Property Guidelines

A thoughtful experience in the high desert

CHECK-IN and CHECK-OUT TIMES: Check-in time is any time AFTER 4pm CST. Check-out time is any time before 11am CST. Early Check-in or late checkout may be available upon request.

KEYPAD: There is a keypad on the entry door; guests will be provided with their unique code prior to arrival. Upon arrival, use the code to unlock the door, then make yourself at home. 

QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS or COMPLAINTS: If there are any problems at the property, please message us via airbnb or email BigBend@TheLocalChapter.com. For emergencies, please dial 911. The local EMS phone number is 432-371-2536. 

MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY/CHILDREN: The maximum number of guests is limited to 2 people per yurt; this is due primarily to the water and septic system. Children 12+ are welcome at The Local Chapter. There is a fine of $250 per person over 2 per night without prior permission. 

BEDS: Each yurt has one plush king-sized bed; no other sleep surfaces are provided.

WATER: Potable water is trucked in and supplied for the sink and shower. Once the water is depleted, water must be trucked in at considerable expense and effort. Water is a limited and precious resource in the desert. Please be mindful of your water usage. 

NO DAILY HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE: Linens and bath towels are provided, daily maid service is not included in the rental rate. There is a one-time, non-refundable cleaning fee. 

ROADS: The last 0.5 miles of the trip to the property is on an unpaved dirt road. In the rare event of rain (what little we get is mainly in July and August) it is possible that the road to the yurts may be impassable by car or truck. Any running water will recede very quickly once the rain stops. The road may be slippery. Your vehicle can potentially get stuck. It is best to wait for the road to dry out some. If the driveway or roads appear to be impassable due to water, mud, or any washed out areas, call us for assistance and repair. 

PROPERTY ACCESS: The Local Chapter property is a private wildlife preserve. Guests should confine their activity on the property to the roads to the yurts and the developed area around the yurts. In order to preserve and protect the pristine habitat and wildlife of the preserve, guests are not permitted to hike or explore other areas of the property. The nearby Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are both available for hiking and exploration. 

PETS: Pets are NOT allowed at this property. A fine of $1000 will be charge if any pet is brought onto the property. In an effort to protect the Local Chapter wildlife preserve and provide a place where guests with pet allergies can stay without risks of allergic reactions, this is a strict rule. Pets are also not allowed in the National Park.  

SMOKING: There is absolutely NO SMOKING in the yurts. A fine of $500 will be charged if anyone smokes inside the yurt. Anyone smoking outside of the yurts expected to properly dispose of their cigarette butts and other items. 

PHONE and INTERNET: There is not a land line phone. Cell phone service in the Big Bend area is spotty; while most guests have no problem, we cannot guarantee service. Wi-Fi internet is not currently available on the property. The property is within cellular service and cellular data is available by most US phone carriers. Public WiFi is also available at various local venues. 

POWER OUTAGES: Occasional power failures may occur. This is usually due to storms in the area. Due to the vast service area, it may take a while for the electric company to locate and resolve the problem. Please be patient. They will get it back on as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, do not open the fridge or freezer. You can call the Rio Grande Electric Cooperative for an update at 800-749-1509. 

HEATING and COOLING: This property has built-in mini-split unit type air-conditioners and electric heat. 

KITCHENETTE: The kitchenette is equipped with limited appliances: mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and coffee K-cups, mugs, water bottles, and drinking cups. The property is in close proximity to several fantastic restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find out more about our favorite places to dine at TheLocalChapter.com/dining.

BEDROOMS and BATHROOMS: There is one bedroom with a king size bed and partial height wall for limited bathroom privacy. Windows can be unzipped to allow full views of the desert landscape. A step stool is available next to the mini fridge for your use to open or close any windows. There is also a tinted ceiling dome to provide a view of the stars from the comfort of the bed. There is one full-size bathroom with a large shower, a toilet, and a large vanity with a mirror and sink. 

WASHER & DRYER: There is not a washer or dryer available at this property. 

FIRES: Campfires must remain small and be confined within the provided metal fire ring. Regional burn bans are very common and typically in place for most of the year in the Big Bend area. Any guests starting a campfire outside of the approved fire ring or having too large of a fire within the approved fire ring will be subject to possible legal fines, a $250 fine from The Local Chapter, and immediate eviction from the property. 

A wood-burning fireplace is available inside the yurts for guests to utilize responsibly. No artificial fire starters are permitted due to potential damage and tainting to the fireplace. 

Guests need to provide their own firewood. The Cottonwood general store is one mile from the property and sells firewood and typically has sufficient stock. Please do not use artificial fire starters to kindle fire; only natural fire starters may be used. 

GRILL: There is not a grill at the property. 

TRASH: There is a trashcan in the bathroom. Please be sure the lid is on tight to prevent wildlife from joining the guests. 

