spring break. House layout was done well and staying outside the city and looking at the stars was great. With a large family…easy access to full kitchen and washer/dryer is a must. Heated plung pool was fun. Marfa is small but has fun things to do. We made easy road trips over to fort davis, McDonald observatory, Alpine.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabe H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Merritt Camp

Enjoyed our stay with 3 kids under 6. Clean and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly equipped for a family getaway!

We spent Thanksgiving week at Merit Camp and loved everything about the simple yet well equipped property. The home had everything we needed to prepare and enjoy our Thanksgiving feast, including formal dining wear, linens, and cast iron pots. The beds, pillows, and linens were all phenomenal as well. Definitely pay extra for the pool to be heated. Star gazing poolside was epic! We will definitely be back. Thank you, Lauren!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Esmeldi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

BOOK IT!

If you're on the fence about booking this house, DO IT! We celebrated our five year anniversary with our two dogs here, and we're already making plans to return for my husband's birthday. I echo many other reviews in that the house is so well appointed; no detail was missed. Beds and couch were super comfy, washer and dryer available. The house as a whole was super clean and welcoming! Lauren, the owner, was quick to respond when needed and provided very detailed instructions. I swear she thought of everything but you're close enough into town to grab anything you may need. We grabbed groceries and I made the best anniversary dinner with the most beautiful place settings. What rental ever has matching place settings - this one! The walled-in yard was really nice for my pups to run around with no worries. We even had some cattle (that included a couple calfs) come and say hi one morning-so cute! We packed our telescope and oh so glad we did, but know you can see every single star in the sky with your naked eye. Such a beautiful and unforgettable sight visiting from Houston. Don't wait, book Merit Camp like right now!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brianna S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cutest spot in the west!

We absolutely loved this stay! Our family trip felt so comfortable here. We had every amenity we could possibly need and the views were SPECTACULAR!!! We were able to see a comet from the backyard and felt like we were the perfect distance from town if we needed to grab anything but also far enough away!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trip W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!!!

Took a quick trip to Marfa with my wife and two little boys. This house was perfect for us. Very clean and comfortable. This was our first time in West Texas and it was a perfect area to be in. Close enough to go into Marfa for lunch and dinner but far enough to be private. The heated plunge pool was a nice touch as well. We got in it every night. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly exceptional desert escape

Everything about this rental is carefully curated by the owner and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed. It checks all the boxes for me. Very close to town (less than 3 minutes) yet you feel far away. The house is SUPER clean and not overcluttered, it's minimalist but not cold which is totally my vibe. Clear and precise instructions on how to use everything. Owner was always quick to respond to questions I had before the stay and gave very specific directions on how to get there because we were arriving late at night. We didn't have any issues. I love how well stocked the house is. Tons of dishes and appliances, extra blankets and towels. Also love having a washer and dryer. I would highly recommend this rental for anyone who enjoys peace and quiet with incredible views. It honestly doesn't get any better than Merit Camp so you can just stop searching right now and hit that "book" button!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway!!!

Cannot say enough amazing things about this property. The location, the house, the pool far exceeded our expectations. My only complaint is we didn’t stay longer! We had an unforgettable birthday week and will be looking to book again. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Why haven't you booked this place yet?

This was my second stay here and about to book my third. This place is amazing. So clean, well furnished, upscale amenities, everything you need, just bring your own groceries. The location is complete privacy. The house sits facing north/south, so the east to west sunset and sunrise are visible from the back deck and pool. Marfa has the most amazing sunrise/sunsets. Do not wait. Book this place now! Even in August the humidity free mornings are cool and you can open the windows to let the constants blowing breeze in.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

It was perfect! They thought of everything. Location and views were amazing. Great beds, well stocked kitchen, kids loved the pool. Very clean. Would absolutely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Marfa weekend rebut!

We loved our long weekend stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024