Davis Mountains State Park

P O Box 1707
Fort Davis TX 79734
432/426-3337

Indian Lodge
432/426-3254
Indian.Lodge@tpwd.state.tx.us

History: Davis Mountains State Park, 2708.9 acres in size, is located in Jeff Davis County, four miles northwest of Fort Davis, approximately halfway between Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Carlsbad Caverns, and Big Bend National Park. The original portion of the park was deeded to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by a local family. Original improvements were accomplished by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933; the park has been open to the public in since the late 1930s; formal campground facilities were added in 1967.

The Davis Mountains, the most extensive mountain range in Texas, were formed by volcanic activity during the Tertiary geologic period, which began around 65 million years ago. These mountains were named after Jefferson Davis, U.S. Secretary of War and later President of the Confederacy, who ordered the construction of the Fort Davis army post. Most Indian bands passed through the Davis Mountains, although the Mescalero Apaches made seasonal camps. As west Texas settlements increased, raiding in Mexico and along the San Antonio-El Paso Trail became a way of life for Apaches, Kiowas, and Comanches. Few Americans had seen the Davis Mountains prior to 1846. After the war with Mexico, a wave of gold seekers, settlers, and traders came through the area and needed the protection of a military post - Fort Davis. Fort Davis was active from 1854 until 1891, except for certain periods during the Civil War. In 1961, the historic fort ruins were declared a National Historic Site, and a vast restoration/preservation program was initiated by the National Park Service.

• Interpretive Guide to State Parks of the Davis Mountains (PDF 1.1 MB)

Activities: Activities include camping, sightseeing, nature study, picnicking, hiking, backpacking, day and overnight equestrian use, mountain biking, and interpretive programs. Attractions include scenic drives, two scenic overlooks, and 4 miles of hiking trails connecting with Fort Davis National Historic Site. Stargazing after closed hours on Skyline Drive is allowed; registration required at headquarters - activity fee applies.

• Watch YouTube video of the Park & Indian Lodge.
• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months at Davis Mountains SP
• Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months at Indian Lodge
• More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page

Area Attractions: Indian Lodge is located within Davis Mountains State Park. Nearby attractions include Big Bend Ranch State Park; Fort Leaton State Historic Site and the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center/Museum at Lajitas; Fort Davis National Historic Site, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and Visitors' Center, McDonald Observatory, and a 74-mile scenic loop through the Davis Mountains. Nearby are scenic Limpia, Madera and Musquiz canyons; Camino del Rio; the ghost town of Shafter; Sul Ross State University in Alpine, site of the Museum of the Big Bend. The Marfa Mystery Lights are a short drive away. For information on the community of Fort Davis, visit the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce web site at www.fortdavis.com. For more information on this region go to the Texas Historical Commission - Texas Mountain Trail web site.

Campsites & Other Facilities: The northern half of the park, north of State Highway 118, has been designated the Limpia Canyon Primitive Area, a special use area (fee required). Currently, it includes 10 miles of backcountry hiking trails with primitive tent campsites, primitive equestrian-only campsites, a secured parking area, a host campsite. Developed facilities south of State Highway 118 include restrooms with and without showers; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; campsites with water, electricity, sewer, and cable TV connection; a group picnic area with tables, an outdoor amphitheater (capacity 200 - no fee); picnic sites; a playground; an interpretive center (staffed by volunteers); 9 miles of hiking trails (not including the Limpia Creek Primitive Area) ; and a Texas State Park Store. Special rates are available (Contact the park for information). A self-registration station is available at the headquarters for visitors arriving after office hours and/or park host duty hours. Campsite availability and status information are posted each evening.

Within Davis Mountains State Park is the Indian Lodge, built by the (CCC) during the early 1930s. Indian Lodge has 39 rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool (for Indian Lodge guests only), meeting rooms, a Texas State Park Store, and 24-hour staffing.

• Fees
• Map of Park(PDF 160.3 KB)

Check Availability/Make Reservations for Davis Mountains State Park
You can also make e-mail reservations, fax reservations or phone reservations.

Natural Features: Extremes of altitude averaging 1-mile high produce both plains grasslands and pinyon juniper-oak woodlands. Montezuma quail, usually farther west, are regularly observed in the park. Scattered stands of ponderosa and the more common pinyon pine, mixed with oak and juniper, cover higher elevations. During wet years, the park abounds in wildflowers. Emory and gray oak and one-seed juniper are the most common trees in the park. Emory oak is predominant along Keesey Creek. Scarlet bouvardia, little-leaf leadtree, trompillo, evergreen sumac, fragrant sumac, Apache plum, little walnut, treecholla, Torrey yucca, catclaw acacia, and agarito are conspicuous shrubs, some of which flower abundantly.

The interpretive center overlooks the wildlife watering station where scrub jays, white-wing doves, curve-billed thrashers, and rock squirrels are among the most common wildlife seen.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

• Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Elevation: 5000 - 6000 Average rainfall: 18.9
Weather: Winters are often below freezing. Summers have hot days, usually low humidity, and cool nights. Temperatures drop dramatically after sunset, so bring a jacket year-round. The Davis Mountains area is greener and supports grasses and trees along with expected desert plants. The mile-high altitude provides cool, pleasant summer weather and crisp nights. Winter visitors may be treated to an occasional snowfall over the scenic landscape. The Northern Chihuahuan Desert encompasses Fort Davis and the surrounding area.

• National Weather Service forecast for this area

Schedule: Open year round. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months at Davis Mountains SP.

Directions: The park is reached by traveling 1 mile north of Fort Davis on State Highway 17 to State Highway 118N, then west on State Highway 118N for 3 miles to Park Road 3 entrance.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

More Promotions.