Heading out in August to see the country and watch the meteor showers. Where do you like to stay in that area? Planning on visiting Marfa and Alpine also.

When visiting Marfa to see the "Marfa Lights", we just spend the night at the Marfa Lights Visitor center. I like to park facing west and the mountain. Get great views of the "lights" from the comfort of the moho.

When you go to the observatory plan on staying from 9am to 1am. Take the MH so you can have food and a nap between the activities. Worth the trip.

We have always liked staying at Davis Mts State Park, but make a reservation because it's a pretty popular campground. they have elec, water and dump station.Check out the McDonald's observatory website to see when the Star Parties are... try to aim for a moonless night or close to it. Be sure to take in a night at the Marfa Lights rest stop about 7 miles or so east of Marfa. you can spend the night there. We've been twice and have seen the lights both times.

TexasShadow wrote:We have always liked staying at Davis Mts State Park, but make a reservation because it's a pretty popular campground. they have elec, water and dump station.Check out the McDonald's observatory website to see when the Star Parties are... try to aim for a moonless night or close to it. Be sure to take in a night at the Marfa Lights rest stop about 7 miles or so east of Marfa. you can spend the night there. We've been twice and have seen the lights both times.They alos have about 16 sites with sewer. Great park we stayed there a week recently

We stayed at Balmorhea State park. They have a really nice swimming pool.

Fort Davis, TX | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

Bonefish
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
MewshawManor wrote:
I understand sometime later this year the park will close for up to 5 months for major sewer system renovations.

Starting after Labor Day, Davis Mts. SP will be closed until 2/2014 for repairs. Guess we will have to find another place for after Christmas to New Years.

Sharon
wxtoad
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
I'll second the suggestions for Davis Mts and Balmorheal SP's - here are some pix from our visits to each:

Balmorhea SP

Davis Mountains SP

Have a great trip!

Ted H.
Major_Dad
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
Team Triton wrote:
We are leaving Sunday morning for a few days. Plan is to stay at Overland Trail Campground and toad from there. Never been out West or pulled a toad. We are in the adventure mode. :B

That is right in town, which is a very nice small town. Be sure to visit the state park while you are there to scout it out for future trips, and for the view off the mountaintop.

A star party at the McDonald Observatory is an unforgettable experience if you can get in.

In Ft. Davis I really like the small Overland Trail Museum.Ft Davis Attractions It is all about the stage coach and local history, and is in an historic building. The museum and parts of town are featured in a nice family movie called "Dancer Texas Pop. 81".Dancer Texas Pop. 81

Almost forgot...an ice cream cone in the caboose is a nice way to finish up a visit to the Fort.
Team_Triton
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013
We are leaving Sunday morning for a few days. Plan is to stay at Overland Trail Campground and toad from there. Never been out West or pulled a toad. We are in the adventure mode. :B
MewshawManor
Explorer
Jul 28, 2013
We've stayed twice at the Davis Mountains SP this year. A week ago, we stayed 3 nights. There are plenty of things to see and do in the area, even for repeat visitors. The full hookup sites are nice considering most state parks don't have the option. I understand sometime later this year the park will close for up to 5 months for major sewer system renovations.
happybooker1
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
Once we stayed at the Prude Guest Ranch. They have RV sites available. We went during Spring Break one year & got to see a little snow!
ogfalconsr
Explorer
Jul 21, 2013
chester490 wrote:
We stayed at Balmorhea State park. They have a really nice swimming pool.

spring fed pool is really nice. Balmorhea is a bit far away if you plan on a star party at the observatory. Watch out for deer on the side of the road at night.
Trlrboy
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Here is another vote for Davis Mtn State Park. Great place. Check my signature photolink and you'll find an album of pictures from there.
monkey44
Nomad II
Jul 20, 2013
DO not leave your coolers out at Ft Davis - Havalinas will open it and eat everything in it, right there in front of you.

We were sitting watching it happen - the campers across from us left a huge white cooler full of food. The critters knocked it over, and tool about two minutes to figure out how to open it - about eight of 'em and started porking out - took them no time to polish off the meal.

No way were we intervening - those plump critters weight in a a few hundred pounds and got razor tusks. We thought it was wild pigs at first, but not even related to pigs. Wish I could post a photo ...
happybooker1
Explorer
Jul 20, 2013
Team Triton wrote:
Thanks for all the tips. Will be watching the weather and decide at the last minute. We are only 7 hrs away.

Spoken like a true Texan-- where you can drive all.day.long. And STILL be in Texas!,