The best camping in Balmorhea State Park, TX

The main attraction here is the massive, 1.3-acre, 3.5-million gallon, spring-fed swimming pool. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s around the San Solomon Springs, it’s long been a popular spot to cool off with a swim, snorkel, or scuba dive, with depths of up to 25 feet. The park is also home to two reconstructed cienegas (desert wetlands) that support endangered fish, birds, and other wildlife. The Balmorhea Campground and CCC-constructed San Solomon Springs Court motel are your overnight options.

1. During peak season, plan to make a reservation as soon as you know your dates. Campsites can be reserved five months in advance.
2. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive at the park first thing in the morning to try and grab unreserved sites available for walk-ups.
3. If your plans are flexible, visit during the week, during non-holiday periods, or over winter for the best chance at a reservation.

Summer and weekends are the most popular times here. Water temperatures average 72°F to 76°F year-round and are particularly refreshing in the heat of summer. The park has strict capacity limits of 650 people per day, so it’s best to make reservations ahead of time. Visit during the week or over winter for the best chances of entry. The pool is usually closed for a week in early May for its annual cleaning, while a café serving snacks and water recreation items is open on weekends, during spring break, and on some weekdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• There are no lifeguards at the pool. Swimmers under 15 must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult over 17. Swimming is not permitted in the canals.
• There is no extra fee for swimming, but there is a dive fee for scuba divers, who must be certified and dive in pairs.
• Pets, glass containers, and alcohol are prohibited in the pool area.
• Do not catch or feed the fish or turtles in the pool or park.