Best Tent Camping near Marfa, TX
State parks and public lands surrounding Marfa, Texas provide several options for tent camping in the high desert environment. Davis Mountains State Park, located 30 miles north of Marfa near Fort Davis, offers tent campsites with varying levels of amenities. The park features both developed tent sites with basic facilities and more primitive tent camping areas for those seeking a more rustic experience. Hornets Nest, another tent campground in the region, provides basic tent sites with minimal amenities but excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Tent sites at Davis Mountains State Park are set on relatively level ground with some areas featuring shade trees, particularly along the dry creek beds. Most primitive tent campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, though seasonal fire bans are common and strictly enforced. The park maintains clean restroom facilities with hot showers accessible to tent campers. Water is available at central locations, though not at all individual sites. Summer visitors should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms, while winter campers need to be ready for cold mountain nights. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the campground except at higher elevations along Skyline Drive.
In early spring, tent campers often find the park less crowded, with wildlife frequently visiting campsites. According to reviews, the basic tent sites are spaced far enough apart to provide good privacy. One camper noted that "quails running right by my tent made this especially memorable." The elevation of approximately 5,000 feet provides cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, making tent camping more comfortable during hot months. The park's location in a dark sky zone makes it ideal for stargazing, with many tent campers using the site as a base for visiting the nearby McDonald Observatory. Wildlife sightings are common, with mule deer, javelinas, and numerous bird species regularly observed from tent sites. Tent camping fees start at $15 per night, with discounts available for Texas Parks pass holders.
