# Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa

> From the sand dunes near Monahans via Fort Stockton, the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea and the Buffalo Soldiers’ fort into the Davis Mountains, to the…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/rf-488-texas-davis-mountains-marfa/

**At a glance:** 6-day road trip of about 495 km (308 mi) with 11 stops, from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Alpine. About 5 h 30 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and October–November. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $4 (TX). From the sand dunes near Monahans via Fort Stockton, the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea and the Buffalo Soldiers’ fort into the Davis Mountains, to the observatory on Mount Locke and on to Marfa and Alpine: around 650 kilometres of desert, highlands and one of the darkest night skies in North America.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | approx. 495 km (308 mi) |
| Driving | 5 h 30 min |
| Suggested days | 6 |
| Stops | 11 |
| Route | Monahans Sandhills State Park → Alpine |
| States | TX |
| Best time to go | April–May and October–November |
| Tolls and vignettes | ≈ $4 |
| Updated | October 1, 2026 |

[Download GPX file](https://camping-spirit.com/gpx/rf-488-texas-davis-mountains-marfa.gpx)

Practical guides for this route: [Driving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-driving-rules-visitors/), [Fuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-fuel-tolls-distances/), [US national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms](https://camping-spirit.com/magazine/us-national-park-passes/)

*From the sand dunes near Monahans via Fort Stockton, the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea and the Buffalo Soldiers’ fort into the Davis Mountains, to the observatory on Mount Locke and on to Marfa and Alpine: around 650 kilometres of desert, highlands and one of the darkest night skies in North America.*

## The spirit of the route

West of the Pecos River, Texas stops being flat. First pumpjacks and convoys of trucks roll through the Permian Basin, then near Monahans pale dunes suddenly appear among the oak scrub, and beyond Fort Stockton the Davis Mountains rise out of the Chihuahuan Desert: volcanic ranges, grassland with pronghorn, oak and juniper slopes at 1,500 to 2,000 metres. In Balmorhea, in the middle of all this dryness, a spring bubbles up into a pool where you swim above fish. In the evening the air turns cool, and from the sliding door you can see the domes of the McDonald Observatory glinting on the ridge in the last light. When it gets dark, it gets truly dark here: the Milky Way casts shadows, coyotes call, javelinas wander across the campground. And Marfa, a ranching town with Minimal Art in old artillery sheds, feels like a thought experiment on the prairie.

## Stage-by-stage plan

### Stage 1: Odessa to Monahans Sandhills State Park (approx. 60 km)

- **The drive:** Head west on I-20 through the heart of the Permian Basin: flat, four lanes, speed limit up to 75 mph (120 km/h), but with very heavy truck and pick-up traffic from the oil industry, roadworks and access roads to drilling sites. The state park lies right on the interstate east of Monahans, with a signposted exit. Driving time around 45 minutes. The drive is no scenic highlight, but past the park entrance the picture changes abruptly: pale quartz-sand dunes, with shinnery oak in between, a knee-high oak species whose roots reach deep into the sand.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Dune field in Monahans Sandhills State Park: some of the dunes are still moving, others are held in place by oaks. You can rent or buy sand disks at the park office; the sand is at its best early in the morning, when the tracks of beetles, lizards and coyotes record the night.
  - Visitor centre and short interpretive trails: exhibits on how the dunes formed, on the Native Americans who found water beneath the sand here, and on the building of the railway, when trains took on water in the Sandhills.
  - Sunset on one of the high dunes near the picnic areas: soft ridges of shadow in the low light – pack a tripod and a plastic bag to keep sand out of your lens.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Monahans Sandhills State Park: campground among the dunes, sites with water and electricity, some with covered picnic tables, restroom building with showers, dump station. Reserve through the Texas State Parks reservation system (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD); the daily entrance fee per person is charged on top. In strong wind, sand blows across the sites – close windows and the roof vent.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** There is practically no public land in the Permian Basin; oil company leases and ranches are private property, and entering them is trespassing. The many RV parks around Monahans and Pecos are mostly long-term sites for workers and poorly suited to travellers.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Fill up and shop in Odessa or Monahans; prices in the oil patch vary widely. On I-20 and the Farm-to-Market roads, expect oversize loads, gravel dust and flying stones – keep your distance and keep an eye on your windscreen. At night, the gas flares on the horizon are the brightest light in the area.

