Balmorhea State Park, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is built around one thing: a spring-fed pool that holds between 73 and 76 degrees year-round and reaches roughly 25 feet at its deepest. The campground itself is utilitarian by design, a concrete-and-asphalt layout where sites sit on paved pads with large covered shelters, fire rings, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. Shade trees are essentially absent. The shelters exist because the West Texas sun leaves nowhere else to go.
Campers staying in the tent sites get open sightlines toward desert hills in the distance, which reviewers note makes for a notable sunrise and sunset. Wind can be a factor, particularly in late winter and early spring. The park sits in an exposed basin, and several visitors mention breezy evenings. What the location lacks in natural cover, it makes up for with infrastructure: bathhouses are in good condition, individual shower stalls provide hot water, and T-Mobile coverage along with park-provided Wi-Fi are available at the sites. As Jules S. notes, "very hot water available, which is so nice to have when traveling long term."
The spring pool is the primary draw, and most visitors are clear-eyed about that. Danny H. puts it plainly: "this place is definitely more for the swimming trip than it is camping." A swimwear shop sits directly across the street for anyone who arrives unprepared. A wetlands area and small creek on the property also attract wildlife. Fishing at a nearby lake is accessible with a short drive, and the park has hosted seasonal events like a New Year's Day cold-water plunge.
Weekday visits tend to draw smaller crowds. The park gates lock at night, with a passcode provided to registered campers. Full hookups with water, electric, and sewer are available, and the park accommodates RVs up to 65 feet. Reservations are accepted. The campground is open year-round, and the spring's consistent temperature makes swimming viable even in January, though air temperatures in this part of West Texas can swing dramatically within a single week.
Campers wanting a different setup in the region can find places to camp near Balmorhea State Park with varying terrain and site styles. Balmorhea Lake Public Campground is another nearby option for those who want water access with a fishing focus rather than a swimming pool.
Description
Stay overnight at one of 34 campsites. Or reserve a room at the San Solomon Springs Courts, motel-style retro lodging built by the CCC.
Fee Info
There is a daily entrance fee.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBalmorhea State Park Campground is located in Texas near Balmorhea
Directions
From San Antonio: Take I 10 West to Balmorhea exit. Take Texas 17 West for 4 miles. Park is on the South side of the road. From El Paso: Take I 10 East to Balmorhea exit. Take FARM ROAD 3078 East for 12 miles. Park is on the South side of the road.
Address
9207 TX-17
Toyahvale, TX 79786
Coordinates
30.9443367 N
103.78429328 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 7/4/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/4/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 7/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 44 usersLast on 7/4/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 7/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 48 min from Odessa, TX
- 2 hrs from Midland, TX
- 2 hrs 35 min from El Paso, TX
- 3 hrs 9 min from San Angelo, TX
