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.
Davis Mountains State Park lies near Fort Davis in West Texas and covers about 2,700 acres (roughly 1,100 ha) in the Chihuahuan Desert. About a mile (around 1,600 m) above sea level, a "sky island" plant community grows here, with oaks, junipers and willows along seasonal creeks. The park is a globally important bird area with more than 250 species, including Montezuma quail; you often see javelinas and aoudad as well.
Trails include the 4.5-mile (7 km) Skyline Drive Trail with a 900-foot (275 m) climb and wide views, the 1-mile Montezuma Quail Trail, and the roughly 6-mile (10 km) Old CCC Loop to Fort Davis National Historic Site.
The campground offers sites with full or partial hookups, water-only sites and primitive tent sites. It is about 15 minutes from McDonald Observatory and makes a good base for its Star Parties. The best seasons are spring and fall; winter temperatures fall below freezing. The 1930s Indian Lodge belongs to the park. Check reservations beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Fort Davis, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 30.5990, -103.9290
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Davis Mountains State ParkCampsite0 mi from Davis Mountains State ParkTentsCaravans
- Prude RanchMotorhome stopover1 mi from Davis Mountains State ParkMotorhomes
- Madera Canyon Dispersed Camping NCampsite13 mi from Davis Mountains State Park
- El CosmicoCampsite21 mi from Davis Mountains State Park
- Lost Alaskan RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Davis Mountains State ParkMotorhomes
- Paisano Baptist EncampmentCampsite23 mi from Davis Mountains State Park
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Davis Mountains State Park?
Davis Mountains State Park is in Fort Davis, TX, at GPS 30.5990, -103.9290. It is about 13 mi from Madera Canyon.
Can you camp near Davis Mountains State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Davis Mountains State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Davis Mountains State Park?
Davis Mountains State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Davis Mountains: forts, stars and a desert spring and Drifting dunes, a spring-fed pool and starry skies – by camper through the northern Trans-Pecos from Monahans via the Davis Mountains to Marfa.
What is there to see near Davis Mountains State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Davis National Historic Site (2 mi), McDonald Observatory (7 mi), Marfa Lights Viewing Area (17 mi) and Balmorhea State Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Davis Mountains State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)