WEATHER: SPRING TIME (February through May). Some spring like conditions can occur throughout the winter months. We rarely see freezing temperatures. The days can get up into the 70's and the nights will cool off into the 30s to 50's. SUMMER TIME (May- September) The Big Bend area can be a hot place. Be prepared for dry and hot conditions. Temperatures can get up in the 100's during the daytime. The night temperatures can get down into the 80's. July can start to get hot and muggy due to scattered afternoon showers. This might continue until September. FALL TIME (Late September to mid-December) Temperatures can still be warm well into October, but the nights are cooling down. The rainy season can still flow into our area. The temperatures during the day can range from the 40s to 80s. The night time can range from the 30s to 60s. WINTER TIME (Late November to February). Winters are usually dry and mild, although the occasional wet winter is welcomed as it makes for prolific wildflower blooms in the spring. Daytimes can range from 30s to 60s. Nighttime usually ranges from the 30s and 40s. 

ATVs, UTVs, DIRT BIKES, and OTHER OFF-ROAD VEHICLES: Please be advised that we DO NOT allow ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes, or other Off-Road Recreation Vehicles at the property. There are no public or private lands anywhere in Brewster County that allow the operation of such vehicles without the owner’s express permission. ALL the land outside of the parks and wildlife management areas is either private or restricted. NONE of the public, private, or restricted land allows the operation of ANY vehicles off of the existing roads. 

DRIVING, RIDING, OR WALKING ALONG DIRT ROADS: The Big Bend Region is crisscrossed by thousands of miles of dirt roads. Most of the dirt roads are private and do not allow any use without permission of the owners. Others are open for use only to land-owners and invited guests. As our guests, we grant you access to the yurts via the roads and driveways marked on the driving directions that we provide. While the personal use of many ungated roads in the region is generally accepted if you are on foot or in a street legal vehicle, we do not have legal standing to grant you such access. Please be advised that if you use other dirt roads, you may be trespassing and may be confronted by landowners, watchful neighbors, or law enforcement. Use of dirt roads other than those marked on the directions we provide is at your own risk and is not expressly allowed or forbidden by the Local Chapter or by Big Bend Vacation Rentals. Under NO circumstances should you pass through an open or closed gate without the express permission of the property owner. 

RESPECTING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND LANDOWNERS: The Terlingua area is a haven for tourists. It is also the home and refuge of many residents or landowners that miss the days before the Big Bend area attracted so many people. The vast majority of land outside of the public parks and designated wildlife management areas is privately owned and restricted from public use of any type. Some private property is fenced, marked with no trespassing signs, or with purple-painted posts (the legal equivalent of no trespassing signs). However, even if the land is not fenced or marked, it should be assumed to be private. Entering private property for any reason will likely result in a confrontation with the property owner, a watchful neighbor, or law enforcement. Fortunately, most of the best land out here is inside Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Those lands are set aside for your recreational use and enjoyment. Please do not wander onto adjoining properties or approach any homes, buildings, or campsites that are not obviously public parks or places of businesses. 

HUNTING, COLLECTING ARTIFACTS, ROCKS, PLANTS or ANIMALS: We do not allow hunting or the collection of artifacts, rocks, plants, or animals. The Local Chapter property is a private wildlife preserve. Guests should confine their activity on the property to the roads to the yurts and the developed area around the yurts. In order to preserve and protect the pristine habitat and wildlife of the preserve, guests are not permitted to hike or explore other areas of the property. The nearby Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park are both available for hiking and exploration. Prohibitions on hunting, collecting, or disturbing artifacts, rocks, plant and animals also apply in the local parks, public spaces, and private lands. The only exceptions would be based on the express invitation of a property owner or a guided hunting or collecting expedition led by a guide that has obtained such permission. No discharge of firearms is allowed. Any violation of these restrictions is prosecutable by law and cause for immediate eviction from the property. 

SNAKES AND OTHER CREEPY CRAWLERS: This ecosystem is home to many snakes, spiders, scorpions, etc., but few people are ever bothered. Rattlesnakes will usually warn you with rattles if you are near. They don’t want to run into you any more than you want to run into them. Be very careful if you turn over rocks, pieces of wood or anything creating a shady space. They hide from the heat and sun in such places. In fall and spring, they may be active during the day. During the summer, they tend to avoid the heat by only being active on cooler mornings, evenings, and during the night. In the winter, they may come out and bask in sunny areas on warm days. 

PLANTS, INSECTS & WILDLIFE: There are a variety of potentially harmful plants, insects, and animals outside the yurts. While we sincerely want you to feel at home and be free to explore, some caution and common sense are required. Please be careful and respectful. 

BRIGHT LIGHTS, OUTDOOR LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS and SPOTLIGHTS: The Big Bend region is internationally acclaimed for dark night skies. The lack of light pollution allows unparalleled viewing of the night sky and adds to the peacefulness and solitude. Please limit the use of artificial lights at night as much as possible. While driving on paved roads, using the high beams on your headlights is encouraged to avoid animal collisions. However, on the dirt roads, lower speeds will eliminate this risk. We would encourage you not to use your high beams on the dirt roads. Spotlights are also commonly used for illegal hunting. If you use a spotlight, for any reason, a visit from a Game Warden or Sheriff’s Deputy, or a phone call from us, is likely. 

DISCLAIMER: The Local Chapter property is privately owned. The owners and managers are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs while on the premises or its facilities. The owners and managers are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest. By accepting your reservation, it is agreed that all guests are expressly assuming the risk of any harm arising from their use of the premises or others whom they invite onto the property.