Marathon Motel & RV Park

We found ourselves near Marathon after a brief a hard freeze in January. Our camper van was nearly out of propane, and the only propane supplier in Terlingua, TX near Big Bend was out of propane entirely, so we had to take an unplanned drive to Alpine just before closing time at a propane place there. Not wanting to drive back to Big Bend NP in the dark, we landed at Marathon Motel & RV Park for a one-night stay with electrical hookups so that we could use our electric space heater as backup during the cold night.

Paying only $20/night with our Passport America discount, I didn't expect much from Marathon Motel & RV Park, but we were delighted when we pulled up in the dark to see the retro neon Motel/TV sign, the funky colored lighting, the beautifully lit adobe courtyard, and all of the small adobe houses. The staff member at the desk was friendly and check in was a breeze. We got site 3 in the lower (30 amp) section next to the courtyard, facing the road. Road noise was not a problem at all, even with our camper van pop top up. The sites were less than half full, and everyone kept their lights off because this is a Dark Sky community. The sky was spectacular at night. Overall, the place was very welcoming and warm at night and didn't feel at all desolate or creepy, which is how it appeared in some photos.

There were some guests enjoying music (not too loud) and a fire in the courtyard area that night, but no noise reached our site. It was a bit of a walk to the bathrooms and showers, which were closer to the 50 amp section of the property.

The only negative I'd mention, as others have, is the fact that there are only two bathrooms/showers for all the RVers. That was fine at night when we arrived, but there WAS a line of 3 men waiting to use the single men's bathroom/shower in the morning---since anyone needing the toilet would need to wait for anyone using the shower-- and that really was a bit of a crisis for my kid, who *really* needed to go, but since I was the only woman, I snuck him into the women's side. (Since they are single rooms, I don't really understand the need to separate by sex, anyway.) The bathroom did have quite a bit of water on the floor from the shower, but otherwise was clean.

All in all, it was a very pleasant one night stay, far exceeding our expectations given the very reasonable (PA discount) price.

Check-in was efficient. The motel, surrounding buildings, courtyard, bathroom, and shower facilities were excellent. The RV section is just an open gravel (level) area with hookups. They are very close together, but we had lots of room because we were there during the off-season. No issues with water pressure or electricity. However, there was only two shower/bathroom combo, one for men and one for women. They were spacious, clean, and large, but it would be a waiting-line situation if it were during the busy season. Except for these issues, I would stay there again.

We stayed for 8 nights and loved it! But you better fill up on fuel and stock up on groceries before arriving. Or plan on going into Alpine (about 20-25 minutes) during your stay. There is nothing here. But that’s the beauty of the town. We drove into Big Bend NP twice, which was about 45 minutes to the ranger station and another 25 minutes to the main visitors center. Great staff at the RV park! Also, I did laundry the last day we were there. It’s $5/load and you get the laundry room key (there’s only one washer and dryer). Pay cash at front desk and get key.

We only had one night here and what a night it was!! Marathon is a Dark Skies area, so they ask that you keep your curtains drawn and exterior lights off at night. Which seems a little inconvenient until you realize just how much of the night sky you can see with so little light pollution. Then Bill and Andy pull out the telescope and binoculars! The park houses two large telescopes for the local high school and university. The night we stayed, we were able to see the moon, Jupiter, Orion Nebula, a comet, starlink satellites, the twin stars of Gemini and so much more! Andy and Bill share so much of their knowledge about astronomy and it’s such a cool experience!

The park and facilities were clean and quiet. Everyone there was very friendly and we were able to use our Passport America discount! It’s also a short drive to downtown Marathon. We are already planning to stop here again!

Backroads (off freeway) to San Antonio. Close to Big Bend National Park. Everything worked. Office lady was very nice. RV parking is gravel lot with FHU. The surrounding motel area is absolutely spotless and very well kept. $20 reflects Passport America price. Great stop over for the night. Make sure you have fuel…..none available in Marathon.

Easy check in. Only 15 for a tent site which were taken by vans and cars (we are in a van). Tent pads not very well maintained if you needed them but adequate. Only 2 bathrooms- one male one female, which includes the showers but you may have a wait. Showers were very good and all was clean. Only one washer and dryer and requires getting a key so may not be able to do laundry if you are down the list. Only one person/unit can use either machine at one time. They were very helpful to let us do our load first thing the next morning. Washer required extra rinses to remove all the detergent. $5 load. Star gazing was FANTASTIC with a knowledgeable and engaging amateur astronomer who encouraged questions and use of scopes. That was worth the money alone. Definitely lotta trains if you’re a light sleeper.