The best camping near Fort Davis National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Davis National Historic Site adventure.

Explore restored buildings and ruins at this well-preserved frontier military post in west Texas.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Fort Davis National Historic Site

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Davis National Historic Site

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El Cosmico

40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX

El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now. Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk. Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.

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Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm and currently is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am to 8 pm, serving dinner those evenings. We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

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Gardens Oasis Lobo Texas

100 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Valentine, TX

This is part of many recreational properties in very & unique places, Gardens Oasis are one of the most interesting places for all members of Artists for Humanity coming here to enjoy the true South West of America. Mountain biking, dirt bikes, hiking and exploring this ranch will give you experience you will never have in your city. Part of Sonora Desert this Green Valley is not known to any travel agency. It is yours to explore in it's pristine and original state. Never miss the chance to see it and park your trailer here. Quiet, safe, exotic. Don't forget to take some water with you. You may need that.

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“Roble Perdido” private RV site

1 site · RV1 acre · Marfa, TX

Learn more about this land:“Roble Perdido” is a private , full hookup RV site , just outside the city limits of Marfa TX. Easy walking access to this unique little town in West TX , close to Big Bend National Park. The site is a back in site , accommodating up to 40’. The site is a leveled gravel parking pad, with full hook-ups. There is a shade shelter ,a picnic table and ,a fire ring with this site. (Please check for local fire bans!)

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Saddletramp Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Alpine, TX

Consistently drawn to the Big Bend area, after horseback riding and traveling all over Texas I decided to make it my home and have never looked back. The property is on and surrounded by other large ranches between Alpine and Terlingua, allowing space and privacy. Learn more about this land: Open range is a thing of the past, yet the ranches here intertwine, and the view goes on forever. Undulating hills of desert shrubs, cactus and rock – like an ocean with its waves. Just over 30 miles from Alpine and within an hour from the Big Bend National Park entrance. At a higher elevation than Terlingua, temps are at least 10 degrees cooler here. Easy access to Alpine, Marathon, Marfa, Fort Davis and Terlingua. Great location for Viva Big Bend or a stop-over on the way down south. We have two campsites available. Site 1 can accommodate trailers and Site 2 with primitive tent camping (or car camping) - no trailers. High clearance preferred with both sites, required for Site 2. Campsites are far enough apart to allow privacy. High desert camping, dark skies, views of Calamity Creek, Elephant Mountain, Santiago Mountains, Santiago Peak, Kokernot Mesa. 300 acres. No wifi currently or amenities other than pure peace, quiet and beautiful sunsets. Immerse yourself in the beauty and peacefulness of our high desert. 360 views! Campfire ability dependent on weather/wind. Improvements ongoing. Pack it in, pack it out. This is a wildlife exemption, please respect the desert. Rattlesnakes are more prevalent in the warmer months. Leave no trace! Please dispose of all human waste. No hunting or gathering of any kind allowed. Hiking roads is permitted, as well as on host property. Gates and sites are difficult to find after dark - please notify host if arriving after sunset. Specific/detailed directions will be sent upon booking. Owner lives nearby, out of sight. Yes - you may hear a donkey!

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Cholla Ranch Camp, Glamping Tents

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Alpine, TX

Learn more about this land: Cholla Ranch Camp, situated in the Chihuahuan Desert of Far West Texas is both remote and convenient as it lies just a few miles from the small town of Alpine. This desert setting has been consistently used as a working ranch for decades. The camp is a 10 acre section we have dedicated to hosting guests out of the 1100 acre ranch. Two unique Glamping Tents and 1 Cabin are offered on the ranch to rent. Each unit offers indoor plumbing, comfy beds, refrigerator, microwave, heat and ac seasonally, a private deck, outdoor cooking space and much much more. From your deck is a direct view of the Twin Peaks during the day and spectacular stargazing at night. Pasture Horses and Cattle Roam the Property while Chickens stay safe in their oversized run. One part ranch, one part camp- all Far West Texas Desert. We supply a range of fantastic organic toiletries that help support our grey water system. Fresh Locally Ground Coffee and yes even snacks. Here at CRC we try to ensure your needs are well taking care of. We look forward to your stay as a place to relax while being submerged in the history of the land.

The best camping near Fort Davis National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Located at the base of the Davis Mountains, Fort Davis is considered one of the best remaining examples of a Southwest frontier military post. In use from 1854 to 1891, it was also home to the famed Buffalo Soldiers. Visitors can explore more than 100 ruins and 24 buildings, including five that have been restored and furnished to their 1880s condition, on self-guided tours. Multimedia exhibits and displays offer a wealth of information, while costumed interpretive programs bring history to life. You’ll also find four miles of frontcountry and backcountry hiking trails, and although there is no camping inside the park, options are available in nearby Davis Mountains State Park and the town of Fort Davis.

When to go

Summers are a popular time to visit, though temperatures can soar. Freezing temperatures are normal for winter. Over spring break, summer, and major holidays, the park offers programs with volunteers and staff members in period dress. The park is closed for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Free admission is offered several times a year, including for the National Park Service’s birthday (August 25), National Public Lands Day (September 25), and Veterans Day.

Know before you go

Several historic buildings, the visitor center, restrooms, and designated parking spaces are wheelchair-accessible.

The buildings and ruins are quite spread out and a fair amount of walking is required to see them all.
Drinking fountains are available inside the visitor center outside the auditorium, and in front of the commanding officer’s quarters, with the latter two turned off from November to March due to freezing weather.
Pets are allowed inside the park but not inside any buildings, and must be kept on a 6-foot or shorter leash.
Free wifi is available at the visitor center.