Davis Mountains State Park

4.63

118 reviews

TX Hwy 118, Park Road 3, FORT DAVIS, Texas, 79734, United States

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Texas#2 Hiking Camping Texas#2 Desert Camping Texas#3 +8 more

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,961 ft

Price

$6/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Davis Mountains State Park

$6.00 - $6.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $6 per day, per person aged 13 and older. Visitors to Indian Lodge are exempt from the day use fee unless using park facilities.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

4324263337

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 118 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwell-maintained

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the park's clean facilities, scenic beauty, and variety of activities. However, some users note challenges such as poor cell service and occasional unfriendly staff interactions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

TX Hwy 118, Park Road 3, FORT DAVIS, Texas, 79734, United States

Davis Mountains State Park

TX Hwy 118, Park Road 3, FORT DAVIS, Texas, 79734, United States

Driving directionsFrom San Antonio: Take I-10 West to Balmorhea. Go South on Hwy 17, right at junction with Hwy 118 in Fort Davis. Go Northwest on Hwy 118 for 3 1/2 miles to the park entrance. From El Paso: Take I-10 East to Van Horn. Go South on Hwy 90 through Valentine, then left on 505. Go right at intersection with 166, then left at Hwy 17 and proceed through Fort Davis. Keep left at intersection of Hwy 17 and 118, continue 3 1/2 miles northwest on Hwy 118 to the park entrance.

The park is accessible via paved highways (Hwy 118 and Hwy 17). High-quality road conditions are implied through the driving directions, though no specific mentions of challenges or seasonal closures are noted.

Nearby places

Fort Davis (approx. 3.5 miles, ~10 minutes), Alpine (~25 miles), Marfa (~25 miles).

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, gas, and restaurants can be found in Fort Davis (~3.5 miles away). Nearby attractions include Fort Davis Historic Fort and the McDonald Observatory (~15 minutes away).

Best Time to Camp at Davis Mountains State Park

The Davis Mountains dance to nature's dynamic rhythms throughout the year. Winter adventurers encounter a wild symphony of elements, where fierce windstorms can unleash gusts reaching 60 mph and temperatures plummet below freezing—creating an exhilarating experience for well-prepared campers. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with warm days giving way to perfectly cool evenings that invite campfire gatherings under star-studded skies. Occasional rainstorms sweep across the peaks, painting the desert with fleeting waterfalls and filling the air with the intoxicating scent of creosote.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in TX

Warm days and cool nights make summer ideal for hiking and stargazing per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely pleasant for hiking and stargazing; fewer crowds implied but limited explicit notes.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely good for outdoor activities and stargazing though not explicitly detailed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter has fewer crowds but can bring 60 mph gusts and low temps, making conditions harsher.

Planning Tips

About Davis Mountains State Park

Nestled in the rugged heart of West Texas, Davis Mountains State Park beckons adventurers with its dramatic mountain vistas and pristine dark skies. Here, where ancient volcanic peaks pierce the desert horizon, visitors discover a camping paradise that seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with celestial wonder. The park's renowned Skyline Drive winds through breathtaking terrain, while an extensive trail network invites exploration of this unique high-altitude sanctuary. As night falls, the absence of light pollution transforms the park into one of Texas's premier stargazing destinations.

Davis Mountains State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including RV camping, tent sites, and group areas. The park is noted for its spacious sites and well-maintained facilities.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the masterfully crafted stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, enduring monuments to American craftsmanship that blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. The park's proximity to Historic Fort Davis adds another layer to the region's rich tapestry, where frontier soldiers once stood guard over this remote outpost, protecting travelers on the historic San Antonio-El Paso Road.

Weather and SeasonsThe Davis Mountains dance to nature's dynamic rhythms throughout the year. Winter adventurers encounter a wild symphony of elements, where fierce windstorms can unleash gusts reaching 60 mph and temperatures plummet below freezing—creating an exhilarating experience for well-prepared campers. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with warm days giving way to perfectly cool evenings that invite campfire gatherings under star-studded skies. Occasional rainstorms sweep across the peaks, painting the desert with fleeting waterfalls and filling the air with the intoxicating scent of creosote.

