This is an older park but we liked the layout of the RV spaces. Plenty of room between spots and several pull throughs. The surrounding scenery is beautiful. Very large fresh water pool and interesting history in this area. Rates are reasonable. We will come back to this park. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This park has an incredible pool which goes from 2' to 25'. The water temperature stays between 72-75 degrees year round. The bathrooms were clean. The park was very nice and a good place to stay with children. There were people in the pool when we stayed there. The pool size is approx. an acre. We would stay there again. The only negative is the showers were separate but the area where you would put your clothes was a common area. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
This was our first time here in '09. The pool felt great and was crystal clear. Busy time of year with Spring Break in full swing. The park was totally full; lots of campers and trailers, but still very peaceful. Very quiet overall, cool breezes, and great views. Now to the not so great; seems that staffing is a bit shy, some trash blowing about the grounds and a couple of pocket motorcycles buzzing about at excessive speeds. Even after reporting the deficiencies and picking up some trash ourselves it did not seem to have an impact. The site we stayed at was not covered and the table was very worn due to weather. Some brush control would be a good addition to the park. The bathrooms were clean but could use some updates, fixtures were rusting and some were stuck running. All in all it was a great time and we will return; the pool can't be beat. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
The previous review for this year (2009) described the park well. It is a clean, safe park. Only the pull thru sites have cable TV. The $14 camp fee does not include the internet reservation fee or the daily use fee. I would like to add that the park does not have Wi-Fi as stated on-line. They said internet hasn't worked in months and they knew of no plans to fix it. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This price is just for the campground, you also have to pay the park entrance fee per person, per day. It actually worked out cheaper for us to buy a Texas State Park pass to cover the entrance fees. We've stayed here before and love it. It's about 5 miles from the I-10 so very convenient but far enough away that it's absolutely quiet and peaceful. The biggest draw back is that the sites don't have a dump but the showers were close and they were clean, but old. Each site has a table and benches under a shelter, plus a fire pit. The ranger lives on site so we didn't worry about security. The very best thing about this State Park is the huge, spring fed swimming pool. It is supposed to be the largest fresh water swimming pool in the world. When we were there at the end of January the water was 75 degrees and we loved swimming around with the catfish, turtles and numerous other water life. There are also a couple of diving boards that our children loved. If you happen to be passing this way make sure you spend a couple of nights here. We'll definitely be back. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This was our first outing as a family in the new Fifth Wheel. I have to say I was impressed with Balmorhea State Park. The pool is very refreshing but does get very busy with locals, tour buses, church groups, and divers throughout the day. Millions of gallons of water tend to attract lots of folks in this desert environment. We took our dips early and then enjoyed Balmorhea, Fort Davis, and other area attractions throughout the day. Quite camp ground over all, friendly staff, and is a nice base camp for exploring the Big Bend area of Texas. I would recommend making reservations ahead of time, most of the park was full even during the middle of the week, might be tough just to drop in and expect a site. Larger rig friendly, hook ups were in good condition. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
We stopped here one our way back to central Texas. Nice state park, but not very big, and there is not a whole lot to do outside of the park that doesn't require a 30 to 50 mile drive. The pool was magnificant, crystal clear, snorkels are a must. We stayed here two nights and I was ready to go, it was hot in the day and the pool gets pretty crowded during the day with picnickers and day use guests. McDonald Observatory is about 40 miles away, it was clowdy on our visit, and Marfa is 50 to 60 miles away to see the Marfa Lights, I passed on the extra driving. If I had it to do again I would have stayed in the Davis Mountains State Park. We drove into this park on or way back from the observatory, very big park, lots of trees and wildlife. Plus there is Indian Lodge, built by the CCC in the 1930s and by the looks of it very well kept. We supprisingly found a restaurant called Black Bear Restaurant in the Lodge and had a good meal. Balmorhea is a nice little park, just keep in mind all the locals and field trippers that come in to use the pool. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is an extremely old park, and since it is in the desert there is not much scenery, except the lake. We were more than a little dissappointed with this park. The lake is really neat and it was not a bad park, but it was on the bottom of the list of parks we have visited. The park staff was grumpy and the only thing that kept the kids entertained was the rabbit running around. We cut our trip short and headed home. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is an excellent stopover for a night or a place to use as a base to explore the Davis Mountains area. The cold clear spring water in the huge Balmorhea Springs pool is unique, and people come here from all over to scuba, snorkel and just plain swim in the waters year round. All the RV sites have covered picnic tables. These are adobe styled and painted white. The cable TV reception was excellent, and all utilities worked great. They have a dump station for campers to use. The only negative is that the Wi-Fi signal doesn't reach any of the RV sites. It does reach their motel rooms though. You can drive to the Entrance ranger station and use the Wi-Fi service, which you must purchase from TengoNet. With our discounts we paid $14.25 per night. We will return! We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Small but great. Lots of room for big rigs too. There is Wi-Fi, but plan on spending time at the camp HQ to get the signal. Pick a site with a shelter to hide from the sun. The springs are great for year round swimming and diving. Several groups came in to do night dives. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Access in and out is good. The roads and sites are paved. Some sites have cable, and some have picnic tables under a pavilion. Rate reflects $5 per person park entry fee. We would stay here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
