ROBERT J.

The Dyrt Pro

Corpus Christi, TX

Joined July 2021

Old retired guy that likes to car camp and hike trails with my dog Kevin. Mostly in West Texas but lots of places to explore across the country.

An Oasis for Campers

This is my second review of Davis Mountains State Park.  So many great trails to explore. Campsites are well spaced and fully equipped.  Not far away is Fort Davis if you need to re-supply.  Not far away is McDonald Observatory with really great tours and Star Parties.

Dark Sky at Night - Star Gazers Delight

Seminole Canyon is usually my first stop on my way to Davis Mountains State Park. I'm a tent camper.  Every campsite has all you would need. Water, electricity, and a table. Can be challenging if the wind is blowing hard but doable. Wonderful hiking trails with vistas over the Rio Grande River.  Also take the guided tour into the canyon to see the ancient pictographs.

The Place for Challenging Hikers

My grandson, my dog and I set up our tents in a fully equipped (electricity, water and a table) and fairly level site.  The site was convenient to everything if you don't mind walking.  Why should you as this park is made for hiking.  Numerous trails.  Some short. Some long. Some easy.  Some not so easy.  The park is also a place for great views of the area and a great place to hang out waiting for the Star Party at the McDonald Observatory.  You will also like the dark sky at night if you brought your telescope.

Only drawback I would say is the lack of a gift shop for souvenirs, snacks, and toiletries you forgot to pack.  The backup is a drive to the nearest town Fort Davis.

Also cell phone and wifi services are only available by driving up to one of the vistas. Easiest is the vista about half-way up Skyline Drive

Wonderful Surprise

Don't expect the normal campground experience.   We arrived only to be greeted warmly by the staff and directed to our campsite.  For such a desolate area the campsite was fully equipped perfectly sited with respect to other campers.  Restroom and shower facilities could not have been cleaner or better.

Dark dark skies made for great heaven gazing.

Gift shop was filled with stuff you would like to take with you.

The highlight of the Park is the twice daily guided tour of the 10,000 year old pictographs on the sides of the canyon.  Unusual and should not be missed.

Hikers Beware - Easy is Relative

Preface - I am reviewing from the perspective of a tent camper.  Photos really don't really capture what three days and two nights are like at a relatively large but isolated State Park. With only 15 tent sites it is sort of special. Almost like a neighborhood with everyone sharing experiences and suggestions for a good time. My grandson should be applauded for spending a weekend with an old and slow guy. After climbing to the peak of Armadillo Lookout Grandpa needed a nap. he then went on with a group to explore an undeveloped cavern. When he returned three hours later He convinced me to climb the Seargeant Memorial Trailhead and experience the"vista." Not sure what we ate for dinner but then left to watch the bats emerge from the Stuart Bat Cave for a second time. Kickapoo is a great park with all of the amenities including very clean showers and restroom facilities. It is really for hikers and those that want to see the bats emerge and explore an old cavern. Camp tent sites are well spaced and have everything except electricity. Nobody seemed to mind. Met some really nice families enjoying the outdoor

Could Not Have Asked for Better

I am rather new to tent camping so I really appreciated the helpful folks running the camping area.  Each spot had electricity, water, great internet, picnic table and places to build a fire.  Each site is shielded from the next by trees.  Bathrooms and showers are used but clean.  Clear maps available for hiking or biking.  Nice lake with swimming and boating.  Pet friendly.  Could not have asked for more or better.