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.
Fort Davis National Historic Site is a well-preserved military post from the settlement of the American West, on the northeast edge of the town of Fort Davis in West Texas, at the foot of Sleeping Lion Mountain and Hospital Canyon. The fort was founded in 1854 and named for Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War. Black soldiers were stationed here from 1867 to 1881, and the fort was abandoned in 1891.
According to Lonely Planet, more than 20 of over 100 buildings and ruins survive, five of them furnished with period pieces; Frommer's mentions ten restored structures and about an hour for the tour. In the barracks, each bed carries the name of its 1884 occupant. Bugle calls sound at regular intervals, and in summer costumed interpreters explain military life.
The visitor center has trail maps. The trails range from the 1-mile (1.6 km) Tall Grass Loop to a path to Davis Mountains State Park, which Lonely Planet gives as 3 miles. Check hours and fees beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Fort Davis, TX
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 30.5997, -103.8933
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)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Davis Mountains State ParkCampsite2 mi from Fort Davis National Historic SiteTentsCaravans
- Prude RanchMotorhome stopover3 mi from Fort Davis National Historic SiteMotorhomes
- El CosmicoCampsite22 mi from Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Paisano Baptist EncampmentCampsite22 mi from Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Park HeadquartersCampsite25 mi from Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Balmorhea State ParkCampsite25 mi from Fort Davis National Historic SiteTentsCaravansWaste disposal
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fort Davis National Historic Site?
Fort Davis National Historic Site is in Fort Davis, TX, at GPS 30.5997, -103.8933. It is about 15 mi from Madera Canyon.
Can you camp near Fort Davis National Historic Site?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Davis Mountains State Park, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Fort Davis National Historic Site?
Fort Davis National Historic Site 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 Fort Davis National Historic Site?
Places worth a stop nearby: Davis Mountains State Park (2 mi), McDonald Observatory (9 mi), Marfa Lights Viewing Area (17 mi) and Balmorhea State Park (25 mi).
When is the best time to visit Fort Davis National Historic Site?
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)