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Illustrative landscape
Balmorhea State Park is home to the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool — a 1.75-acre, 77-degree pool fed by San Solomon Springs. Located in the desert foothills of the Davis Mountains, the crystal-clear pool supports endangered fish species and provides a stunning oasis in the arid West Texas landscape.
Campsites
33 campsites
Region
West Texas
Guide rate from
$20/night*
Entrance
$7/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Water + Electric
$20/night*18 sites
Water, 20/30-amp electric, picnic table, grill, fire ring; restroom with showers nearbyRV OKTent OK
Water + Electric
$30/night*15 sites
Water, 20/30/50-amp electric, pull-through; most have a shelter over the picnic table. Tents not allowedRV OK
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Toyahvale, Texas
Balmorhea State Park is in West Texas, about 5 hr 30 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the back-in water/electric sites — they allow tents and sit near the restroom with showers
For Privacy:The pull-through sites with a shelter over the picnic table offer welcome shade in the desert heat
For RVs:Pull-through sites have 50-amp service and are the easiest for larger rigs to maneuver into
When to Go
March through October. Summer weekends sell out months in advance. The pool is open year-round but lifeguards are seasonal.
Tips
- →Book as early as possible — this park is extremely popular
- →Bring snorkeling gear to see the endangered pupfish
- →Visit McDonald Observatory for star parties (30 minutes away)
- →Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F — the pool is your friend
Highlights
World's largest spring-fed swimming poolCrystal-clear 77-degree water year-roundScuba diving and snorkeling allowedDesert scenery with mountain viewsEndangered Comanche Springs pupfish habitatClose to Davis Mountains and McDonald Observatory
Balmorhea State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Balmorhea State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Balmorhea State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. March through October. Summer weekends sell out months in advance. The pool is open year-round but lifeguards are seasonal. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Balmorhea State Park have?+
Balmorhea State Park has 33 campsites, including Water + Electric. Published guide rates start at $20/night plus a $7/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Balmorhea State Park?+
The entrance fee at Balmorhea State Park is $7 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Balmorhea State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Balmorhea State Park?+
Cancellations at Balmorhea State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Toyahvale for your dates.