- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The best camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
91% (62)
The best camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
91% (62)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Palo Duro Canyon State Park adventure.
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A
Ann
2 weeks ago
22 ft campervan
Great host!! Perfect for our needs!! We needed somewhere to check in late on our way across country.
We checked in at 10p and Tyler & Ted met us outside and made sure we knew right where to go.
There’s no amenities as far as power, restrooms or water but Tyler made sure we knew where to make our last stop from either direction if we needed to. They also had farm related add ons like horse riding, fresh eggs and the like to add to your stay if you need them.
We are a fully self contained rig so it worked perfectly for us!! Will likely stay again on our way thru in the future!!
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Pauline
2 weeks ago
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
This area was quiet and secluded with an incredible view. I would go there again. Very clean and nice level gravel with easy in and out access.
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Kendra
2 weeks ago
Tent
It was a very nice place! The bathrooms and showers were super clean. It’s not a busy road so it was a very quiet.
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TJ
3 weeks ago
16 ft car
With pets
It was so peaceful and secluded. Will Forsure be back again!
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Megan
November 2025
40 ft Class C
With pets
We stayed here for 6 nights on our way out west for the Winter. The owners of the campground are very friendly and welcoming. They accommodated our needs in every way. Our spot was really nice and level, with a cute fence to define our site. the campground is kept very clean and neat. the bathrooms were clean but the water was really not hot enough. The food truck they operate is right there on site, and was really nice considering it's literally the only place to eat in Silverton. Pet friendly (on leash) with plenty of open space to walk and play. Having the laundry facility on site was a huge plus for us. We enjoyed staying here and highly recommend!
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Kathy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Super clean place, huge space, responsive and professional management! The showers are to die for and the laundry room is awesome. Yay!
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Kenny & Carrie
October 2025
24 ft Class C
Very quiet for our overnight stay. The goats welcomed us and had plenty to say, but got quiet quickly.
Lovely sunset and easy entry and exit.
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Martha
October 2025
31 ft Class A
With pets
simple reasonably spaced and level sites except in spots can be rocky. Very quiet. Great sunsets and close to town. Laundry room with four working washing machines and dryers.(uses app, coins, or cc). Small clean bathroom and check-in was working in laundry room… Plus the price is right.
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Dustan
October 2025
17 ft Class B
With pets
Super convenient. Great place to stop and rest after a long day of driving on I-40. Plenty of room to stretch my legs and exercise my dog. Got some amazing sunrise photos with the windmills.
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Corbin
October 2025
Tent
This was my second time staying at the campground and I enjoyed the peace and quiet while I slept.
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Laura
October 2025
Tent
I loved my hipcamp experience here! To start, the host is quick to help with any questions or information. I was arriving late and received a response almost immediately with everything I would need. Ted, their dog, is awesome. We were told he'd help guide us when we got there and we kinda laughed, said aweee, and expected to see him bark from their house. No...this cutie led us all the way to where we needed to go--not kidding, he would LET US KNOW if we were going the wrong way by standing and barking in front of our car. Not only that, he would keep the same pace as us, make sure we were following along, and only left once we got out and pet him on the head. He was so perfect and honestly made the whole thing worth it. Besides that, their land is beautiful. The horses just graze alongside your car and the windmills are so close! We car camped which was perfect for the weather. A starry night , a beautiful sunrise, and some horse pets later, we were on our way! Quick easy perfect rest stop.
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Rachael
October 2025
19 ft campervan
Monty was quick to respond to my question. It was easy to find. The land felt totally safe. We just needed a place to stay on the way to Santa Fe to break up the trip and this was perfect. Would definitely stay again if needed.
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Angelika
October 2025
22 ft Class A
We stayed here one night with our RV and really liked it! 😊 The place felt safe and peaceful, and we slept great. The laundry was nice — not spotless, but the machines were good and it’s great that you can see the remaining time in the app. There’s also a gas station nearby, which is super convenient. The sunset was beautiful, and at night we could see lots of stars ✨ The only downside was a bit of an unpleasant smell in the evening, but overall a really good stay. Definitely recommend! 🚐🌅
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Kyle
October 2025
Tent
Perfect halfway point when traveling to New Mexico or Colorado
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Janell
October 2025
18 ft campervan
The place is beautifully set up! The sunrise and sunset was epic! The water towers and dog park is a perfect attraction! Shower was absolutely amazing! Great place to stay! Cozy and safe!
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Joanne
October 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Monty’s setting is terrific - beautiful views over a canyon, especially at sunset. A big area for campers. We were surprised to see over a dozen others there (but always delight in comparing the rigs!) And the winery, friendly service, and Rockin Music were fun! Dog friendly. Great hosts. Sweet spot.
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Joelyn
September 2025
1 night at Silver Wind RV Park and Cabins
I loved how clean the Bunk House was. Especially after a few days camping and driving from NY to TX. It was a relief. The owners are great people; friendly, and inviting. They also do food there, which, hands down, best wings. They even catered to our order from my wife and I of no bread since we're on a carnivore diet. The cleaning fee might seem higher than other places, but, you definitely get your money's worth. Wonderful place, and I would definitely recommend it. I hope this helps their business. These people definitely deserve it.
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Laura
September 2025
39 ft fifth wheel
Awesome overnight stay! When we get there the bar was still open and we were able to enjoy the beautiful evening with our kids and really good glass of wine, so well welcome after 8hours on the road. Host was very responsive and attentive to our questions and needs.
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Sabine
September 2025
30 ft Class A
Group trip
Quiet and peaceful place that we shared wirh cows and horses. The sunset was spectacular.
