Balmorhea State Park (2024)

BALMORHEA STATE PARK

BALMORHEA STATE PARK
9207 Texas 17
Toyahvale, Texas79786

(lat:30.944 lon:-103.7862) Balmorhea State Park (1)

Phone: 432-375-2370
Reservations: 512-389-8900

Balmorhea State Park is located on 45.9 acres in the foothills of the Davis Mountains southwest of Balmorhea in Reeves County. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930s, the park was deeded in 1934 by private owners and Reeves County Water Improvement District No. 1. The park was opened in 1968.

Nature of the Area

The Balmorhea State Park Cienega Project, which recreated a desert wetland in West Texas, has won a 1998 Texas Quality Initiative Award for "innovation" from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and its cooperative partners. Described as a "classic win-win situation by organizations ranging from the Texas Organization for Endangered Species to the Cotton Council, the Balmorhea Cienega Project conceived by the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) was awarded the TQI award for its unprecedented cooperative effort among the local farming community, and a host of state and federal agencies. The pacesetting project spearheaded by TPW fisheries biologist Dr. Gary Garrett brought together such diverse interests as the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Protection Agency with the Texas Department of Agriculture, TxDOT, Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Reeves County Water Improvement District #1. Special acknowledgment goes to TPW staff David Riskind, Delton Daugherty, Kelly Bryan, Michael Young, and Tom Johnson.

The cienega now serves not only as an attractive habitat for endangered fish and other aquatic life, birds and other animals, but also as a tourism draw for Balmorhea State Park.

History of the Area

San Solomon Springs has provided water for travelers for thousands of years. Artifacts indicate Indians used the spring extensively before white men came to the area. In 1849, the springs were called Mescalero Springs for the Mescalero Apache Indians who watered their horses along its banks. The present name was given by the first settlers, Mexican farmers who used the water for their crops and hand-dug the first irrigation canals.

Situated about four miles west of Balmorhea, Texas, the 45.9-acre Balmorhea State Park was constructed by Company 1856 of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, between 1936 and 1941. The CCC was established as a New Deal program by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression as a way to employ people that would have otherwise been out of work. Many of the state parks in Texas were developed during this time.

The 77,053 square ft San Solomon Spring is the focal point of Balmorhea State Park. From 22 to 28 million gallons of water flow through the spring-fed swimming pool each day. Other CCC structures in the park include a limestone concession building, two wooden bathhouses, an adobe superintendent residence, and San Solomon Courts, an early expression of the modern-day motel, constructed of adobe bricks. All of the CCC buildings are constructed in a Spanish Colonial style with stucco exteriors and tile roofs.

Visitors to Balmorhea State Park can enjoy a swim in the CCC-constructed pool and, if staying overnight, may choose to relax in one of the historic rooms at San Solomon Courts. The lobby of the park office includes several photographs of the CCC at work in what is now Balmorhea State Park. When visiting the park, take time to see what the park property looked like in the late 1930s and what it looks like today. Balmorhea State Park is a substantial monument to the construction skills and hard work of the CCC crew and their supervisors.

Camping

Facilities include restrooms with showers; campsites with a shade shelter and water; campsites with a shade shelter, water, and electricity; pull-through campsites with water, electricity, and cable TV hookups; campsites without a shade shelter, with water and electricity.

Location

Balmorhea State Park is

Area Attractions

Nearby points of interest are Davis Mountains State Park, Indian Lodge, Fort Davis National Historic Site, McDonald Observatory, Replica of Judge Roy Bean's West of the Pecos Museum, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, Sul Ross State University; Museum of the Big Bend, the Mystery Marfa Lights, Anne Riggs Museum; Rooney Park; and Ste. Genevieve Vineyard/Winery.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

August 15 Emily Marquez by Emily_M

Balmorhea State Park (2)

July 7 Awesome little get away by Fernandez Family

Balmorhea State Park (3) Family and I just bought a small RV and decided to try it out. Balmorhea State Park is only 3 hours or so from El Paso. I was hesitant at first, but pleasantly surprised! Extremely nice people in town, and at the site. Wild life was cool, pools were awesome. Will go again God willing, kids had a great time.

