Davis Mountains State Park is known for its extremely remote location. It was built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Location
TX-118 N. Park Road 3, Fort Davis, Texas 79734
Cost
The entry fee for Davis Mountains State Park is $6 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Davis Mountains State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans. If you do not have a reservation and the park reaches capacity you may be turned away at the gate.
In this part of Texas campsites and hotel rooms can book up surprisingly fast, especially during high tourism times such as Thanksgiving or Spring Break.
Staying at Davis Mountains State Park
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. The minimum hike is four miles up a mountain.
Campsites with water are $15 per night. The campsites have a fire ring or a grill and a picnic table. There is water to be shared between campsites, and restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. Sites have a fire ring or grill, a picnic table, water and electric hookups. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Full hookup campsites are $30 per night. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring, and hookups for water, electric and sewage. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Lodging
Currently closed for renovations, the Indian Lodge is a full hotel located within the park. The hotel has 39 rooms, a pool, and the Black Bear Restaurant.
Group Facilities
The Group Hall has air conditioning and electricity as well as a television and overhead projector. It is $100 per day.
Restrooms in Davis Mountains State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers.
Hiking Trails
There are seven hiking trails in the park. Most of them are at least moderately challenging.
The Old CCC Trail is 1.6 miles long and suitable for mountain biking. It was the road used by the CCC when they built the park.
What is there to do at Davis Mountains State Park?
The remote location of the park makes it ideal for stargazing.
Go for a hike, or ride a mountain bike.
Bring your horse, and ride the trails or camp at an equestrian-friendly campsite.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. The park is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and has a bird blind.
Dogs at Davis Mountain State Park
Davis Mountain State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including the bathrooms.
Be sure to take safety precautions for your dog. Bring plenty of water for your dog, and pay attention to the heat. Animals such as rattlesnakes, javalinas, and mountain lions live in the park.
What to do near Davis Mountains State Park
Fort Davis, Texas
Is a historic town built up around Fort Davis. You can eat in town in a a diner or go visit the Fort Davis National Historic Site. Make an appointment to visit the nearby McDonald Observatory.
Marfa, Texas
Is an artsy town with many cafes and shops. The town is famous for being the filming for movies such as Giant and No Country for Old Men. Be sure to go check out the famous Marfa lights.
Alpine, Texas
A bigger town than nearby Marfa, and home to Sul Ross University. Has a historic downtown and many bars and restaurants.