Glamping close to Fort Davis, Texas offers travelers access to some of the darkest skies in the country, with the region situated at elevations between 4,900-6,700 feet in the Davis Mountains. This high desert environment experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, sometimes varying by 30-40 degrees regardless of season. The surrounding Chihuahuan Desert landscape creates a distinctive camping experience with both private ranches and public lands available for overnight stays.
What to do
Astronomy programs: Visit Marathon Motel & RV Park for serious stargazing opportunities with professional equipment. "The first night we enjoyed looking at the stars with the resident astronomer. The rest of the week we stayed cozy in our warm RV at night as it got really cold!" one visitor explained. The motel offers nightly star programs with telescopes when conditions permit.
Horseback riding: Trail rides at Historic Prude Ranch provide access to scenic mountain terrain. "My son and I took two, two-hour trail rides with our Wrangler Andy who was a wealth of information," shares a camper. The ranch maintains working stables with guided rides available most of the year.
Swimming: The spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park remains between 73-76 degrees year-round. "What an awesome spring fed pool! So crazy that this wetland and springs are in the middle of the desert," notes a visitor. The pool reaches depths of approximately 25 feet and features native fish species.
What campers like
Private glamping settings: El Cosmico offers multiple accommodation types beyond standard tents. "We stayed in a safari tent complete with a wonderful bed, side tables, lamp fan and power," reports a guest. Unique lodging options include teepees, yurts, and renovated trailers.
Historic ranch atmosphere: At Historic Prude Ranch, the combination of working ranch facilities and accommodation creates a distinctive experience. "This isn't your average RV park. Prude Ranch is known statewide for its summer camp which sees hundreds of kids over 4 to 8 weeks in the summer. The rest of the year, Prude is a working horse ranch," explains a reviewer who stayed in the lower RV area.
Outdoor bathing options: Multiple properties offer unusual shower facilities. "Perhaps the coolest thing we enjoyed was using their new private outdoor showers where you can look up and stargaze while soaking in warm water getting all clean," shares a visitor to Marathon Motel & RV Park. El Cosmico provides similar roofless shower experiences with vine-covered walls.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically in this high desert region. "We went in January and, while cold the first part of the week...17 degrees...being Texas, it was 80 by Friday," notes a camper at Balmorhea State Park Campground. Pack clothing for both hot and cold conditions regardless of when you visit.
Site leveling required: Many RV sites in the area need adjustment before setup. One Prude Ranch visitor mentioned: "Our spot was a back in and did require leveling, but had full hook ups," while another noted needing "6 inches in the front and 2 inches passenger" side at the lower site.
Limited shade: Most glamping sites near Fort Davis have minimal natural shade. "No shade in the parking lot and very dusty. Actually was there when a dust storm occurred. Unreal!" reports an El Cosmico camper. Bring portable shade structures during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Prude Ranch offers regular wildlife sightings near campsites. "The deer come in at night and you can sit and watch them wander," shares a reviewer. Pecan Grove RV Park in nearby Alpine provides similar experiences in a walkable setting.
Kid-friendly activities: Several properties cater specifically to families. "Wetlands area and small creek circling the property were a hit with the kids!" notes a Balmorhea visitor. Prude Ranch operates as a summer camp during certain months, with family-oriented facilities available year-round.
Educational opportunities: The astronomy programs at Marathon Motel provide science learning for all ages. "We are planning to camp another night and do laundry while we're here," mentions a bicycle camper who appreciated the nightly stargazing programs with specialists and telescopes.
Tips from RVers
Self-registration options: Some campgrounds offer flexible check-in. "The self check in was great- book on Hipcamp.com, show up, grab a map of the campground and find your spot on your own," reports an El Cosmico visitor. This allows late arrivals after business hours.
Water quality considerations: Local water supplies can contain high mineral content. At Marathon Motel, a camper noted: "The only thing that wasn't great is that the water is hard and has a very high mineral content. It's totally fine to drink, but if you're sensitive to that kinda thing, take that into consideration. It does leave a white crust on stuff."
Location accessibility: Marathon Motel & RV Park serves as a gateway to the broader region. "It's about a 45 minute drive to the Big Bend gate and maybe another 30 minutes to a hike or exhibit inside the park from there. 30 minutes to Alpine and maybe a hour to Marfa," explains a reviewer, making it a central location for exploring multiple destinations.
