America’s Best Kept Secret Is Hiding Right Here In Texas And It's Calling Your Name
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 14, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
We can all agree that West Texas is the most remote area of the state. You can travel hundreds of miles on the highway without encountering a single soul, and the night sky is a giant blanket of the most intense darkness you’ve ever experienced. It’s easy to imagine that many secrets are harbored within all those mountains…
…but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing! One of the nation’s best-kept secrets is right here in Texas: Chinati Hot Springs. Tucked away in the mountainous desert, it’s the magical oasis you never knew you needed to visit until now.
Weary travelers have been making a splash in the springs since before they were open to the public. The road getting here is an adventure in itself, with its endless twists and turns into the West Texas mountains.
Seven cabins sit atop a hill and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. They sleep two-four people and include amenities like charcoal grills, fire pits, mini fridges, coffee makers, and complimentary toiletries.
How inviting does this water look? Fall nights in the desert are known for getting pretty chilly, so taking a dip will warm your bones and reinvigorate your spirit in the way only natural springs have the power to do.
For those uncomfortably hot daytime hours, guests can enjoy a regular swimming pool. This oasis is dramatically situated on a cliffside and overlooks a seemingly endless stretch of mountains in every direction.
Worried about being stuck in Nowheresville with the nearest sign of civilization being hundreds of miles away? Have no fear. A general store located at the spring entrance has everything from camping equipment to imported wines, ensuring anything you might need is available.
There's also a communal kitchen with two refrigerators and a stove, pots and pans, and a dining area, so you can make all your usual meals and form lasting friendships with other travelers.
Depending on which room you choose, you'll get either a king, queen, two queens, or a queen + full bed. There are also plenty of primitive campsites for just $25 a person if you don't mind roughing it a bit!
Private outdoor showers + tubs are included with several cabins, while others have them located inside. For campers and the few cabins that contain only a toilet, a community bathhouse is available.
Sunsets this brilliant can only be found in the most remote areas of the state. Imagine: you're sitting in the hot spring, cold beer in hand, watching the sky erupt in an explosion of color as day becomes night. One thing's for sure; you'll never want to leave.
The stars out in West Texas are absolutely breathtaking as well. No feeling quite compares to watching the spectacle that is trillions of celestial bodies illuminating the darkness.
