Fodor's Expert Review Lajitas Golf Resort & Spa

The former cavalry post turned ghost town is now a privately owned collection of Western-theme tourist attractions with a golf resort, spa, riding stables, convenience store, RV park, and hiking trails, adding up to the nicest place to eat, shop, and overnight within 25 miles of the park. The main lodge is the Badlands Hotel, a two-story affair with a lobby staircase and an opulent Tiffany chandelier. Upstairs hallways have the slightly saucy aura of an old bordello. The rooms, to be sure, are outfitted with everything modern. In addition, there are time-share condos across the "boardwalk," a Pueblo-style motel, the Cavalry Post, down the street, and a nearby RV Park. Badlands guests can use the motel's swimming pool. An upscale but casual restaurant and lounge are a walk through a breezeway.