### Stage 2: Monahans Sandhills State Park to Balmorhea State Park (approx. 175 km)

- **The drive:** From Monahans take TX-18 south for around 85 kilometres across the wide plain to Fort Stockton, passing junctions with oil traffic and the Pecos River, which is little more than a trickle here. From Fort Stockton head west on I-10, where the plain gives way to mesas and the first mountains; the speed limit on this stretch of I-10 is up to 80 mph (129 km/h) – in a motorhome or with a trailer it is more relaxed to stay in the right lane. Take the Balmorhea exit, then TX-17 through Balmorhea to Toyahvale. Driving time around 2.5 hours. Petrol stations and supermarkets in Fort Stockton; in Balmorhea, very limited.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Fort Stockton: Paisano Pete, the giant roadrunner figure on the main street, the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum in an old hotel, and Historic Fort Stockton with reconstructed enlisted men’s barracks of the 19th-century frontier fort.
  - San Solomon Springs in Balmorhea State Park: spring water at a constant temperature of around 22–24 °C fills a large pool up to about 7.5 metres deep, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. You swim and snorkel over a rocky bottom among catfish, turtles and the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish.
  - San Solomon Ciénega: a constructed wetland with an underwater viewing window where you can see the rare desert fish up close; a short path runs along the canal.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Balmorhea State Park: small, extensively renovated campground next to the spring-fed pool with sites with water and electricity, a few accessible RV sites, a restroom building with showers and a dump station, plus the historic rooms of the San Solomon Springs Courts. The pool closes for a few days every year for cleaning; check status, capacity limits and reservations in advance on the park’s TPWD page. Campsites and day passes for the pool go quickly at weekends and in summer – reserve a day pass even if you are only coming to swim.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** The land around Balmorhea is private. If you can’t get a site in the state park, you will find several private RV parks with full hookups in Fort Stockton, or you can drive one stage further into the Davis Mountains. Overnight parking at the roadside of TX-17 is not permitted.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The water in the pool is crystal clear but cool enough to give you goosebumps – bring a neoprene top or a snorkel mask. Use sunscreen sparingly and let it soak in before swimming, as the spring is habitat for protected species. It is quietest early in the morning just after opening; at midday in summer, day visitors from all over West Texas crowd in.

### Stage 3: Balmorhea State Park to Davis Mountains State Park (approx. 55 km)

- **The drive:** Take TX-17 south through Wild Rose Pass: the road follows Limpia Canyon between reddish rock walls and cottonwoods along the creek, climbing from around 1,000 to about 1,500 metres; it is two-lane, well surfaced, with a few bends but no hairpins. Driving time under an hour. In Fort Davis turn right onto TX-118; the state park lies a few kilometres to the northwest in Keesey Canyon. Petrol station and small grocery store in Fort Davis; the choice is limited.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Fort Davis National Historic Site: one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest, garrisoned from 1854 to 1891, among others by regiments of African American Buffalo Soldiers. Officers’ Row, enlisted men’s barracks and the restored hospital stand in front of a rock wall at the edge of town; entrance fee per person, the America the Beautiful Pass is valid.
  - Fort Davis: at around 1,500 metres, the town is considered one of the highest in Texas, with the Jeff Davis County Courthouse and old adobe and stone houses along the main street.
  - Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center south of town on TX-118: botanical garden with a cactus greenhouse and hiking trails into a canyon – a good introduction to the region’s plants. Check opening hours in advance.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Davis Mountains State Park: campground on the valley floor under oaks and junipers, sites with full hookups, with water and electricity, and with water only, restroom buildings with showers, dump station; plus basic tent sites. Reserve through TPWD, and book early for weekends and the autumn and spring seasons. Inside the park is Indian Lodge, an adobe lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and extensively renovated, with the Black Bear Restaurant.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** The Davis Mountains are almost entirely privately owned, including large parts along the Scenic Loop. There is no dispersed camping; pull-outs and picnic areas on TX-118 are not meant for overnight stays.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Skyline Drive in the state park is steep, narrow and winding – don’t drive up it in a large motorhome or with a trailer; go on foot instead: the Skyline Drive Trail links the viewpoints on the ridge with Fort Davis National Historic Site, a few kilometres with fine views over the town. At dusk, mule deer and javelinas come onto the campground; don’t leave food or rubbish outside.

