Balmorhea State Park — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about camping at Balmorhea State Park. Updated for 2026.
How much does it cost to camp at Balmorhea State Park?
Campsites at Balmorhea State Park range from $15 to $25 per night, plus a $7/person daily entrance fee. Water + Electric (Main Loop): $25/night. Water + Electric (Desert View): $20/night. Tent Only (Overflow): $15/night.
How far in advance can I book Balmorhea State Park?
Texas state parks open reservations 5 months in advance. For popular weekends at Balmorhea State Park, you'll want to book the moment the window opens — at midnight, exactly 5 months before your arrival date. Midweek stays are much easier to find.
How many campsites does Balmorhea State Park have?
Balmorhea State Park has 34 total sites. 18 Water + Electric sites in the Main Loop loop, 8 Water + Electric sites in the Desert View loop, 8 Tent Only sites in the Overflow loop.
What's the best campsite at Balmorhea State Park?
It depends on what you're looking for. For Families: Sites 1-18 (Main Loop) — water/electric, steps from the pool. For Privacy: Sites 19-26 (Desert View) — set back from pool, quieter. For RVs: Sites 1-18 (Main Loop) — level pull-through pads with hookups.
What should I bring to Balmorhea State Park?
Essentials: tent or RV (depending on site type), sleeping bags, cooler with ice, firewood (can't collect wood in most Texas parks), sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, and headlamps. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 100°F — the pool is your friend
When is the best time to visit Balmorhea State Park?
March through October. Summer weekends sell out months in advance. The pool is open year-round but lifeguards are seasonal.
What if Balmorhea State Park is sold out?
Use Camp.land to set a free availability alert. We scan official booking systems every 5 minutes and notify you the instant a cancellation happens. People cancel all the time — especially midweek. You can also try walk-up sites on the day of arrival, but availability isn't guaranteed.
Does Balmorhea State Park have shelters?
Balmorhea State Park doesn't have traditional cabins, but offers Water + Electric, Water + Electric, Tent Only camping options.
Can I bring an RV to Balmorhea State Park?
Yes. Water + Electric (Main Loop): max 18 sites, Water, 30-amp Electric. Water + Electric (Desert View): max 8 sites, Water, 20-amp Electric. Check equipment length limits for your specific RV.
How far is Balmorhea State Park from Austin?
Balmorhea State Park is about 5 hr 30 min from downtown Austin. Located near Toyahvale, TX in the West Texas region.
Balmorhea State Park sold out?
Set an alert and we’ll text you when a campsite opens up. We scan every 5 minutes.
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