Palo Duro Canyon State Park

4.45

71 reviews

11450 PARK ROAD 5, CANYON, Texas, 79015, United States

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Spring Camping Texas Hidden Gem Campgrounds Texas Family-Friendly Campgrounds Texas +2 more

Quick Facts

3,468 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,468 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas Parks and Wildlife site

Official Website

Get Directions

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee: $8 per person aged 13 and older. Overnight camping fees were not specified.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 71 reviews

8420 Google reviews

Most mentioned

well-maintained

"Users describe the park as 'breathtaking,' 'stunning,' and a 'hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle.' While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention specific complaints such as trail closures, maintenance issues, and a lack of information about late entry policies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

11450 PARK ROAD 5, CANYON, Texas, 79015, United States

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

11450 PARK ROAD 5, CANYON, Texas, 79015, United States

Driving directionsFrom Amarillo: Take I 27 South approximately 18 miles to Canyon. Go East on Hwy 217 for 10 miles to the park entrance. From Lubbock: Take I 27 North to Hwy 217 exit 106 at Canyon. Go East on Hwy 217 10 miles to the park entrance.

The park is easily accessible via paved roads: I-27 and Hwy 217. Seasonal closures or navigation challenges were not mentioned.

Nearby places

Canyon (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Amarillo (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available at a trading post within the park and a small shop/cafe called Sad Monkey Mercantile located a half-mile outside the main entrance. The town of Canyon offers additional grocery and fuel options (10 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Experience the canyon's ever-changing moods throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect 70-degree days, while autumn paints the canyon walls in golden light with crisp, comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration. Summer brings intense heat that can soar above 100°F, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that fill the air with the scent of rain on red rock. Winter transforms the canyon into a stark, beautiful landscape where cold, clear days reveal stunning vistas under bright blue skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Extreme heat and busy peak season; reviewers warn about hot summer conditions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in TX

Autumn offers crisp temps and golden light; reviewers highly recommend fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in TX

Spring has wildflower blooms and ideal ~70°F days; reviewers call spring perfect for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with milder temps but fewer highlights; some seasonal advisories possible.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months are busy; reservations recommended.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round access with seasonal advisories, including closures due to heavy rain or flooding.
Current Alerts: Trail closures due to heavy rain or flooding occur occasionally. Verify conditions before visiting.

About Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Step into the breathtaking Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where ancient geological forces have carved Texas's most spectacular natural wonder. This magnificent chasm stretches 120 miles long and plunges 800 feet deep, earning its rightful title as the 'Grand Canyon of Texas.' Here, millions of years of Earth's history unfold in vibrant layers of red rock, while modern adventurers discover endless opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, cabin stays, and glamping.

Historical Significance

Indigenous Heritage

Walk in the footsteps of legends where the Old West comes alive. This sacred canyon once sheltered Comanche leader Quanah Parker and his people, while pioneering cattleman Charles Goodnight blazed the famous Goodnight-Loving Trail through these very lands. Today, the canyon's amphitheater resonates with the sounds of 'Texas: The Musical,' an outdoor spectacular that brings the state's rich heritage to life under the stars, weaving tales of pioneers, Native Americans, and the enduring spirit of the Lone Star State.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the canyon's ever-changing moods throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect 70-degree days, while autumn paints the canyon walls in golden light with crisp, comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration. Summer brings intense heat that can soar above 100°F, punctuated by dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that fill the air with the scent of rain on red rock. Winter transforms the canyon into a stark, beautiful landscape where cold, clear days reveal stunning vistas under bright blue skies.

ElevationThe canyon rim sits at approximately 3,500 feet above sea level, while the canyon floor drops dramatically to create an 800-foot descent that reveals millions of years of geological history in its colorful rock layers.

