Description

The Saddleback RV Park is a small, basic, and well-maintained campground conveniently located at the junction of Interstate I-10 and Highway TX-17 near Balmorhea, Texas. The park is a good place to stop while passing through this area of western Texas.

Location

I-10 Fuel Travelstop & Saddleback RV Park
I-10 & Hwy 17, Mile Marker 212
Balmorhea, TX 79718
saddlebackmountainrv.com
(432) 813-0902
Latitude: 30.992615 N, Longitude: -103.664523 W, Elevation: 3,196 ft (974 m)

Details

We stayed for two-nights at the Saddleback RV Park in early November, 2019.

The check-in process was a bit confusing for us – instructions were not conveyed when we called for a reservation and our assigned site was already occupied – it took a while for us to locate the park host, make payment, and get an alternate site (just pick an empty one – move the traffic cones, if necessary). Staff were friendly, despite the mix up.

Cost

For two-nights at a 50 amp full hookup gravel pull-thru site, we paid about $20 per night. There were no additional fees for pets or an extra vehicle. Monthly rates are available.

Ratings (1-5)

Accessibility – 4/5

The campground is easily accessible from Interstate I-10 and Highway TX-17. Lanes in the park are reasonably well-maintained gravel. The park has pull-thru RV sites and can accommodate large rigs. The travel center and other facilities have some provisions for Universal access.

Heavy rains during our stay left large mud puddles in some areas of the park – lanes and parking areas could use some maintenance.

Facilities/Amenities – 3/5

This is a no-frills park – amenities include full hookup 50/30 amp RV sites with gas station, travel center, laundry room, restaurant, bar, and ice machine available on site. Facilities are clean and reasonably well-maintained.

Site quality – 3/5

RV sites are full hookup with 50/30 amp electric. Park sites are pull-thru, gravel, clean, and some have desert shade trees.

Scenic Value – 2/5

The campground is very basic and utilitarian. There are some nice plantings of succulents, cacti, and desert shade trees between sites in several of the campground rows. There are expansive views of scrubby desert landscape and a hiking trail from the campground.

Location/Isolation – 2/5

The campground is next to Interstate I-10 and gets traffic noise. Most sites are fair sized with enough separation to not feel crowded.

Paws Friendliness – 3/5

The campground is pet friendly, but does not have cleanup stations or an enclosed off-leash pet run. The campground is large enough for a fair walk with your pet. Caution – this is a desert environment – be especially careful of hot surfaces, cacti, and critters!

Overall Rating – 3/5

Overall, the Saddleback RV Park is a convenient no-frills place to stay while passing through the vastness of west Texas.

Additional info

Internet access

We received a moderate 4G Verizon signal at this campground. The campground did not provide WiFi. WiFi hot spots may be available at the travel center.

Water Quality

The water at this campground tested moderately hard.

Nearby Amenities

A gas station, travel center, laundry room, restaurant, bar, and ice machine are available on site. A limited selection of grocery stores, restaurants, and automotive services are available nearby in Balmorhea, Texas (6 miles). A wider range of shopping and services are available in Fort Stockton, Texas (53 miles), or El Paso, Texas (189 miles).

Nearby attractions

Here are a few local attractions and activities:

• • Lake Balmorhea
  • Balmorhea Natural Spring
  • Mission Mary Calera Chapel
  • Balmorhea Fishing Resort
  • Circle Bar and Restaurant
  • Balmorhea Rock Shop
  • Jo’s Bar & Grill

Photos