ElevationPerched in the sky island oasis of the Davis Mountains, the park's high elevation creates a refreshing mountain desert climate that defies typical Texas expectations. This lofty position provides a natural air conditioning system, offering cool relief from the scorching temperatures found in the surrounding lowlands and creating ideal conditions for year-round outdoor recreation.

Natural Features and SceneryA living gallery of high mountain desert beauty unfolds across the park's rugged terrain, where ancient volcanic rocks create a dramatic backdrop for nature's daily performances. Wildlife enthusiasts thrill at encounters with majestic mule deer grazing in meadows, elusive bighorn sheep navigating cliffsides, and curious javelinas rustling through the underbrush. The distinctive calls of Montezuma quails echo across canyons, while skunks emerge at dusk to begin their nocturnal wanderings. Each vista reveals layers of geological history painted in earth tones, while hardy desert plants cling to rocky slopes in defiance of the harsh environment.

Geological RegionThe Davis Mountains rise like ancient sentinels from the Chihuahuan Desert floor, forming a unique sky island ecosystem where high mountain desert conditions create a biological crossroads. This volcanic mountain range, formed by explosive eruptions 35 million years ago, showcases dramatic geological features including towering rhyolite cliffs, weathered volcanic domes, and expansive vistas that stretch to the horizon. The rugged terrain tells the story of fire and time, creating a landscape that challenges and rewards those who venture into its heights.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are described as well spaced out with some shaded areas suitable for RVs.

Cancellation PolicyIf plans change, visitors are encouraged to modify or cancel reservations as soon as possible.

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials or user reviews.

Site SizeUser reviews describe campsites as spacious and well-spaced out, offering plenty of shade in some areas.

PrivacyCampsites are described as not crowded together, providing a sense of privacy for campers.

Recommended SitesSkyline Drive Trail is recommended for sunrise and sunset views. The Montezuma Quail Trail and Headquarters Trail offer rugged hiking experiences.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

Davis Mountains State Park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, bird watching, scenic drives, and opportunities for stargazing. The Skyline Drive Trail is particularly popular for sunrise and sunset views, while the Montezuma Quail and Indian Lodge Trails provide challenging but rewarding hiking experiences. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with animals such as bighorn sheep, javelinas, and deer frequently spotted.

HikingThe park features numerous hiking trails, such as the Montezuma Quail Trail and the Headquarters Trail. The trails are described as narrow, rocky, and sometimes strenuous, making them best suited for experienced hikers with proper footwear.

BikingThe park offers surfaced roads and trails suitable for biking. Specific details about the terrain or trail difficulty are not provided.

Wildlife viewingTwo dedicated areas for bird watching are available, and other wildlife such as bighorn sheep, javelinas, skunks, and deer can be seen in the park.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe interpretive center offers educational opportunities, including exhibits about the local area and a Junior Ranger program for children.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should be cautious of wildlife such as javelina and skunks that may be attracted to food smells. Weather hazards include windstorms and freezing winter temperatures.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Davis Mountains State Park

Reviews

4.6

118 reviews

Top-Rated

Davis Mountains State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the park's clean facilities, scenic beauty, and variety of activities. However, some users note challenges such as poor cell service and occasional unfriendly staff interactions.

Review Summaries

Based on 118 reviews

What Campers Love

Key highlights include the park's stunning views, well-maintained facilities, and exceptional stargazing opportunities. Users also appreciate the variety of hiking trails and the interpretive...

Based on 118 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include limited or no cell service, occasional unfriendly interactions with staff, and variability in campsite quality for RVs.

Based on 118 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers are advised to bring sturdy hiking boots for the rocky trails, prepare for varying weather conditions, and download essential information beforehand due to limited connectivity....

Based on 118 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors highlight winter as a season with fewer crowds but potential for strong winds and low temperatures. Summer offers warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for stargazing and hiking.

Based on 118 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Dark skies at night perfect for star watching.' - Mary Anderson 2. 'Bathrooms nearest our campsite had tiled floors! Never seen that at a state park before.' - ssmith5359 3. 'The Skyline Drive...

Based on 118 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some RV sites are noted to be level and shaded, with full hookups, including sewer. However, other sites are described as unacceptable. Tent sites are praised for their spacing and lack of crowding.

Based on 118 reviews