Natural Features and SceneryMarvel at nature's masterpiece where vibrant red sandstone cliffs and white gypsum bands create a painter's palette of colors that shift with the changing light. Desert flora dots the landscape with hardy yucca plants reaching skyward, gnarled mesquite trees providing precious shade, and resilient prickly pear cacti displaying their paddle-shaped forms. Listen for the evening chorus of coyotes echoing off canyon walls, watch for swift foxes darting through the brush, and scan the skies for golden eagles, roadrunners, and painted buntings that call this rugged paradise home.

Geological RegionDiscover a geological wonderland where 250 million years of Earth's story unfolds in spectacular fashion. The canyon's distinctive red sandstone layers and gleaming white gypsum deposits tell tales of ancient seas that once covered this land, while erosion has sculpted dramatic formations including the iconic 'Lighthouse' - a towering hoodoo that stands as a 310-foot natural monument. Each layer of rock represents a different chapter in time, from Permian-era ocean floors to Triassic river systems, creating one of the most geologically significant landscapes in North America.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground layouts include spacious sites and picnic areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are required for various activities. Contact Old West Stables at (806) 488-2180 for horseback riding reservations.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated; same-day camping reservations are available but late arrivals require coordination with park staff for gate access.

Cancellation PolicyIf your plans change, modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityThe park is described as handicap-friendly, with options to enjoy the park by driving through rather than hiking.

Site SizeCampsites are spacious according to user reviews.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some sites noted to lack leveling and seclusion.

Recommended SitesSites vary widely in privacy and leveling; review site-specific details during reservations.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

The park is rich in recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Several user reviews emphasize the beauty of hiking trails and the iconic Lighthouse Trail.

HikingThe park offers several well-marked trails, with the Lighthouse Trail being the most recommended. It's described as 'well-marked and easy to follow,' though the final ascent is noted as challenging. Users also caution about carrying ample water due to heat.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

BikingThe park hosts mountain biking trails that are well-received. Some trails are shared with hikers, leading to occasional conflicts.

Wildlife viewingThe canyon is home to diverse wildlife, including birds, foxes, and coyotes, as reported by users.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe visitor center features exhibits on the park's history and fossils. Additionally, the 'Texas Musical' is a cultural highlight.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeatstroke risks during summer hikes; park staff advises carrying plenty of water. Wildlife encounters like snakes and coyotes possible. Mosquitoes noted in some areas.

Active AlertsTrail closures due to heavy rain or flooding occur occasionally. Verify conditions before visiting.

Fire PolicyCampfires prohibited during burn bans. Firewood rules not specified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not stated explicitly.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include a ranger station at the park and hospital facilities in Canyon (10 miles away). Police and fire departments are also available in Canyon.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about their locations and schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe canyon features arroyos and spots where water meets the desert terrain.

Camp HostPark staff and volunteers are described as friendly and helpful, but visibility of rangers during critical times was noted as needing improvement.

Weather at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Reviews

4.5

71 reviews

Recommended

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users describe the park as 'breathtaking,' 'stunning,' and a 'hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle.' While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention specific complaints such as trail closures, maintenance issues, and a lack of information about late entry policies.

Review Summaries

Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park's scenic beauty, well-maintained facilities, and a variety of activities. The Lighthouse Trail is frequently praised, and the abundance of wildlife enhances the...

Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include inconsistent facility maintenance, limited dining options in and around the park, and serious issues like non-functional air conditioning in cabins during extreme heat.

Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors frequently recommend bringing plenty of water, starting hikes early to avoid heat, and checking trail or park closures in advance.

Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highly recommended for visits due to milder temperatures, while summer is noted for extreme heat. Some trails are closed during or after heavy rains.

Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Stunning colors and beautiful rock formations allow for amazing photographs year-round.' - Kristina Hanson 'The bathrooms are clean and spacious with showers.' - Melody Remington 'It's worth the...

Based on 71 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sagebrush Campground is highlighted as one of the cleanest and best-maintained sites. Juniper Campground received complaints about its unmarked entrance and maintenance issues in restrooms.

Based on 71 reviews