FAQs

The camp, including staff, typically hosts between 50 and 100 people.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due when you register. If you register after June 30, 2026, full payment is due at the time of registration.

No pets allowed, including dogs.

Our Facebook Group Page is where you connect with fellow campers and look for rides or offer a ride in your vehicle.

Yummy and plentiful. All meals are served buffet-style in the Prude Ranch Dining Hall. We can accommodate most dietary concerns. Please indicate any dietary restrictions on your registration form. 

Yes, alcohol is permitted on the Prude Ranch property for adults 21 and older. Campers often bring beer or wine to dinner. We also host one Happy Hour event during the week featuring local craft beer, wine, soft drinks, and complimentary snacks. Since the camp sits at 5,000 feet elevation, staying hydrated is especially important in warm weather—particularly when consuming alcohol. Please drink responsibly during your stay.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the Dining Hall, Lodge, and surrounding areas. Due to the mountainous terrain, cell phone service can be spotty. However, robust cell coverage from major carriers is available in Fort Davis, just minutes from camp.

No. It’s laid back and casual. Most people wear what they need for the day’s activity, whether it’s running or bike shorts with T-shirt and tank top. Some campers choose to exchange their athletic wear for casual summer wear at dinner. For the final night Camper Dance, many opt for dancing shoes and cowboy boots. Bring a light jacket or long-sleeves shirt for those cool nights and mornings. Bring enough clothes for all activities, as the closest laundry facilities are in Ft. Davis.

You can leave camp early, however we are unable to provide refunds for missed days due to our contractual obligations with the hosting facility.

DMFC is a non-smoking camp, and  prohibits campers smoking in any buildings, porches, or within 15 feet of buildings and porches.

Children are allowed to attend camp under certain provisions (see below). Keep in mind that DMFTC is an adult camp with activities aimed at the adult level. There are inherent dangers in activities performed in such a rural location, and associated precautions accompany such a venue. If you’d like to bring your child, the DMFTC Registrar will review your registration form and reach out to discuss and answer any questions you may have regarding the camp’s child policy. If you do decide to bring your children to camp:

1. You are responsible for them at all times (DMFTC does not provide child care or activities specifically designed for children).
2. Your children may participate in an activity with you as long as the activity leader has been consulted and provides approval.
3. Lastly you will address any inappropriate behavior displayed by your children.

It’s necessary to have some degree of aerobic fitness to participate in and fully enjoy camp activities. Most activities range from moderate to strenuous. The majority of campers participate in cycling, running, and hiking activities. Cyclists should be able to easily ride 10 to 20 miles. All paces of runners are welcome, but the shortest runs are in the 2-3 mile range. Hikers need to be able to navigate inclines, rough footing, and at least an hour of activity. 

Prior to camp, consult your family physician regarding participation level. Be sure you have had a recent tetanus shot. During camp, Big Bend Regional Medical Center (located at 2600 N. Hwy. 118, just north of Alpine, approximately 32 miles from Prude Ranch) will be the best resource for any medical attention.

Because of the sun exposure and elevation, heatstroke is of potential concern. Access the heatstroke flyer here. Thunderstorms and lightning are frequent and pose a danger to outside activities. Access the lightning policy here. Campers submit relevant medical information either during registration, or by submitting a medical information form with their final payment. Please notify the medical staff of any changes in medical conditions at camp check-in.

Group Cabins: If campers register as a group of three or more, they can be assigned their own cabin. If campers are solo or in pairs, the DMFTC Registrar will assign same-gender roommates to a cabin.

Ranch Cabins: These cabins can be reserved for one camper. If you want a roommate, the camp registrar can assist, though DMFTC is not responsible for finding a Ranch Cabin roommate.

Hilltop Cabins: These cabins can be reserved for one camper. If you want a roommate, the DMFTC Registrar can assist but is not responsible for finding a Hilltop Cabin roommate.

Only if you are tent camping or RV-ing. 

These items are provided for campers staying in a cabin:

– Daily fresh towels (put dirty towels outside cabin door for maid service to replace with clean towels).

– Garbage bags and trash collection (put trash bags outside the cabin door for pickup).

– Soap (but bring your own shampoo or conditioner).

• Running, walking, hiking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, ice chest
• Liquid replacement drink/powder and favorite snack/power foods
• Swimsuit, swim cap, goggles, fins, aqua jogging belt or vest, kick boards, paddles and pull buoys
• Snorkel, mask, aqua shoes, floats for Balmorhea State Park pool outing
• Canteen, fanny pack/knapsack, hiking/walking stick, binoculars, family radios
• Light jacket/sweater/long-sleeved shirt for possible cool nights
• Warm-ups for cool mornings
• Lightweight rain gear for mountain rain showers
• Soap, shampoo, tissues, other toiletries
• Yoga mat (non-slip), yoga kit (mat, blocks, strap), and mat for outdoor exercises
• Pickleball paddle
• Clothesline and pins for drying wet gear
• Alarm clock, camera
• Flashlight, headlamp for night and early morning use
• Lawn chair or camp stool
• Dance and dinner wear for the last night party
• Fly swatter, fly paper, insect vacuums, Venus fly-traps, or any other anti-fly devices

• Bring your road bike, the nearest rental is 30 miles away in Alpine TX with limited store hours
• Optionally bring a mountain bike for riding on ranch property roads
• Three spare tubes, portable air pump CO2 cartridges, and patch kit
• A spare tire in case of a blowout.
• Tools: tire levers and allen wrenches (for your seat post, bottle cages, etc.)
• Floor air pump
• Hydration water bags or two water bottles
• Riding equipment: gloves, shoes, helmet (helmets are required by our insurance)

– Campers must cancel via email to registrar@fitnesscamp.org.

– If the cancellation email is received by September 1st, the camper will receive a refund of fees paid less deposit amount which will be carried forward for one year.

– If the cancellation email is received after September 1st, the refund amount is the total amount paid less:

1. the deposit amount
2. an amount equal to the current year activity fee
3. any amount specific to the camper

– Campers may request in writing that registration deposit and fees paid be refunded. All requests will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.

– Registration closes September 1st. No changes, additions or cancellations will be made after September 1st.

Contact our registrar at: registrar@fitnesscamp.org