### Stage 4: Davis Mountains State Park to Scenic Loop and McDonald Observatory (approx. 125 km)

- **The drive:** The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop is a circuit of around 120 kilometres (75 miles) on TX-118, TX-166 and the last section of TX-17. From the state park, take TX-118 northwest uphill to the observatory, then on through oak woodland and canyons; at the junction turn left onto TX-166 and cross open grassland with views of Sawtooth Mountain back to Fort Davis. Two-lane, well surfaced, winding on the climb to Mount Locke, otherwise sweeping curves; cattle and wildlife on the road, many cattle guards. Around 2 hours without stops; no petrol stations or shops at all on the loop.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - McDonald Observatory of the University of Texas: domes on Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes, including the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. At the Visitors Center at around 1,900 metres there are guided tours during the day and, in the evening, Star Parties with telescopes under the open sky. Reserve tickets in advance at mcdonaldobservatory.org – at peak times such as Spring Break and on public holidays, the Star Parties are often sold out.
  - Madera Canyon on TX-118: picnic area with a short trail through oaks and pines in a nature preserve, one of the few publicly accessible trails in the high Davis Mountains.
  - Views from TX-166 across the grassland to Sawtooth Mountain and Mount Livermore; in autumn the grass turns golden brown, after summer thunderstorms everything is green.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Second night in Davis Mountains State Park. The Star Party ends late at night; the drive back from the observatory to the state park is short but winding, with wildlife crossing – drive slowly.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** There is no legal place to stay overnight anywhere on the Scenic Loop outside the state park. The observatory car park must be vacated after the programme ends.
- **Insider tip for campers:** The Davis Mountains are part of a region with its own lighting rules to protect the observatory: on the observatory grounds after dark, follow the staff’s instructions: during the evening programmes, smartphones and other glowing screens are not allowed in the telescope area and the amphitheatre, and red lights are provided; switch off your motorhome’s interior and exterior lights. At 1,900 to 2,000 metres it gets bitterly cold at night even after hot days – bring a down jacket and a hat. Fill up in Fort Davis or Alpine before the loop.

