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campermom · 07-22-2007, 12:40 AM

The drive from South Llano wasn't that bad. We stopped at Fort Lancaster SP in Sheffield. Upon arrival mid-day on a Saturday, we found the place locked up tight with no one in sight. I was looking forward to an air conditioned restroom, as were 3 other car loads of people who arrived after we did. The fort is located about 14 miles off the interstate and quite easy to find since there is little else out there. The fort is all ruins. We did make use of one of the 3 shaded picnic tables in front of the visitors center, (and a bush around the side.)

We knew we were getting close when we turned left at Balmorhea SP and the terrain began to change immediately. The road winded slowly up through foothills which seemed to come up out of nowhere. I found myself driving on the bumpies, distracted by the scenery. I made sure the windshield was kept clean so I could snap pictures while driving. We arrived just after the office had closed. On a bulletin board were several maps with last names of folks who had reservations and site assignments were made already. We made camp and then needed to decide if we were going to the Star Party or not. A large dark cloud was rumbling nearby so we put it off for another time. Instead, we drove the scenic loop to the top of a mountain for an hour hike. The kids just took off, ( what kid wouldn't after being in the car all day). When we returned to camp, what had been a vacant camping loop became BSA headquarters. A troop from Austin, who had been on the road since 7am, had arrived ( they stopped at the Caverns Of Sonora). They were very well behaved and silent. They were gearing up for a long hike in the morning to earn their backpacking badge. We let the kids watch a DVD on the laptop before going to sleep.

In the morning, I drove up to the office to check-in. That's when we found out that TexDOT was paving the park Monday morning and all campers needed to vacate by 8am. Ewwww. I asked if they could call Balmorhea for me to hold a site and they did. They were very helpful and seemed happy they could help.

We drove into town and let the kids explore Fort Davis NHS. They completed the Junior Ranger program. Upon completion, they were given a choice between a badge or a patch. The boys got the opposite from each other but wanted the other which they hadn't earned. The ranger said we could go back another day and do the older kid version for another badge or patch. Good to know ( we did end up going back another day).

We returned to Davis SP to break camp. Although we were there a short time, I know I would enjoy camping there again sometime. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, the interpretive center had nice exhibits, restrooms very well kept, including a hand held shower head in the handicapped which is a great place to shower your kid, clear skies, cool nights, and a wonderful view in every direction. We didn't even get up to see the hotel. I won't worry about that, I know there will be another trip someday.

07-22-2007, 12:40 AM	#5
campermom Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE San Antonio Posts: 354	Re: Davis Mountains The drive from South Llano wasn't that bad. We stopped at Fort Lancaster SP in Sheffield. Upon arrival mid-day on a Saturday, we found the place locked up tight with no one in sight. I was looking forward to an air conditioned restroom, as were 3 other car loads of people who arrived after we did. The fort is located about 14 miles off the interstate and quite easy to find since there is little else out there. The fort is all ruins. We did make use of one of the 3 shaded picnic tables in front of the visitors center, (and a bush around the side.) We knew we were getting close when we turned left at Balmorhea SP and the terrain began to change immediately. The road winded slowly up through foothills which seemed to come up out of nowhere. I found myself driving on the bumpies, distracted by the scenery. I made sure the windshield was kept clean so I could snap pictures while driving. We arrived just after the office had closed. On a bulletin board were several maps with last names of folks who had reservations and site assignments were made already. We made camp and then needed to decide if we were going to the Star Party or not. A large dark cloud was rumbling nearby so we put it off for another time. Instead, we drove the scenic loop to the top of a mountain for an hour hike. The kids just took off, ( what kid wouldn't after being in the car all day). When we returned to camp, what had been a vacant camping loop became BSA headquarters. A troop from Austin, who had been on the road since 7am, had arrived ( they stopped at the Caverns Of Sonora). They were very well behaved and silent. They were gearing up for a long hike in the morning to earn their backpacking badge. We let the kids watch a DVD on the laptop before going to sleep. In the morning, I drove up to the office to check-in. That's when we found out that TexDOT was paving the park Monday morning and all campers needed to vacate by 8am. Ewwww. I asked if they could call Balmorhea for me to hold a site and they did. They were very helpful and seemed happy they could help. We drove into town and let the kids explore Fort Davis NHS. They completed the Junior Ranger program. Upon completion, they were given a choice between a badge or a patch. The boys got the opposite from each other but wanted the other which they hadn't earned. The ranger said we could go back another day and do the older kid version for another badge or patch. Good to know ( we did end up going back another day). We returned to Davis SP to break camp. Although we were there a short time, I know I would enjoy camping there again sometime. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, the interpretive center had nice exhibits, restrooms very well kept, including a hand held shower head in the handicapped which is a great place to shower your kid, clear skies, cool nights, and a wonderful view in every direction. We didn't even get up to see the hotel. I won't worry about that, I know there will be another trip someday. __________________ Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.