MacMillen RV Park

The Great Outdoors

Camping at the MacMillen RV Park is a good base for exploring the Davis Mountains State Park, a 2,709-acre protected area that was originally deeded by a local family. It was opened to the public in 1938 following works by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which included the construction of the adobe-built Indian Lodge. There’s a large bird blind along the main road that offers enclosed and open viewing areas for spotting woodhouse’s scrub jays and white-winged doves, as well as several miles of hiking and equestrian trails to explore.A ten-minute drive from the MacMillen RV Park is the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, which lies within the grounds of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. It features sprawling grasslands, oak-dotted hills, and canyon springs, as well as seasonal wetland pools that attract a variety of migrating birdlife. Learn about the geologic history of the Davis Mountains and the region’s mining culture at the visitor center, then stretch your legs along the five miles of hiking trails. Large madrone trees and southwestern chokeberries line the route, together with several species of succulents and cacti that are native to the Chihuahuan Desert.Directly west of the MacMillen RV Park is Mount Livermore, which rises to 8,378 feet and stands as the fourth highest peak in Texas. It’s named for Major William Livermore, who regularly used the summit as a point of observations when mapping western Texas and affectionately referred to it as “Old Baldy.” The area is managed by the Texas Nature Conservancy and only open a few times during the year when you can hike to the summit or drive along the Madera Canyon Road.

Exploring the City

Campsites at the MacMillen RV Park are just 15 minutes' walk from the center of Fort Davis, where you’ll find a supermarket for stocking up on groceries and supplies. There are also gas stations in Fort Davis if you need to fill up your RV rental and a couple of eateries that include a Mexican restaurant.Fort Davis campers are on the doorstep of the Fort Davis National Historic Site, which preserves a key post in the defense system of western Texas from 1854 to 1891. It’s considered one of the best remaining examples of a frontier military post in the American Southwest and was named for the Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis. Begin at the visitor center and museum to see a short video about the history of the fort, then embark on a self-guided tour of the complex’s five restored buildings and ruined foundations. During the summer months, period-dressed interpreters are stationed at many of the buildings to help bring the fort’s history to life. If you want to stretch your legs, there are trails leading to an impressive view overlooking the fort and connecting to Davis Mountains State Park.Also in Fort Davis is the Old Overland Trail Museum, which depicts life in the West along the historic San Antonio-El Paso Road. Admire the original Valentine Post Office and telephone switchboard that are on display, along with vintage medical paraphernalia, a restored pioneer settlers’ kitchen, and photographs of the town’s first buildings. Just down the road from the Old Overland Trail Museum is the Wild Rose Gallery, where works by local and regional artists are displayed.Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to Rattlers & Reptiles, a famous rattlesnake museum that’s home to more than 100 live reptiles and amphibians. Get up close to a variety of local desert mammals, insects, and venomous arachnids while learning about the unique behavioral adaptations that help them to survive in the region’s arid landscapes.Whether you want to explore the desert landscapes of western Texas or discover the early pioneer history of Fort Davis, book an RV rental in Jeff Davis County and start planning your next vacation.