August 31 Worth Going Back to Over and Again by Kimberly D.

Balmorhea State Park (4) This park provides the perfect setting for time with your family and friends; swimming, picnics, hikes, diving; local areas to hunt and fish; as well as the wonderful staff at the park. It makes for year round fun!

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Directions

The park is located 4 miles southwest of Balmorhea on State Highway 17, in Toyahvale. From I-10 westbound, take Balmorhea exit (exit #206); FM 2903 south to Balmorhea; State Highway 17 east 4 miles to the Park. From I-10 eastbound, take Toyahvale/Ft. Davis exit (exit #192); Ranch Road 3078 east approximately 12 miles to the park.

Balmorhea State Park (2024)

FAQs

How deep is Balmorhea pool? ›

The pool has a large main circular area 25-feet deep with two long rectangular arms extending out. One arm is three to five-feet deep, the other is 20-feet deep. The circular pool is reserved for scuba divers while the two arms are open to swimmers and snorkelers.

What is balmorhea known for? ›

Balmorhea is known for its crystal-clear waters that are home to the Balmorhea State Park and Balmorhea Lake. The lake provides an ideal habitat for many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. It's also one of the few places in Texas where you can experience natural hot springs.

Is alcohol allowed at Balmorhea State Park? ›

Park closes at 7:30 p.m. or sunset, whichever comes first. Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited. Gathering of firewood is prohibited. Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site.

What to bring to Balmorhea? ›

Take noodles or floats, snorkel gear, and a picnic. The state park store has a few swim accessories but you may want to take your own to make sure you get to see the turtles and fish.

Where does the water from Balmorhea come from? ›

Come visit the uniqueness and the beauty of Balmorhea, created by the continuous flow of water from San Solomon Springs.

Are there fish in Balmorhea pool? ›

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience Balmorhea, offering an up-close look at the pool's underwater world. Snorkelers can swim with turtles, pupfish and schools of minnows, and look for catfish patrolling the deep.

How much does it cost to go to Balmorhea State Park? ›

DAY USE FEE: $7 per person, age 13 and older. Day use fee not required for guests of the San Solomon Courts. OFFICE AND GATE INFORMATION: Office is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 5pm. Gate is open 7 days a week from 8am to 7:30 PM or sunset, whichever comes first.

What is the meaning of balmorhea? ›

Balmorhea was named for the three land developers who sent their agent, Ira M. Cole, to file the plat for the townsite. Their names were Balcum, Morrow, and Rhea. A public school was organized, and a post office opened in 1908.

Is Balmorhea pool open year round? ›

Spring-fed pool hours are from 8 am to 7:30 pm (or sunset, whichever comes first) year-round. Pool bathhouses close 30 minutes before pool closing. Swimming is not allowed in the canals.

Can you drink beer in Texas state parks? ›

Venomous snakes cannot be tolerated in campsites, but let the ranger take care of the problem. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in state parks.

Can you drink in public parks in Utah? ›

State law prohibits consuming liquor in public places. A person may not be intoxicated in a public place to a degree as to endanger himself or another, or unreasonably disturb others.

Can you bring alcohol to Blue Springs? ›

Fireworks and hunting are prohibited in all Florida State Parks. Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed in designated areas only.

How shallow is Balmorhea State Park? ›

About the Balmorhea State Park pool

More than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool each day, gushing from the San Solomon Springs. The 1.3- acre pool is up to 25 feet deep, holds 3.5 million gallons of water and the water temperature stays at 72 to 76 degrees year-round.

What is the history of Balmorhea Lake? ›

The reservoir was built in 1917 by the construction of a dam by the Reeves County Water Improvement District. The reservoir provides water for irrigation, and is a popular recreational spot for locals. Balmorhea Lake is also known as Lower Parks Reservoir.

Can you bring food to Blue Springs? ›

No food or drinks allowed inside tubes. Food and drinks are allowed when kayaking. There are accessible covered pavilions with accessible grills. All pavilions are first come, first served.

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