### Stage 5: Davis Mountains State Park to Marfa (approx. 165 km)

- **The drive:** Take TX-17 from Fort Davis around 35 kilometres south across the high plateau to Marfa, through grassland with pronghorn and wide ranches. For Prada Marfa, then take US-90 around 60 kilometres northwest towards Valentine and back: dead straight, hardly any traffic, a railway line beside the road. In the evening, take US-90 east of Marfa to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area. Around 3 hours of driving in total. On US-90 west of Marfa there is no reliable petrol station until Van Horn.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Chinati Foundation: Donald Judd’s museum on the grounds of the former Fort D. A. Russell shows 100 aluminium sculptures in two converted artillery sheds and 15 concrete works in the grassland, along with works by Dan Flavin and others. Visits are mostly by guided tour with a ticket, and opening days are limited – book in advance at chinati.org.
  - Prada Marfa: art installation by Elmgreen & Dragset from 2005, a never-opened boutique standing alone on US-90 around two kilometres northwest of Valentine. Only stop briefly on the shoulder and pull completely off the roadway; the building cannot be entered.
  - Marfa Lights Viewing Area on US-90 east of town: viewing platform with toilets, looking south across Mitchell Flat, where unexplained lights have been reported for generations. Even without the lights, it is a special place for stars and distant thunderstorms.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** There is no public campground in Marfa, only private accommodation and small RV parks, which you should reserve in advance. Alternatively, after the evening at the Viewing Area, drive back via Marfa and Fort Davis to Davis Mountains State Park (around 55 kilometres).
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** The Marfa Lights Viewing Area and the shoulder at Prada Marfa are not campsites – observe the signs on site; overnight stays on streets and in car parks in Marfa are not intended. In Presidio County and Jeff Davis County, almost all land is private.
- **Insider tip for campers:** Detour to Guadalupe Mountains National Park: from Valentine it is around 60 kilometres on US-90 to Van Horn and then another 90 kilometres or so north on TX-54 to the mountains with Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. The NPS Pine Springs Campground has sites for motorhomes without hookups; check the reservation system, fees and any surcharges for visitors without US residency in advance on nps.gov. Allow a separate day for the detour and fill up in Van Horn.

### Stage 6: Marfa to Alpine (approx. 85 km)

- **The drive:** Take US-90 east, past the Marfa Lights Viewing Area and Paisano Pass, for around 40 kilometres to Alpine; the road climbs gently through grassland and volcanic hills. From Alpine take TX-118 around 40 kilometres north back to Fort Davis and the state park, past the rock walls of Musquiz Canyon. Driving time around 1.5 hours. Alpine has the widest choice of petrol stations and supermarkets in the region.
- **Highlights & must-sees:**
  - Museum of the Big Bend on the campus of Sul Ross State University: history, geology and art of the Trans-Pecos, good preparation for anyone heading on from here to Big Bend.
  - Alpine: university town with murals along Holland Avenue, cafés and shops; a short hike up Hancock Hill behind the campus gives views over the town.
  - Musquiz Canyon on TX-118 between Alpine and Fort Davis: close-set rock walls, cottonwoods along the creek and remains of old ranches – at its best in low evening light.
- **Official campsite or RV park:** Return to Davis Mountains State Park or stay overnight at one of the private RV parks in Alpine. If you are heading further south to Big Bend, you will find the stages and campgrounds there in the CampingSpirit travel guide to the Texas Hill Country and Big Bend.
- **Free camping or nature tip (where legal):** Around 40 kilometres south of Alpine, on the east side of TX-118, lies the Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area with a basic camping area (composting toilet, no drinking water, self-registration at the entrance); use requires a permit from TPWD, and the entire area is closed during special hunts. Check conditions and closure dates with TPWD in advance; otherwise there is no public land around Alpine for free camping.
- **Insider tip for campers:** In Alpine, refill propane, top up supplies and fill your water tank before heading on into remote areas. On TX-118 heading south there is a permanent Border Patrol checkpoint – carry your passport, even if you are only planning a day trip.

## Camping practice & local rules

### Wild camping & overnight parking

- Texas has hardly any public land: there is no BLM land and no National Forest in the Trans-Pecos, and almost every piece of land outside the parks is private property behind a pasture fence. Overnight stays are only permitted at campgrounds; entering ranch land without permission is a criminal offence.
- Safety Rest Areas run by the transport authority TxDOT on the interstates may be used for rest breaks; the length of stay is limited (usually up to 24 hours), and tent camping and setting up camp are prohibited; observe the signs on site. Smaller picnic areas on rural highways are not meant for overnight stays.
- Texas State Parks: reserve campsites and day passes through the TPWD reservation system, usually up to five months in advance. In addition to the site fee, a daily entrance fee is charged per person aged 13 and over; the Texas State Parks Pass covers entrance for a year. Book Monahans, Balmorhea and Davis Mountains early for weekends.
- Federal sites: at US national parks, visitors without US residency sometimes pay higher fees and surcharges at heavily visited parks; check current amounts for Fort Davis and Guadalupe Mountains on nps.gov.
- Border security: on the roads leading north from the Mexican border there are permanent Border Patrol checkpoints, for example on TX-118 south of Alpine, on US-67 between Presidio and Marfa, on US-385 towards Big Bend and on I-10 near Sierra Blanca. All occupants must be able to show a passport (with a visa or ESTA confirmation) or residence documents – even far inland.
- Apps: Campendium, iOverlander, The Dyrt and the TPWD pages; Park4Night is not widely used here. Mobile coverage is patchy in the Davis Mountains, on the Scenic Loop and on US-90 west of Marfa – save maps offline.

