Monahans Sandhills State Park

4.31

77 reviews

Park Road 41, MONAHANS, Texas, 79756, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

$15 - $27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

$15 - $27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Monahans Sandhills State Park

$15.00 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees include $15 per night plus a $4 per adult day-use fee. Sites with water and electric hookups are available.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$27.00

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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Provider

432-943-2092

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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 77 reviews

1500 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingstafffriendly

Some mention

unlevel

"User reviews highlight the unique sand dune environment, tranquil atmosphere, and family-friendly activities such as sand sledding. However, campsite conditions, including narrow and uneven sites, receive mixed feedback."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Park Road 41, MONAHANS, Texas, 79756, United States

Monahans Sandhills State Park

Park Road 41, MONAHANS, Texas, 79756, United States

Driving directionsFrom Midland: Take I 20 West to exit 86. Take Park Road 41 North to the Park. From El Paso: Take I 20 East through Monahans for 6 miles to exit 86 Take park road 41 North to the Park. From San Antonio: Take I 10 West to Fort Stockton. Take Hwy 18 North to Monahans. Take I 20 East for 6 miles to EXIT 86. Take Park Road 41 North to the park.

The campground is accessible from major highways including I-20. Roads leading to the park are established and navigable as long as visitors remain on designated roads. According to authoritative sources, off-road travel can result in vehicles getting stuck.

Nearby places

Monahans (approximately 6 miles), Odessa (approximately 35 miles), Midland (approximately 55 miles)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies are available in Monahans, which is 6 miles from the park headquarters.

Best Time to Camp at Monahans Sandhills State Park

The desert's dramatic personality shines through its ever-changing seasons. Summer arrives with intensity, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves that make early morning and evening adventures most rewarding. Winter transforms the dunes into a windswept wonderland, where cool breezes sculpt new patterns in the sand daily. But it's during the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the desert truly shows off—offering sun-warmed days perfect for dune exploration and crisp nights that reveal a canopy of stars so brilliant it takes your breath away.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Desert heat can be intense; reviews warn summer is often unbearable midday.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is recommended by reviewers for pleasant weather and dune activities.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (early) is recommended for pleasant weather and dune exploration.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Positive winter reviews; sand sledding and cooler temps are popular.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Active alerts for visitor center remodeling have been noted in user reviews.

About Monahans Sandhills State Park

Discover a Texas treasure where ancient seas once rolled and now endless waves of golden sand stretch to the horizon. Monahans Sandhills State Park invites adventurers to experience camping unlike anywhere else in the Lone Star State. Whether you're pitching a tent under the vast desert sky or settling your RV into a site with water and electric hookups, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that feels both otherworldly and wonderfully peaceful. Here, the only sounds breaking the profound quiet are the whisper of wind across the dunes and the laughter of families surfing down sandy slopes on discs and sleds.

The park accommodates RVs and tent camping. Some sites are pull-thru, while others are back-in. Primitive camping is not available.

Historical SignificanceWhile the shifting sands keep their ancient secrets close, the dunes themselves tell a story millions of years in the making. These hills of Sahara-like sand stand as silent witnesses to the forces of nature that have shaped West Texas through the ages.

Weather and SeasonsThe desert's dramatic personality shines through its ever-changing seasons. Summer arrives with intensity, painting the landscape in shimmering heat waves that make early morning and evening adventures most rewarding. Winter transforms the dunes into a windswept wonderland, where cool breezes sculpt new patterns in the sand daily. But it's during the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the desert truly shows off—offering sun-warmed days perfect for dune exploration and crisp nights that reveal a canopy of stars so brilliant it takes your breath away.

