Balmorhea State Park

Star3.69
61 reviews
9207 TX-17, TOYAHVALE, Texas, 79786, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,317 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife Department site

Official Website
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Balmorhea State Park
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Day-use fee is $7 per person, age 13 and older. Scuba diving requires an additional $5 per person activity fee.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America
Provider
4323752370
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What Campers Say

3.69

Mixed Reviews

Based on 61 reviews

1876 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

Some mention

reservation

"Visitor experiences at Balmorhea State Park are mixed. Many praise the unique spring-fed pool for its clear, cool water and opportunities for activities like snorkeling and diving. However, some visitors express frustration with the strict reservation policies and the unavailability of certain facilities due to renovations."

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Campground Map

9207 TX-17, TOYAHVALE, Texas, 79786, United States

Balmorhea State Park

9207 TX-17, TOYAHVALE, Texas, 79786, United States

Driving directionsFrom San Antonio: Take I 10 West to Balmorhea exit. Take Texas 17 West for 4 miles. Park is on the South side of the road. From El Paso: Take I 10 East to Balmorhea exit. Take FARM ROAD 3078 East for 12 miles. Park is on the South side of the road.
Accessible year-round via paved roads. Road quality appears good for standard vehicles, though no mention of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.
Nearby places
Balmorhea (approx. 4 miles, 8 minutes), Fort Davis (approx. 33 miles, 40 minutes), Marfa (approx. 60 miles, 1 hour), El Paso (approx. 187 miles, 2 hours 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies available in Balmorhea (approx. 4 miles). Discount grocery and gas stations within Balmorhea. Larger supply options may exist in Fort Davis or Marfa.

Best Time to Camp at Balmorhea State Park

Experience the dramatic beauty of desert seasons, where summer days blaze with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s°F, perfect for plunging into the perpetually cool 74°F spring waters. Winter brings gentle relief with temperatures settling into the comfortable mid-40s°F, creating ideal conditions for exploring the surrounding landscape. No matter when you visit, the spring-fed pool maintains its inviting 74°F temperature, offering year-round aquatic adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in TX

Summer is peak season: hot days but perfect for plunging into the cool 74°F spring; crowded/reserve ahead.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Milder temperatures and good water access; fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Pleasant temps and active wildlife; good time for visits with less extreme heat than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Day-use open year-round and quieter in winter, but cooler air may limit activities; camping under renovation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Reservations are recommended months in advance during summer.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Day-use open year-round; camping facilities under renovation.
  • Current Alerts: Camping facilities closed due to renovations. Limited day-use visitation capacity.

About Balmorhea State Park

Discover a true desert miracle at Balmorhea State Park, where an enormous spring-fed pool sparkles like a sapphire jewel in the West Texas landscape. This aquatic wonderland, one of the world's largest spring-fed swimming holes, offers a refreshing escape with crystal-clear waters teeming with rare desert fish and aquatic plants. While camping facilities undergo thoughtful renovations to enhance your future stays, the park's legendary pool continues to welcome swimmers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable oasis experience.
Balmorhea State Park does not currently have camping options available due to ongoing renovations. Historically, it offered cabins and campsites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
7:30 PM
Stay Limit
  • Reservations required for all visits
  • camping unavailable.

Amenities available

Showers
Dump station
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Camp Store
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The primary attraction at Balmorhea State Park is the spring-fed swimming pool, which offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving. The park also features wildlife viewing areas, including wetlands created by the spring. Fishing is not permitted in the park, and there are no hiking trails within the park boundaries, but it is located near other attractions with hiking options.
SwimmingThe spring-fed pool is a highlight of the park. It maintains a constant temperature of 74°F and features both shallow and deep areas, with depths reaching up to 35 feet. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling and observe fish and turtles. Safety measures include no lifeguards and restrictions on glass, cooking, and pets in the pool area.
Wildlife viewingThe park features a wildlife viewing station overlooking wetlands created by the spring. Visitors may observe a variety of wildlife, including fish and turtles in the pool area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPool steps are slippery, posing a risk. Wildlife interactions include fish nibbling toes. No lifeguard on duty, swim at your own risk.
Active AlertsCamping facilities closed due to renovations. Limited day-use visitation capacity.

Weather at Balmorhea State Park

Reviews

3.7
61 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Balmorhea State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitor experiences at Balmorhea State Park are mixed. Many praise the unique spring-fed pool for its clear, cool water and opportunities for activities like snorkeling and diving. However, some visitors express frustration with the strict reservation policies and the unavailability of certain facilities due to renovations.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

The spring-fed pool is frequently described as 'amazing,' 'a Texas pearl,' and 'a must-visit spot.' Many appreciate the cleanliness of the park, the unique wildlife in the pool, and the...
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Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the strict reservation policy, lack of camping options due to renovations, and perceived rudeness of staff. Several reviewers were frustrated by the inability to enter without...
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Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors strongly recommend making reservations well in advance (up to two months). Bringing snorkeling gear, water shoes, and sunscreen is advised for enjoying the pool. Glass containers are...
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Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is a popular season for visits, but reviews indicate the park becomes crowded and reservations fill quickly. Winter visits are quieter but may have limited activity due to cool temperatures.
Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The water is absolutely beautiful gin clear. Bring goggles and see fish, turtles, and minnows.' (Henry Christy) - 'Nice clean bathrooms and showers. Great little gift shop.' (Tyler Larsen) -...
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Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground is currently under renovation, so there are no site-specific reviews.
Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is noted to have a chair lift for water access, but no other reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the pool area, which has led to mixed reactions. One reviewer noted their satisfaction with the policy as it ensured a safer experience for children.
Based on 61 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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