A typical state park--built in the 50's or 60's for travel trailers in the 22'-26' range when slide-outs were unheard of. Larger rigs might fit but just barely, and one has to hope their slide-outs also fit the site. The bathrooms needed renovation (missing shower curtains, soap dispensers, etc.) and overall a need to do a system renovation. This is a reflection of the poor state funding rather than the staff that served the park. The park supports a unique desert wetland environment that deserves greater priority from the state budget. The fee also is misleading. Although the camping fee is low, additional charges are added for each person or vehicle entering the state park. The total charge would be nearer $26 per day. Private parks in Texas normally provide a better product for this cost level. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Swimming pool is a swimmers dream. Grass ever where. Trees everywhere . Lovely mountain view . And has a very nice motel on site. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The rate is based on the purchase of an annual pass. This is a nice state park and the employees were very courteous. They now have Wi-Fi available but you must be in the vicinity of the office to get the signal and it is a pay system. I sat at a picnic table just outside the office and it worked fine. None of the sites have sewer hookups. We enjoyed our stay here and even used the pool. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is a wonderful park. The pool was refreshing and excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The sites are spread out and each has a covered picnic table and grill. We saw lots of rabbits and enjoyed the sunsets. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We had read about this park and wanted to see the spring/swimming pool. I think this park would appeal especially to those who are camping with children as they would get a big kick out of the pool. We were able to get a pull-thru site on the outside of the campground loop which gave us more privacy than those on the inside of the loop where you are pretty close to your neighbors. Besides the swimming pool, there is a small restored wetlands area and the grounds of the park are quite pretty. Accommodations are also available in San Solomon Springs Court which was constructed by the CCC out of adobe bricks made on site in the 1940s. Texas state parks have a rather complicated registration procedure and fee structure. There is an entrance fee as well as a camping fee. We would stay here again if we were in the area, but I don't think we would make it a destination stop. We camped here in a Motorhome.
The nightly rate was based on purchasing a Texas Park pass. A really charming CG with a warm water spring that is very busy, we were told, on the weekends. The spring was enclosed by the CCC and looks like a pool but it is a real spring and you will swim with the fishes. Although there is no shade, each site has a covered picnic area. Birding is excellent. Not much to do in the area but a great place to rest and recoup after a busy travel schedule. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Overall ok however there are several issues a potential camper must know about: 1. If not a Texas state park pass holder you must pay $5 per person per day (13 or older). This is not included in the camping cost. Example it was $32 per night for my family. 2. Camp ground portion is very sparse. No trees just basically cement, dirt and picnic table under cover. 3. No shower doors or curtains in the restrooms. Do not think that it is not a nice park to visit because the swimming area was great and the kids really enjoyed swimming there but it gets very crowed on weekends and holidays. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Beautiful desert oasis. It is a small park with the main attraction being San Solomon Springs. You can swim, snorkel or scuba dive in the crystal clear springs, the water is 20-25' deep at the deepest point. Davis Mountains State Park and the University of Texas McDonald Obvservatory are both nearby and worth a visit. All of the pull throughs are arc'd forcing you to turn when setting up with a big rig and making an awkward angle when hooking back up. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Great little state park at a charming site in West Texas. Lack of sewer hookups makes it difficult for long stays but it's an interesting location. We would stay here should we pass through West Texas again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
This park is truly is a desert oasis. Out in the middle of nowhere is the largest pool I have ever seen, built around an artesian spring that produces one million gallons per hour of some very clear water. A circular area of the pool 200 feet in diameter (and 25 feet deep) encloses the original spring. Two arms extend off this circular area, each about 300 feet long. One arm, which follows the original spring flow, is 25 feet deep. The other arm is 3 to 5 feet deep and suitable for small children. The campground can handle big rigs with many pull-through sites. Fee is $12 for water and electric plus $3 per person per day for the park entry fee. Not much to do here but swim in the pool, but after 3 days in Big Bend National Park with 105 degree temperatures, this was a welcome site. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Very interesting park. Has a large spring fed swimming pool. Interesting fish pools & streams. Park has motel & campground. Campground is not designed for big rigs-smaller motorhomes, small fifth wheels and trailers are fine. Sites are narrow, mostly pull-thrus that are blacktop. Park is clean and quiet. Great place for camping with kids. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Saddleback is a great bargain for an overnight stop and honors Passport America. All sites are 40' wide by 75' long, level, gravel, with full hookups, 50/30/20 amps. Each site is landscaped in a desert motif with native plants, cactus and has a small tree. We are in a fifth wheel so do not use campground bathrooms or showers. Easy I-10 on and off. Gas and convenience store at campground. Restaurant is no longer in business. We would stay here again when in the area. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Lovely place for a one night stop - we had good water and power, however it advertised a restaurant and it was closed last year according to the young lady on the desk. They also advertised satellite TV and there was none. Far too many cactus for our liking, and the sites are very narrow. When you step out your door you are practically in another person's site. For $10 I guess you can't complain, however they could really have a terrific place if they had Wi-Fi and widened the lots - there is plenty of space to do so1 We camped here in a Motorhome.