### Waste disposal & supplies

- Dump station and water: in Davis Mountains State Park with full-hookup sites; in Monahans and Balmorhea, sites with water and electricity – check disposal options there in advance. Private RV parks in Fort Stockton and Alpine offer full hookups and usually dumping for a fee.
- Drinking water: tap water at the campgrounds is drinkable but often mineral-rich in West Texas; fill your fresh-water tank at every opportunity and carry several litres per person in the vehicle for the Scenic Loop and Prada Marfa.
- Fuel: larger petrol stations in Odessa, Monahans, Fort Stockton, Alpine and Van Horn; in Balmorhea, Fort Davis and Marfa the choice is small and opening hours limited. On the Scenic Loop (around 120 kilometres) and on US-90 between Marfa and Van Horn there is no reliable petrol station – set off with at least half a tank.
- Empty grey water and chemical toilets only at dump stations; discharging on ranch land or by the road is prohibited and remains visible for a long time in the dry landscape.
- Propane: filling stations in Fort Stockton and Alpine as well as at farm-supply and hardware stores; European cylinders are generally not refilled, so you need a US adapter or a US cylinder.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Odessa, Monahans, Fort Stockton and Alpine; in Fort Davis and Marfa only small shops with high prices.

### Vehicle size & traffic rules

- Speed limits: in Texas, motorhomes and vehicles with trailers are subject to the same limits as cars; on I-10 in the west of the state up to 80 mph in places, on rural highways such as US-90 and TX-17 mostly 70–75 mph, and much less in towns. On the Scenic Loop and on Mount Locke, watch for curve signs and wildlife crossing.
- Cattle guards and open range: on TX-118, TX-166 and TX-17, cattle stand on the road with no fence; at night, deer, javelinas and cattle are the biggest hazard. Keep driving after dark to a minimum and drive slowly.
- Dark sky: Jeff Davis, Presidio and Brewster County have lighting rules to protect the McDonald Observatory; in the region around the observatory, downward-shielded, warm light is required. At campgrounds, switch off exterior lights and string lights at night and use a head torch with a red light.
- Heat: from May to September, temperatures well above 38 °C are regularly reached in the lowlands around Monahans, Fort Stockton and Balmorhea; in the Davis Mountains the altitude makes it more pleasant. Schedule hikes for the morning and check coolant and tyres.
- Thunderstorms and flash floods: the monsoon season from about July to September brings violent afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, hail and sudden flooding in dips and at fords (Low Water Crossings). Never drive through flooded roads (“Turn around, don’t drown”), and avoid dunes and ridges when there is lightning. In spring, dust storms and strong crosswinds are common on I-10 and I-20.
- Winter: in the Davis Mountains, temperatures often drop below freezing at night and it occasionally snows; think about frost protection for water lines.
- Phone at the wheel: texting while driving is prohibited in Texas. Emergency: 911.

## CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist

- Passport and proof of entry within reach in the vehicle: at the Border Patrol checkpoints inland, every occupant must be able to identify themselves.
- Head torch with red light and warm layers including a down jacket: for Star Parties and dark-sky nights at 1,500 to 2,000 metres, where it gets cold at night even in summer.
- Snorkel mask and neoprene top: for the clear, cool spring water of Balmorhea with its fish and turtles.
- Extra water containers (at least 20 litres): on the Scenic Loop, on US-90 west of Marfa and in case of a breakdown in the heat, there are no supplies for long stretches.
- Binoculars and a star chart or astronomy app with night mode: for pronghorn in the grassland by day and the Milky Way over the Davis Mountains by night.
- Sun protection with a wide-brimmed hat and electrolyte tablets: many travellers underestimate the heat, altitude and dry air of the Trans-Pecos.

_As of 2026-10. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go._

## Sources

- [Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Elephant Mountain WMA](https://tpwd.texas.gov/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=7)
- [U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Alpine Station (Big Bend Sector)](https://www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/border-patrol-sectors/big-bend-sector-texas/alpine-station-apt)
- [McDonald Observatory – Star Party](https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visit/star-party/)
- [McDonald Observatory – Plan Your Visit](https://mcdonaldobservatory.org/plan)
- [Big Bend Sentinel – Balmorhea campgrounds reopen](https://bigbendsentinel.com/2024/05/08/balmorhea-campgrounds-reopen/)
- [Big Bend Sentinel – Newly improved Indian Lodge and Black Bear Restaurant reopen to the public](https://bigbendsentinel.com/2025/05/14/newly-improved-indian-lodge-and-blackbear-restaurant-reopen-to-the-public/)
- [Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine – Historic Indian Lodge gets a 21st century facelift](https://tpwmagazine.com/parks/historic-indian-lodge-gets-a-21st-century-facelift/)
- [Campendium – Balmorhea State Park Campground](https://www.campendium.com/balmorhea-state-park)
- [Campendium – Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground](https://www.campendium.com/monahans-sandhills-state-park)
- [KCBD/First Alert 7 – Border Patrol closes West Texas checkpoints (US 67 Presidio–Marfa)](https://www.firstalert7.com/content/news/Border-Patrol-closes-West-Texas-checkpoints-as-influx-of-migrants-strains-resources-507669111.html)

## Which stops are on the route from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Alpine?

1. **Monahans Sandhills State Park** (TX)
2. **Fort Stockton** (TX)
3. **Balmorhea State Park** (Toyahvale, TX): A huge spring-fed pool in the desert, clear and cool all year, with small fish swimming around the divers. Day passes are limited, so reserve online before you drive out.
4. **Fort Davis National Historic Site** (Fort Davis, TX): One of the best-preserved frontier forts in the Southwest, set in a box canyon below volcanic cliffs. Buffalo Soldiers served here; restored barracks and officers’ row are open to walk.
5. **Davis Mountains State Park** (Fort Davis, TX): Grassland and oak canyons in a sky-island range, with a Skyline Drive to a lookout over the plains. The campground is a good base for the observatory’s night programs.
6. **McDonald Observatory** (Fort Davis, TX): Research telescopes on Mount Locke under some of the darkest skies in the continental US. Book the evening star party well ahead and bring warm layers, even in summer.
7. **Madera Canyon** (TX)
8. **Marfa** (TX)
9. **Prada Marfa** (Valentine, TX): A permanent sculpture of a luxury boutique standing alone beside US-90. The door never opens.
10. **Marfa Lights Viewing Area** (Marfa, TX): A roadside viewing platform east of Marfa where people watch for the mysterious lights that sometimes appear over the desert. Arrive at dusk with a jacket and patience, as sightings are never guaranteed.
11. **Alpine** (TX)

## When is the best time for the route from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Alpine?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa?**
6-day road trip of about 495 km (308 mi) with 11 stops, from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Alpine. About 5 h 30 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa?**
We suggest 6 days: about 5 h 30 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa start and end?**
It starts in Monahans Sandhills State Park and ends in Alpine.

**Which states does Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa pass through?**
Texas.

**Where can you camp along Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa?**
OpenStreetMap lists 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Balmorhea State Park, Davis Mountains State Park and Hilltop RV Park.

**How much are the tolls on the route from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Alpine?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $4 (TX). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.