ElevationRising from the semi-arid expanse of West Texas, the park occupies a unique position in the desert landscape. Here, the elevation creates its own microclimate where desert breezes dance across the dunes and the vast Texas sky seems to stretch even wider than usual.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that defies expectations—nearly 4,000 acres of wind-sculpted sand dunes rising up to 70 feet high create an ever-changing canvas of shadows and light. These aren't just any dunes; they're living formations that shift and reshape with each passing breeze. Scattered among the sandy swells, resilient desert plants like shin oak and honey mesquite have adapted to thrive, their deep roots anchoring small islands of green in the golden sea. At sunset, the dunes transform into a photographer's dream as the fading light paints the sand in shades of amber, rose, and purple.

Geological RegionNestled within the storied Permian Basin of West Texas, these remarkable dunes formed from sand deposited over 10,000 years ago. The park preserves a small portion of a once-vast dune field that stretched for over 200 miles, making it a geological wonder where visitors can literally walk through layers of natural history. The semi-arid desert environment has created a unique ecosystem where the ancient sands of prehistoric seas now ripple beneath the wide West Texas sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is not specified in the source materials.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits are not specified in available materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are described as close together with some pull-thru and back-in options. Some sites, such as #17 and #18, offer more seclusion but are farther from facilities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Texas State Parks reservation system or by contacting the park directly at 432-943-2092.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated.

Cancellation PolicyIf plans change, visitors are encouraged to cancel or modify reservations as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityHandicapped parking is available near restrooms, as mentioned by user Mike Simpson.

Site SizeSites are described as suitable for various sizes, with some pull-thru and back-in options available. Reviews note that sites may be narrow or short, which could pose challenges for larger RVs.

PrivacyVaried. Certain sites, such as #9 and #22, are noted for their privacy and seclusion. User Robert Neal described site #22 as very private and backed up to a dune.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesSite-specific recommendations include choosing #9 for sunrise views and privacy, and #22 for privacy and proximity to dunes.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Monahans Sandhills State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding, and sand dune sledding. Visitors can also bird-watch, picnic, and explore the dunes.

HikingHiking opportunities are primarily self-guided on the dunes. There are no formal hiking trails, as noted by users like Leah G., but the dunes themselves offer ample space to explore on foot.

Wildlife viewingBird watching is a highlighted activity, and the park features interpretive nature trails to learn about local flora and fauna.

Beach activitiesSand-related activities, such as sledding, are a major draw. The terrain resembles a beach, as noted by Jason Leonard: 'Literally like staying on the beach.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include blowing sand and windy conditions. Visitors should prepare for sand to infiltrate clothing, shoes, and vehicles.

Active AlertsActive alerts for visitor center remodeling have been noted in user reviews.

Fire PolicyFire policies are not explicitly mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in the city of Monahans approximately 6 miles away. This includes hospitals, police stations, and fire stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available within the camping area and near the exit. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features are present; the park is located in a desert landscape.

Camp HostHost information is not specified in the materials.

Weather at Monahans Sandhills State Park

Reviews

4.3

77 reviews

Recommended

Monahans Sandhills State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the unique sand dune environment, tranquil atmosphere, and family-friendly activities such as sand sledding. However, campsite conditions, including narrow and uneven sites, receive mixed feedback.

Review Summaries

Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean facilities, friendly staff, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and recreational opportunities like sand sledding and hiking the dunes.

Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on unlevel and narrow campsites, the presence of insects like moths, and occasional maintenance issues with restrooms.

Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring wax for sledding, avoid visiting during the moth mating season, and prepare for windy conditions. Early mornings or evenings are best for exploring the dunes.

Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for pleasant weather, while summer can be hot. Winter offers cooler temperatures suitable for sand activities.

Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Monahans Sandhills State Park outside Odessa is one of my favorite state parks now!' - Jake Hewitt - 'Not a place we would return to, unless sites get upgraded.' - Mary Rhodes -'Beautiful...

Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 is highlighted for its privacy and access to the dunes. Site #7 lacks a covered picnic table, while site #22 is noted for its seclusion.

Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicapped parking is available near restrooms, but no specific reviews address broader accessibility for those with disabilities.

Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes, and several users noted the park is a great place for dogs.

Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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