roadtripper9673822

This is the only traditional 'campground' loop in the State Park. Other sites are generally individual or group sites. There are 15 sites, all with covered tables and fire rings. This campground has no hookups, but a very clean pit toilet. No dump station in the park. Plan accordingly. Headquarters (you passed it coming in) is a mile to the west. You can take showers and, there is water available and a nice gift shop. If you want 'remote' remote! But feel more comfortable pretending you're in a 'real' campground, this is perfect. You are not too far from headquarters, but behind hills that give you a complete sense of 'alone'. Because you are! If you happen to pass a vehicle or see other campers you know it's 'high' season. I've been in the park when there is not another camper...in over 300,000 acres.

This is a very remote state park. As such, if you are pulling a rig, figure 2 hours on a rough, gravel road to get 27 miles to headquarters. You can purchase permits in Presidio at Ft. Leaton and stay in a camp site BEFORE you get to headquarters. Unhook and start driving. No one will mess with your stuff, because no one is there. The "Ranch" headquarters sits in the middle of the State Park, so once you are there, understand you still have a lot of driving to do. Many sites are 4x4 only. However, many sites, just off the main road are accessible towing a trailer, but you will have to take it SLOW.

This campground would make a great base camp for meeting up with friends and then driving/hiking the park. Realize you may drive another hour to get to a trailhead. Be sure and count that into your time on the trail. BUT, there are lots of trails and old 4x4 roads to hike. NO DOGS allowed on any TRAILS. You can hike with your dog on the roads. You cannot leave your dog unattended.

If you are going to the 'interior' pack enough food, water, etc. for your stay. It's a 4 hour round trip to pick up a loaf of bread. Fill your gas take in Presidio, take extra water. On the hiking trails and in the park there are many water sources, but you'll need a filter system and don't rely on only those sources. Carry water. This park is unbearable from about June-August, over 100 degrees. Other seasons don't be surprised if you hit 90+. Including January.

It's a toss up if the stars or dead quiet will overwhelm you more. This is not a 'quick' trip location, take your time, prepare properly and stay as long as your food holds out.

Are are several campgrounds in this park. The Lakeview campground is close to the lake. We stayed at the North Concho Campground, which had great hiking, but no access to the lake.
BEWARE: This Lake is currently at low levels, not dry, but you'll hike to the lake.
In summer, expect West Texas heat, but fall and weather are great. Fishing depends on lake levels. Great family park with playground, boat ramps, showers and a variety of campsites.
Sits just on the city limits of San Angelo, which is a great town to visit and see the historic district. Be sure and tour the original whore house!
Something for everyone, and if you get tired of campfire food, travel into town.
Noise depended on site, but there are a lot of choices.
This park is less than 90 minutes from us, so it's a favorite when we want a quick trip.

Easy access. The sites are spread out, carefully choose for a level site. Felt safe, deputy sheriff on site.

This is a rest area between Alpine & Marfa on Hwy 90. No amenities or rest room. Right off the road set in the trees with tables & BBQ pits. A perfect stop when you are just ready to rest. I felt safe with my pup. Very scenic and less traffic than down the road at the Marfa Lights Rest Area.
No cell service.
Personally, I forget to mention this, because I don't camp to use to my cell. Except as a camera, so I'll forget to check.
Some traffic noise, and the RR tracks run close by. But for FREE, what do you expect?
Expect a beautiful sunset.

I was traveling through TN, this park is just south of I40 about 2 miles. There are several campgrounds, some further out. I stayed in the campground closest to the visitors center as I was just overnighting. Staff was great. This is an older park, bathrooms a little dated. I had electric/water hookups. The campground I stayed in was for horse owners, obviously lots of great trails. I got decent cell service, no WiFi. I love these older parks. I didn't see any gas/stores at the hwy exit. Along I40 there was one state park after another, lots of choices.

Well. This is not your usual campsite. This is a roadside rest area, where people park to watch the Marfa Lights south of the parking lot. Years ago this was a pull out, where local kids parked and 'watched' for the lights. These days its a gathering spot for grown ups watching for the mystical lights while traveling Hwy 90. I was too tired from driving 8 hours to get this far, that I'm sorry to say I fell asleep before 11. LOL. But, I have seen them.
You literally pull up and park and just set up camp. You'll have company and visitors from the local towns to keep you company.
Marfa and Alpine are both about 25 miles in opposite directions. Stop and eat, or, pick up dinner on your way and other supplies. Those are also the last cities if you are heading into Big Bend where there is a good selection of supplies.
There is no water, no hook ups and no dumpstation (go to Marfa or Alpine). However, there is the most FANTASTIC pit toilets you have ever seen. OMG, such architectural style! LOL
There is also a nice hiking path, with lots of local info on plaques. Enjoy stretching your legs.
Don't miss Alicia's Burrito Palace or the Reata in Alpine. THose are at two ends of the price spectrum.
Remember to gass up in every town you pass. Gas stations are few and far between and frequently don't get delivery of fuel.
Oh, and once last thing, this rest area is on the Rail Road tracks, be prepared for the sounds.

We stopped here on our way to Northern NM. Flat valley surrounded by Mountains. Awesome fishing for boats. Fishing from the bank was not easy. Wide spots, no hookups. The little town of Eagle Nest has some great spots to eat. TONS of fishing supplies and small stores. If you are a fisherman/woman this is a great place to stay a while. No Hiking or trails and this park does set right outside of town. While the drive into the park is through town, once you get to the park you see nothing but lake. Since, from here you head into mountains, this is a great rest stop.

This is another campground on the Texas Forts Trail, so don't miss Fort Griffin!
Sites are widely spaced variety of hookup options, dump station.
Texas Longhorns reside here.
Fishing, boating available.
About 30 miles north of Albany, which is a great little town to visit. Great stop for supplies before heading out. Try the Beehive for real Texas Steaks.
Great playground, kids enjoy riding bikes on the roads. Some trails.
Quiet, check for burn bans.
Cell service? IDK.

Visitor headquarters has a great gift shop. Bathroom house in park.

Lost Maples is a great campground that is often overlooked in people's eagerness to get to the more popular Garner State Park down the road. Lost Maples is known for it's fall color, but is great other times of the year.
30 amp service, water, no sewer, but a dump station.
Only 30 sites, back in only. Older shower house that is kept clean.
Great hiking trails, creek runs through campground, but not deep enough to swim in, splashing & floating enjoyable. Great small pond.
This park is deep in the hill country, don't expect long straight Texas roads, But curvy dips and beautiful vistas. Very popular with tent campers and motorcyclists.
Small park, not a party station. Nice day use area for hikers.
Very popular birding destination.
No cell service. Drive two miles south of park, you can get service.
WiFi at Park Headquarters.

You don't go here to Camp and I'm not impressed with the campground. Basic sites, varying amenities, HOT in summer. But, Clean bath house. On the fun side, it's over run with jack rabbits. You've never seen so many jack rabbits. However, people don't go here to camp, they go here to SWIM. Fantastic CCC spring fed swimming pool that is so deep in sections that divers come here to qualify. There is also a great historic motel. Cabins that are reasonable. Short hiking trail through the 'wetlands'.
Balmorhea is not much of a town, basic supplies and gas. This is however a great place to take a break from I20 and a must see if going south into Big Bend Country. You won't regret spending at least one night here during hot weather and if you have kids they will NOT want to leave. Lots of 'townies' on the weekend, get down to the pool early and stake a spot. Where in earth the townies come from, who knows! Bring your floaties and rubber ducks.
This is not your typical camping experience, but oh what fun you'll have cooling off!