Notable Campgrounds
- Best for summer campers: Sagebrush Campground is the closest campground to the Texas Outdoor Musical and has electric and water hookups.
- Best for RVs: Hackberry Campground has electric and water hookups, and some sites can accommodate up to 60-foot RVs.
- Best for adventurous hikers: The hike-in primitive campsites are for tents only, with no facilities or running water, but they are ideal for escaping the crowds.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve one of 132 campsites, including group sites and cabins, via the Texas State Parks website.
- Online reservations open five months in advance or 12 months in advance for the group sites.
- Campsites can book up fast, especially over weekends and holidays, so book at least three months in advance to avoid disappointment.
When to Go
Summers in Texas can be blisteringly hot, and temperatures on the canyon floor can reach up to 120°F, so plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon. Spring and fall provide more pleasant weather for outdoor activities, and winters are mild (although temperatures drop dramatically at night). The Texas Outdoor Musical show is held nightly (except Mondays) from June to August.
Know Before You Go
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park is about 12 miles east of Canyon along State Highway 217.
- Per-person day-use fees apply at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and campsite booking fees also apply. General entrance tickets can be booked online up to one month in advance.
- Facilities include a visitor center, park store, restaurant, restrooms, and picnic areas. Bring plenty of water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
- There are wheelchair-accessible campsites, restrooms, and viewing areas at the park.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The second-largest canyon in the US serves up spectacular terrain for outdoor adventurers.
Towering red-rock cliffs and vast desert landscapes afford a dramatic backdrop for outdoor explorers at the 30,000-acre Palo Duro Canyon. Hit the trail to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride along more than 35 miles of tracks, taking you from the upper rim to the canyon floor. Alternatively, admire the views from The Gallery, take a guided Jeep or horseback excursion, go ziplining over the canyon, or learn the history of the region’s early settlers at the evening Texas Outdoor Musical show performed in the canyon. A bonus for campers—the dark skies make this one of the best stargazing spots in Texas.
Towering red-rock cliffs and vast desert landscapes afford a dramatic backdrop for outdoor explorers at the 30,000-acre Palo Duro Canyon. Hit the trail to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride along more than 35 miles of tracks, taking you from the upper rim to the canyon floor. Alternatively, admire the views from The Gallery, take a guided Jeep or horseback excursion, go ziplining over the canyon, or learn the history of the region’s early settlers at the evening Texas Outdoor Musical show performed in the canyon. A bonus for campers—the dark skies make this one of the best stargazing spots in Texas.
Activities in the park
6 campgrounds in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Talk about an alluring name for a tent-only campsite! Cactus Campground is a small set of seven sites on the southern end of the park, near the equestrian campground, and over 10+ miles of trail. While shade shelters are provided, you’ll have to work a little bit for other amenities: showers are 1/2 - 2 miles away, and water is available at the ca Read more...
Sagebrush Campground is the jam! When entering larger-than-life Palo Duron Canyon State Park, this is the first camp you’ll pass. Each site boasts a picnic table, water and electric hook-up (30/50-amp), and fire ring/grill. Some sites accommodate up to 60-foot RV’s on a first-come, first-served basis. Sagebrush is also closest to the play, TEXAS, Read more...
Fortress Cliff Campground is a set of 18 tent-only sites on the southern end of the park, near the equestrian campground, and over 10+ miles of trail. While shade shelters are provided, you’ll have to work a little but for other amenities: showers are 1/2 - 2 miles away, and water is available at the campground, but not at each site. What’s campin Read more...
Ten equestrian campsites sit at the southernmost end of the park, in this open camping area that has picnic tables, fire rings, and two water faucets. Four joined horse pens are first-come, first-serve, and each pen can hold up to two horses. Doctor’s note needed: all horses must have a negative Coggins test less than 12 months old to enjoy the pa Read more...
Not only is ‘mesquite’ an awesome word, it’s also an awesome campsite! At the southernmost end of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, these 20 sites sit near the equestrian camp (giddyup!), restroom/shower facilities, and 10+ miles of trails. Each site boasts a picnic table, water and electric hook-up (30/50-amp), and fire ring/grill. Some sites accommod Read more...
If you’re looking for a central spot in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Hackberry Campground is the place to be. Each site boasts a picnic table, water and electric hook-up (20/30-amp), and fire ring/grill. Some sites accommodate up to 60-foot RV’s, on a first-come, first-served basis. Hackberry is near the amphitheatre, and right across from one of Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summers in Texas can be blisteringly hot, and temperatures on the canyon floor can reach up to 120°F, so plan hikes for early morning or late afternoon. Spring and fall provide more pleasant weather for outdoor activities, and winters are mild (although temperatures drop dramatically at night). The Texas Outdoor Musical show is held nightly (except Mondays) from June to August.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —