Balmorhea State Park RV & Campground Guide
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With its shimmering waters and spectacular mountain views, Balmorhea State Park is a true desert oasis. The centerpiece of the park is the natural, spring-fed swimming pool. Created by the waters of the San Solomon Springs, this isn’t an ordinary pool—it’s the biggest of its kind in the world, covering 1.3 acres and reaching depths of 25 feet. It’s a popular spot for scuba divers; bring your gear, or just grab a snorkel to check out the fish and turtles that make their home in the park. Located off Interstate 10 just 4 miles from tiny Balmorhea and 188 miles from El Paso, this remote park is the perfect location for a one-night stop on a road trip across Texas or a long, relaxing stay. The pool is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is from March through September.
Spring 50-75 F
Summer 75-95 F
Fall 60-70 F
Winter 40-60 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Balmorhea State Park
With its exposed landscape and hot, sunny weather, Balmorhea State Park is the perfect spot for an RV vacation. If you’re new to this type of camping, an RV rental is a fun way to dip your toes in.
Balmorhea State Park Campground
This small park features 33 sites, each with water and electric hookups. Fifteen sites also come with cable TV. Every site includes a private picnic table, and there are restrooms inside the park. You’ll pay $20 per night for cable TV sites and $15 per night without it. Keep in mind that this fee doesn’t include the per-person entrance fee for the state park.
Saddleback Mountain RV
Saddleback Mountain RV is the closest campground to Balmorhea State Park. Enjoy views of the mountains from your site. The nature trail is a great way to get out into the wild Texas landscape. A gas station, restaurant and bar sit just a few steps away, so you can enjoy a meal and a cocktail without driving. Clean up at the on-site laundry after a day at Balmorhea State Park, which is just 10 miles away. This park sits just off Interstate 10 to ensure easy access. Sites are $20 per night.
Overland Trail Campground
Park your RV under the trees at Overland Trail Campground, a picturesque spot located in the mountains about 40 minutes south of Balmorhea State Park. If you’re thinking of visiting the historic sites around Fort Davis, this place makes an excellent home base. The high elevation means that temperatures are also cooler than in the lower-lying desert. This campground offers something for every RV. Pull-through sites are perfect for big rigs, and the laundromat and showers keep bigger groups comfortable. Fire circles, iconic areas and a camp kitchen round out the full-service experience. RV sites here come with full hookups and high-speed Wi-Fi. Rates start at $29.50 per night, and there’s an extra fee if you need 50-amp service.
Lost Alaskan RV Park
Located about an hour from Balmorhea State Park, this RV park is a central option for day trips to Fort Davis and the Big Bend area. Sites here offer spectacular mountain views and plenty of shade as well as wide roads with plenty of room for big rigs. A quick walk from your RV, you can enjoy the swimming pool, playground and rec room. A small gift shop in the park office stocks snacks and souvenirs. With the bathrooms and laundry, you’ll have everything you need to stay comfortable on both long and short trips. All RV sites come with full hookups. Regular 50-amp sites start at $37.95 per night, and 30-amp sites are $33.95. The park also offers nicer premier sites for a small additional fee.
What to Do at
Balmorhea State Park
Inside Balmorhea State Park
The natural pool is the major attraction at Balmorhea State Park, so you can spend your days swimming in the waters or bring your scuba gear and explore the depths. Keep in mind that if you’re diving, you’ll need to be certified and have at least one other certified diver with you. Skin diving and bird-watching are also popular activities in the park. Nearby, a well-maintained picnic area makes for a great place to relax in the shade. During the summer, park rangers offer a full schedule of events to teach visitors about the natural features and the area’s fascinating history.
Outside Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is isolated in the Texas desert far from any of the state’s major cities. You’ll find some activities nearby, but most of them require a bit of a drive. Therefore, you may want to bring a passenger vehicle in addition to your RV. The closest town is Balmorhea, a tiny hamlet that’s handy for last-minute supplies.
Restaurants
La Cueva De Oso Restaurant
With its classic Mexican-inspired decor and friendly service, this is a great spot for families.
Type: Mexican
Location: 205 El Paso St, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Matta's Burger Place
Grab a burger and enjoy it at one of the outdoor picnic tables at this eatery, which features a service window and takeout foods.
Type: Burgers
Location: 116 S. Main St, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Circle Bar & Saddleback Steakhouse
Local carnivores love this spot, which serves large portions of meat in a Western-themed dining room. Come on the weekends for live music, cocktails and occasional dancing.
Type: Steakhouse
Location: I-10 Hwy. 17, Exit 212, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Oasis Snow Cones and Smoothies
It might not look like much from the exterior, but this tiny snow cone shack is the perfect spot for a quick, cold treat on a hot day.
Type: Snow cones and smoothies
Location: S. Main St, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Shopping
Balmorhea Blue Rock Shop
Pick up a piece of handmade jewelry or a rare rock at this unusual store. Be sure to chat with the owners. They’re always happy to discuss the local rockhounding opportunities.
Location: 102 South Main Street, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Balmorhea Grocery
If you’re short on kitchen supplies, this small store is a great spot to stock up.
Location: 402 S. Main St, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Juan Carrasco Mercantile
One of the only two grocery stores in Balmorhea, this is another handy option for food and drinks.
Location: 8686 State Highway 17, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Funky Li'l Dive Shop
If you’re planning to scuba dive, this store offers all of the supplies you need.
Location: 9226 Hwy. 17, Balmorhea, TX 79718
Sightseeing
Calera Chapel
Just 3 miles down the road from Balmorhea State Park, this historic chapel is a relic of Texas’ past. Bring your camera as the historic adobe construction and stark desert landscape make a beautiful combination. The chapel has been restored, so it’s often open to visitors.
Location: FM 3078, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Fort Davis National Historic Site
Experience what it was like to live on a frontier military post at this restored fort, which sits about 36 miles south of Balmorhea State Park. Explore the historic buildings and the beautiful surrounding canyon, and be sure to check the calendar for the living-history days and arms demonstrations that happen throughout the year.
Location: 101 Lt. Flipper Dr. #1379, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Davis Mountains State Park
Near Fort Davis, this state park features excellent hiking, mountain biking and geocaching.
Location: TX-118 N., Park Rd. 3, Fort Davis, TX 79734
McDonald Observatory
If you’re interested in astronomy, this observatory is a must-visit attraction located about an hour’s drive from Balmorhea. Attend a star party, listen to a lecture or learn about the massive telescopes on the property.
Location: 3640 Dark Sky Dr, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Marfa
While you’re in this part of Texas, make the hour drive down to Marfa. This tiny town is a surprising hot spot in the art world. You might recognize the faux Prada storefront, a legendary art installation.
Location: West Texas
How to Get to
Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is located in a remote area of West Texas, so the easiest way to get there is to take Interstate 10 to Highway 17. If you’re coming from Dallas, you can take Interstate 20 and turn south on Highway 17 in Pecos.
By Car
Entering Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is open all year, and the pool is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first.
Balmorhea State Park Adult : $7.0
Balmorhea State Park Children 12 and under : $0.0
If Balmorhea State Park is in your travel plans this year, the team at RVshare would love to share in the fun. If you post on social media, tag RVshare, or just send your stories, tips and photos from your trip to [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions About Balmorhea State Park
Spring and early fall are the best times to visit this park because the temperatures are mild and pleasant. The summer can get extremely hot and dry while the winter months often see temperatures below freezing.
The climate in Balmorhea State Park is warm and arid. Much like the rest of the state, the park is best compared to the climate of a desert. However, temperatures can drop significantly in the winter.
The park is home to a wide variety of wild residents year-round. Permanent residents include coyotes, armadillos, and turtles. The park is also home to the Pecos gambusia and the pupfish, which are both endangered fish.
Balmorhea State Park has over 30 sites dedicated to RVs. These camping sites have full water and electrical hookups, and some offer cable TV hookups. The sites are well-kept, private, and spacious.
While you do not have to reserve a camping spot at Balmorhea State Park, it is highly advised that you do. The campground can fill up quickly, especially in the summertime. The fees for camping range from $15 to $30 per night.