Marathon Motel & RV Park

A very affordable place to stay in Marathon. Bill did an excellent job with the star party. Campers driving around were a nuisance with their headlights. I stayed only 1 night, Thursday, because there was a wedding that weekend and fully booked. So call before you reserve online to learn of any similar (possible loud party) events. The one bed room was small and “rustic” with no fridge or microwave. No snacks or breakfast at the office (which is fine, just get them beforehand). If you like to take videos of trains (a.k.a. Railfanning) it’s a good locale as you can see the signals turn for an upcoming train. You can quickly go across the highway for a good shot. Clerks were friendly. I’ll stay here again.

I stayed at the RV park recently to do Astrophotography. Only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is they are sensitive of ambient light, but there was super bright lights coming from the rear of Rooms 9/10 that was obstructing viewing at the telescope pads. You’d think they would have darkening shades on these rooms.

I had this stop on a bucket list of a Space and Astronomy road trip and Bill did not disappoint. His knowledge and sheer excitement to share the sky with beginners to enthusiasts is second to none. I went to the star party 2 nights in a row. 1st night was 15 people and the 2nd night was 3. He gets to know everyone and makes each person feel welcomed with personal attention.

Very remote location with a great view of the night sky. As with most southwestern RV parks as one was gravel. Be careful turning in the entrance if you're driving a 45' class A - Our rock guard was crushed upon entering. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Tent camping is only $15 per night. Wi-Fi is good at camping sites. Great dark sky for star gazing. Bring ear plugs for the three tains that blow their horns at night.

We did not stay here, but we did use this location to start gaze and it is an excellent location. There is limited light and there different areas to sit and watch the stars. This was an amazing experience, for a family coming from a big city location and we hardly see stars.

There was no cell service when we got to town so fortunately a nice lady at the grocery store told me about this motel that has RV spots! Not sure why the registration lady didn’t tell us about the star gazing event so luckily we saw the telescopes and out of curiosity we went over. It was really cool to see Saturn and a bunch of star clusters and such! A $10 donation each was well worth it! The motel is within walking distance of a nice cafe for breakfast. The common grounds of the motel were super cute but we didn’t spend time there. We will def come back again if we are in the area!

(This was my Christmas gift to myself.) I will be back in Summer 2026! Bill is a very good host and you will learn a lot and be entertained. Seeing Saturn through the big telescope was awesome! There are also a couple of high power, mounted binoculars for you to use. Great place for stargazing and astral photography. I give 5 stars for location because I only live 30 miles away. Rooms are small but cozy and comfortable. Train tracks on other side of US90 might bother some through the night but not me...They provide ear plugs in the room. It's a good place to stop for the night on the way to Big Bend National Park.