Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Rocket Ranch?
A: Rocket Ranch is a multi-site venue that provides camping, lodging, touring, and
launch observation from the edge of the exclusion zone of the world’s most powerful
flying machine: Starship SuperHeavy, at SpaceX's Starbase, Texas.
Q: Where do you watch the Starship Superheavy launch from?
A: We watch Starship launch from the Rocket Ranch Outpost viewing site, located only
3.7 miles from stage zero
Q: How do you get from Rocket Ranch campground to the Outpost viewing area?
A: A bus transports guests to and from the Rocket Ranch and the Outpost facilities
Q: Can I bring my personal vehicle to the Outpost?
A: No. All vehicles must remain parked at the Rocket Ranch Campground.
Q: What makes viewing Starship launches from the Outpost special?
A: Closeness, Line-of-sight, Conveniences, and Community. Being close means a
clearer, louder ascent, with the sound reaching you much earlier in the flight. The
Outpost is on the South side of the launch tower with direct, clean views of the vehicle
and flame trench; both which are obscured by the launch tower when viewing from
South Padre Island from the North. The Outpost is a safe, private property, and features
many conveniences and comforts that you won’t find with public viewing at the Jetty or
at other viewing sites. Get driven to and from the Outpost in style and avoid the gridlock
traffic over the causeway. Rocket Ranch is a community! Come make friends for life
while bonding over an amazing experience.
Q: Can I camp at Rocket Ranch?
A: Yes! One day of camping is included with your launch viewing ticket and an
additional 4 day camping pass can be arranged once on-site.
Q: Do I have to camp at Rocket Ranch to see the launch?
A: Unless the flight schedule requires extremely early/late assembly, camping is not
required. Many launch viewers find their accommodations in Brownsville or South Padre
Island and drive in to join us for the day of the launch.
Q: Can I see the launch from Rocket Ranch without going to the Outpost?
A: No. The campground does not support launch viewing and is too far away to be truly
enjoyed and appreciated.
Q: What are my chances of seeing a launch if I come to Starbase?
A: Never 100%- Rocket launches are extremely fluid things and catching one is a challenge. It’s best to come with some flexibility and time to spend.
Q: When do I need to be to Rocket Ranch on the day of the launch?
A: Be at the Rocket Ranch property no later than T-4:00h prior to launch.
Q: How many people will there be at the Outpost for the launch?
A: Generally, launches see between 150-250 viewers, but with milestone flights,
attendance is likely to climb above 300 and sell out.
Q: What do I do about the road-blocks if I encounter them on my way to Rocket Ranch?
A: Do your best to arrive early and avoid the Cameron County road-block, but if you do
encounter it, tell the Deputy that you are going to Rocket Ranch. Having a
printed/screenshot ticket ready is very helpful (and sometimes required). They will
almost always let you through, but it is best to be prepared as much as possible if you’re
late.
Q: Can I bring chairs, coolers, food/drink, and cameras, etc. to the Outpost?
A: Yes, you can bring anything with you to the Outpost within reason (keep it classy, this is an all ages event), but it must fit in the cargo areas under the bus, and you are responsible for loading and unloading your own gear.
Q: Are there bathrooms at the Outpost?
A: Yes, there are port-a-potties at the Outpost.
Q: Do you offer a discount for SpaceX employees?
A: Yes. Please contact us by phone directly for ticketing information.
Q: Will there be food available to purchase during the event at the Outpost?
A: Yes. Food will be available to purchase from a food truck during launch events.
Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at the food vendor.
Q: What happens if there is a Scrub?
A: Launch viewing tickets are good until the completion of the flight. In the event of a
scrub, guests are returned to Rocket Ranch and are invited to come again when a new
T-0:00 is announced. A $20/person transportation scrub fee is required to be paid
before boarding the bus for each additional attempt.
Q: Is Rocket Ranch part of NSF, Lab Padre, Every Day Astronaut or any other media company?
A: No. Rocket Ranch is an independent and autonomous entity, however is media partners with those mentioned and many others! Rocket Ranch happily supports
our space community. Ask us about becoming a partner!
The Outpost sits on the Rio Grande at the edge of the 40 square mile Lower Rio Grand
Valley National Preserve. Expect incredible nature and true outdoor camping conditions.
Please provide whatever you need to make yourself comfortable.
Rocket Ranch will supply a few common area tents for guests while supplies last.
There are porto-potties, hand wash stations, and food trucks available during the event
for your convenience.
We will provide live coverage all night long, including any in-flight views made available
to us by SpaceX to LZ.
There will be music and laser light shows.
The Rocket Ranch Campground is 9.7 miles from stage zero
Our Andromeda Pavilion is a large shaded area overlooking the river available for
rentable parties, featuring a service container.
The Ranch house is a common area shared by the ranch guest.
The Ranch House includes a play room with full arcade machine, musical instruments,
a maker space with 3D printer/CNC's, and of course, merch!
This is not the Hilton. It is the best place/community to be with for launches and make
life long friends.
The Rocket Ranch Campground sits on 4 acres with plenty of space for self-contained
vehicles and tent camping .
Licensed fishing is available
Boat rides are available on our drone ship to Patreon members only, and for special
events. Please consider joining!
Swimming in the Rio Grande is very much NOT recommended (and possibly illegal)
No, we do not get border crossings.
We Reserve the Right to Refuse Service
We have two community area bathrooms with hot showers available to trailer, and
camping guests at the campground.
The Rocket Ranch campground command center shows Live views of StarBase from
our own cameras, LabPadre and NASA Space Flight 24/7!
Rocket Ranch is available for large events and weddings
All Ranch activities, amenities and access to the facility in general is considered at your
own risk
At our proximity, Rocket Launches can be dangerous. In the case of an anomaly we
strongly recommend having hearing protection.
The Outpost has two flame trenches available for cover. You will have 16 seconds or
less to find shelter, or lay flat in the event of a pressure wave from a Rapid Unscheduled
Disassembly.
If you want experience the worlds most powerful rocket from the best venue to see if
from, you have found your home.