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Kristy
September 2025
Tent
With kids
We love staying at The Silos RV Park anytime we head west! It's the perfect spot to stop, as everything is clean and spacious. They even have a dog park. This is our go-to every time!
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Other options near Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The best camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX guide
Overview
About
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.
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
- 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.
91%
62 ratings · 19 reviews
Recommends
· February 2021
Looove Palo Duro Canyon SP! Such a gem. Actually camped at the Juniper campgrounds, which isn't listed on Hipcamp for some reason, but I'd imagine any of the campgrounds would be great. The only downside is the seemingly never-ending fire ban. This is a very popular park, so if you can go during the offseason or during the week. Also, it gets HOT and there is very little shade, so definitely suggest fall, winter, or early spring.
Shana B.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2018
Wow! Did not expect to stumble across this canyon during our cross-country caravaning voyage. We walked around all day (bring sooooo much water) and saw one of the prettiest sunsets! Later this week we went to see the grand canyon, and though nothing compares to that, this canyon was in no way disappointing- it was very colorful and impressive!
Emily D.
8 years on Hipcamp
January 2018
Lots of fun trails with views to run. Careful in the Spring, April-ish to Summer season as the rattle snakes start to come about for some of that sun and heat. Bathrooms are a hit and miss, most of them were under repairs when we rolled through. But it sure was a beautiful place!
Stephen J.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
On-site bathrooms are not very cleanly, but the surrounding beauty makes up for it easily. A landscape photographer's paradise.
Ian H.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
An amazing park down in the canyon. Very nice bathrooms and showers depending on which one you stop at ... and no cell service so just keep that in mind if it's something you need.
Liz B.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2018
Best trails in this state park. Beautiful scenery. Take plenty of water to hike. Forest Cliff Campground has potable water spigots and an outhouse.
C
Courtney M.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2017
The Hackberry Campground was nice, although it seems catered to RVs. Each site has running water that makes it great for cooking and cleaning.
William Reed O.
10 reviews
Recommends
· November 2017
You may or may not have hot water in the shower! Beautiful campsite with lovely sunsets. Your neighbors will be pretty close in this campsite.
Whitney S.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· November 2017
We actually camped in the Mesquite loop, but that option wasn't listed. Great scenery, wish there was a lake or pool here, gets real real hot.
Bob M.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2017
Best campground for tents in Palo Duro. Water available at the campsites and each are relatively secluded from each other. Great views from the campsites. Restrooms and showers available Mesquite Camp Area.
Jason C.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2017
Worst campground at Palo Duro. No seclusion from the other campsites. Water is available, restrooms are Porta Pottys and showers are at the RV campground. Only use this one if all others taken.
Jason C.
8 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
Beautiful and decently secluded campsites. Each site comes with a fire pit and a little picnic shelter. The mosquitoes and flies can be bad around dusk, but go away with the sun. The park is pretty breathtaking and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't been. If you're lucky, you might have a coyote howl wakeup call!
Meghan B.
8 years on Hipcamp
June 2017
Good campsite for some quiet. The individual spots are pretty far apart so it was quiet and I didn't feel crowded at all. It was nice having the picnic table for cooking and eating. The camp isn't that close to the trails so I drove a short distance for daily hiking. There was a water source in the campsite only a short walk away. As noted in the description, the nearest restrooms and showers are about 3/4 of a mile away. I would stay here again.
Marshall K.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2016
Back Country Camping - For dispersed camping in Palo Duro you are required to start in the equestrian area then hike in for a least 30 minutes. Start hiking up on the bluffs if you can. You can also hike in on the stream valley, but it was very dense with brush and grass. Snakes are a concern so come prepared. On top of the bluffs we found ample spots to pitch a tent. Access to water is an issue in the backcountry since the stream may not have much water. For back country camping pack it in with you. Amenities in the canyon: rest rooms with showers, restaurant, store, campsites with hookups, horse riding, a musical play
Keely M.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
We stayed at the Sorenson cabin, which is one of the premier cabins and higher cost. The cabin was awesome. There were no TV's so staying unplugged was easy. The cabins are 30-seconds from the main entrance and are very private. They are located behind a wood privacy fence and sit directly on the rim of the canyon. The cabin was very clean but there are plenty of bugs that get in everyday in the summer, which likely cannot be prevented by park staff. It's just part of the experience. Lots of geocaching available in the park.
Seamus O.
9 years on Hipcamp
January 2016
Notwithstanding the flash flood that caused us to evacuate at 3 AM through thigh deep water, I'd have to say this was one of the more spectacular places I've camped in recent years. Everything is breathtaking and I wish our morning return to the canyon hadn't been spent sorting through muddy belongings. We never did get any hiking done as we were trying to stick to some kind of schedule but I hope to go back in the near future. Even our brief car tour was worth it.
Marissa L.
9 years on Hipcamp
December 2015
Palo Duro Canyon is a hidden gem. We enjoyed hiking and then taking in 'Texas' at the amphitheater. The show is not to be missed. Our girls, who were six at the time, were completely engaged the entire time. The canyon is beautiful. We hope to camp in one of the old cow camp cabins on our next trip.
Guy D.
10 years on Hipcamp
November 2015
Decent sites in a great park. BUT.....when I was there...mid Sept, the flies at the campsite were unbearable from about 5p til just after dark. Literally had hundreds of flies covering my car and picnic table. With just a 2 man tent and 95 degree temps, I had a pretty miserable afternoon after a great day of hiking. Check out your site before you set up camp and change if you need to.
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Greg M.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
This is "the best state park in Texas" and for good reason. Best way to explore this place is for sure by Mountain Bike! Make sure to bring plenty of water. The canyon and colors are breath taking. Not to mention Amarillo is super cool
Forever A.
10 years on Hipcamp