Davis Mountains State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located in mountainous far West Texas, Davis Mountains State Park offers a high-elevation escape from the lower-lying Chihuahuan Desert valleys around it. The site that's now the state park served as a U.S. Army fort from 1854 through 1891. Fort Davis eventually fell into ruins, but the area became a state park in 1933, with the ruins designated a National Historic Site in 1961. Today, the park offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird-watching, horseback riding, geocaching, and mountain biking. Daytime highs in Davis Mountains State Park can get quite warm in the spring and summer, but you will enjoy cool, crisp nights most of the year.
Nearby Cities:
Alpine, TX
Marfa, TX
Marathon, TX
Fort Stockton, TX
Spring 53-85 F
Summer 60-87 F
Fall 37-69 F
Winter 33-66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Davis Mountains State Park
Campground Accommodations
Davis Mountains State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: N/A
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, potable water
Davis Mountains State Park Campgrounds
There are 26 full-hookup campsites available at Davis Mountains State Park. The park's campground also has 34 sites with electricity and 33 with water. Rates start at $10 a night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Picnic table, restrooms
MacMillen RV Park
Located in Fort Davis, MacMillen RV Park offers full-hookup campsites about 5 miles away from Davis Mountains State Park. Rates start at $35 a night at this campground with pull-through sites, and they offer daily and weekly rates.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Cable TV, picnic tables
Overland Trail Campground
This campground with full hookups is located right in Fort Davis' downtown district. Rates start at $19.50 with many different camping options available.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Laundry, restroom
Prude Ranch
Since 1897, guests have been staying at the historic Prude Ranch, which is just 2 miles west of the state park. Thirty campsites with full hookups are available. Prude Ranch is also known for its active children’s summer camp.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Swimming pool, horseback riding
What to Do at
Davis Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains State Park offers 11 miles of equestrian trails with an average elevation of about a mile above sea level. The Limpia Canyon Primitive Area has primitive campsites where you can camp with your horse. The park's bird blind allows you to spot birds in an enclosed viewing station. You'll get a good workout and incredible views on the park's hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also attend one of the many events held at Davis Mountains throughout the year, from guided hikes and craft workshops to history lessons.
Come out to Davis Mountains State Park and enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities.
Inside Davis Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains State Park is such a great habitat for birds because of its elevation. If you're not an avid bird-watcher, explore the park's miles of trails, including the Skyline Drive Trail that climbs over 900 feet. You can bike, hike or ride along miles of scenic trails. When you've worked up an appetite, eat in the Black Bear Restaurant in the historic hotel that was constructed in 1930. Then, take a dip in the swimming pool before enjoying a ranger-led campfire program.
Geocaching
The geocache at Davis Mountains has easy difficulty and terrain ratings. As Davis Mountains is a high-elevation park, prepare for geocaching as you would for a hike. You should apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water along with a GPS device or your smartphone. Once you find the cache, you can take a treasure, but remember to bring a family-friendly item to leave for the next adventurer.
Nature Watching
Given that over 260 species of birds call Davis Mountains home, it's not surprising that the park is also an important bird area designated by the American Bird Conservancy. Just some of the birds you can spot include black-headed grosbeaks, common black hawks, and Montezuma quail. Use the bird blind to look for birds at the feeding and watering stations.
Stargazing
This part of West Texas features wide-open skies ideal for viewing stars. You can take advantage of the ranger-led stargazing programs and walks regularly held in the park. Or, you can set up a telescope and gaze at the heavens from the picnic area.
Flora and Fauna
While visiting the park, you'll come across native plants and trees that thrive in the high altitude, such as evergreen sumac, pinon pines, cholla cacti, catclaw acacia, and Apache plum. If enough rain falls in the winter, the park's wildflowers will bloom and put on an excellent show in the spring. When it comes to fauna, mule deer, rattlesnakes, and tree frogs dwell within the park. You'll also see javelinas, which are small mammals that look like a wild boar. There's a chance you could also spot a mountain lion while in the park, although they tend to stay clear of humans.
Hiking
A good, moderate trail to try is the Old CCC Trail. At 1.6 miles long, one-way, the trail takes you on an old road that the Civilian Conservation Corps used in the 1930s during the park's construction. The Sheep Pen Canyon Loop takes you up through oaks and junipers to a plateau with amazing views. This hike is 5.6 miles in length. Other hikes of interest include the 2.6-mile Skyline Drive Trail and the 1.5-mile Indian Lodge Trail.
Biking
Some of the park's hiking trails also serve as mountain biking routes. The Old CCC Trail is popular among mountain bikers.
How to Get to
Davis Mountains State Park
From Marfa, take TX-17 north to the town of Fort Davis. When you reach town, TX-17 will become State Street. Stay on State Street, which will become TX-118. Stay on TX-118 until you reach the park's entrance.
By Car
Entering Davis Mountains State Park
Parking is available near the entrance. The day-use fee for adults 13 years of age and older is $6 per person. Kids 12 years of age and younger can enter the park for free.
Davis Mountains State Park Per Adult : $6.0
Davis Mountains State Park Kids 12 and Under : $0.0
A lot of history has taken place within Davis Mountains State Park. If you've created your own piece of history in this state park, share it on your social media feed. Then, tag RVShare in it. The site would also love it if you sent in your photos to [email protected]. The team loves to hear from readers who are enjoying visiting state parks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davis Mountains State Park
Autumn through early spring offers the best time to visit. You'll enjoy sunny, mild days and cool nights. Summers can get hot, although the heat's not too oppressive because of the park's elevation.
Animals you could see that are typical of the park's semiarid environment include rattlesnakes and mule deer. The park also has over 260 species of birds you can try spotting at various times of the year.
The park has campsites suitable for RVs, offering different amenities. There are 26 full-hookup RV sites at the park. Additionally, 34 campsites provide electricity and water but no sewer hookups. Davis Mountains also has 33 water-only sites.
It's not required that you reserve a campsite, but it's smart to do so in order to guarantee a spot. Campsites with full hookups cost $25 a night. Sites with electricity and water cost $20 per night, and sites with water only cost $15.
Your pet is welcome at Davis Mountains State Park. They are allowed in the campgrounds, and you can take your furry companions with you on a hike. They must be on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.