This was a great campground for an overnight stay with full hookups for only $10 with Passport America discount. The sites are long pull-through sites although they are a bit narrow with 4 slides out. Very nice landscaping around the park and we would definitely stay there again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This was the best deal of our trip! Wonderful overnight stay for a good price with our Passport America discount. We actually considered staying a day longer in order to rest up. Quiet, beautiful desert landscaping, with trees that were blooming. Downside was that there are no facilities for restrooms or showers. Restrooms at the gas station can be used, but they are not well-kept. Advertising states there is a restaurant there, but we did not see anything but snacks at the gas station. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This campground is fantastic for an overnight stop between central Texas and El Paso. That is all it is, an overnight stop. The $10 rate is paid in cash, based on Passport America membership. DO NOT make a reservation on line. The $18 charged to my credit card by Reservation Friends disappeared, and the phone number for that company has a voice mail that all customer service people are busy with other customers. We camped here in a Motorhome.
A great value with Passport America. Gravel sites very nicely landscaped considering it is in the desert. No cable working and I did not see showers or bathrooms except in truck stop. Great overnight stop...have a nature trail. New owner. We would stop again overnight...cheap and clean level sites. We camped here in a Motorhome.
I gave this park a "10" because it is perfect for an overnight place to stay. We did not even have to unhitch. The lots are gravel but are kept in a very neat, orderly manner. It is easy to find and just off the interstate but not near any noise. This is a "Passport America" Park. We paid one-half price of $10.00. Would stay again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a basic park for a stop over. There is nothing there except for a gas station which is where you register for the RV park. PA rate is $10 for full services. My Air Card would not work so no internet for 2 days. The cable TV only got one channel. Be sure and check the weather before leaving as winds are a problem in this area. We had to stay an extra day because of a wind storm and were glad we did. If you have time go down to the Balmorhea as they have a huge swimming pool that is fed by underground springs. We missed this as we chose to drive in to Fort Stockton which was a waste of time. We met some interesting people at happy hour as the rigs were pulling off the highway in the storm. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
The park is a basic park for a traveler. It is just off the Interstate but noise is not a problem. The sites are all stone/gravel, large and clean. I was disappointed that the bar was not open as the wife and I love our happy hours but that is life during a recession. I would definately plan to stop here during my travels up and down I-10 as there is fuel, a restaurant and a convenience store. The rate posted is a Passport Rate We camped here in a Motorhome.
We stopped here for an overnight. It's right off I-10 at the FINA truck stop, but the road noise was not an issue and we had a quiet nights sleep. The cable TV was not working, nor was the Wi-Fi working. When we asked about it, we were told that they weren't sure when they would be working again...even though they are offered on their website. There is a restaurant in the truck stop store (where you register for the RV park) that is open from 6:00 am to 2:00 PM, and there is another restaurant/bar next door. The bar is open every night, but the restaurant is only open on Saturday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, where the food was less than satisfying...read: we would never eat there again... There was only one other fifth wheel along side us. The sites are neat and clean, each site is bordered with small stones and the entire park is small gravel, which was nicely maintained. This is a good place for an over night stop, but we would not want to spend more time than that. We would stop here again when passing through. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
A well kept facility. It was empty when we were here. It is right off the interstate.A good place for an overnight stay enroute to a destination. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
This is the Passport America rate. This is a no-frills park, good for an overnight stop. It is adjacent to a Truck Stop on Interstate 10, exit 212. The pull-through sites are spacious with plenty of room for slides. The hookups were perfectly positioned for our motor home. Although next to the interstate, I was not disturb by the road noise. The staff says they are working on providing WiFi. (866) 847-4398 We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is not a destination park, but if you need a place to stay for the night ,and you don't need any of their facilities, it will work just fine. The price is good for what you get - level, pull through sites,and full hook-ups. However, you do need to be self-contained as you would not want to walk to the gas station that serves as the office and bathroom facilities. The restaurant on site is very good. We had an excellent steak dinner! We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Sites are long (100 ft. pull throughs) and level with little shade to block satellite dishes. We paid the Passport America rate of $10/night. There is a restaurant, not fancy, but OK for breakfast, a nature trail through 5 acres of desert. Ft. Davis and McDonald observatory are a day trip away. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We camped using Passport America. We couldn't use the water because the faucet was located under a hatch, and the hole was full of water. In the site next to us, the water connection was not available. We ran a hose over to another site, where the valve leaked, and filled our tank. We were alone in the park except for a travel trailer and a class C motorhome which were old and in poor repair. It was decent for an overnight stop We camped here in a Motorhome.
Only $10 with Passport America. This is a no-frills nightly stopover park just off I-10, far enough to not be noisy. All the sites are pull-thru with no need to disconnect. The sites are all gravel, nicely spaced with young trees. The parks are well behind a "saloon," gas station/convenience store, and cafe. There is also adjoining parking for truckers that I assume could also be used for overnight boondocking if you just need a place to park and sleep. Otherwise, not much else around. We camped here in a Motorhome.