Palo Duro Canyon Good Sam Verified Campground
11450 Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015
Address
11450 Park Rd 5
Canyon, TX, 79015
Coordinates:
34.984709, -101.701867
Elevation:
3,500 ft (1,067 m)
Open all year
Contact
Cards Accepted
Facility
Policies
(within 10 miles)
We spent four days at Palo Duro in September. The weather was wonderful, sunny and quite warm but not too hot. The park has many enjoyable hike and mountain bike trails. There are views from the canyon rim as well. We did a number of hikes and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Juniper the newest camping loop furthest from the entrance and found it excellent, generous sized spaces, a nice picnic table with roof to protect against sun and rain, water and electric hookups were fine. Dump station... Read More
We spent four days at Palo Duro in September. The weather was wonderful, sunny and quite warm but not too hot. The park has many enjoyable hike and mountain bike trails. There are views from the canyon rim as well. We did a number of hikes and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Juniper the newest camping loop furthest from the entrance and found it excellent, generous sized spaces, a nice picnic table with roof to protect against sun and rain, water and electric hookups were fine. Dump station stop required for the fluids. In looking casually at other camping loops we thought that Juniper was the best of them. The park is beautiful with the red rock canyon wall surrounding it on both sides. The road down into the canyon, which is where the camping is located, is about a 10% grade with switchbacks, it wasn't a problem for our rig in a lower gear (i.e. 2500 series truck and 28' travel trailer) but probably would be a bit more daunting for larger rigs. Rigs of all sorts made it down so didn't feel this grade was a serious limitation. Would definitely return to this location/facility.
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This is a very nice state park with plenty to see and do. Roadrunners frolic all around, avoiding coyotes. Hiking trails take you up to spectacular views. The sites are spaced far enough apart to give you the sense of having your own "yard". We stayed in the mesquite camp loop, theres another camp area that seemed to have a brand new bathhouse. Call them and ask where that is, it'd be the "prime" spot. While you're in this area, go by the big texan steak house. Hits the spot after a day of hiking. Read More
This is a very nice state park with plenty to see and do. Roadrunners frolic all around, avoiding coyotes. Hiking trails take you up to spectacular views. The sites are spaced far enough apart to give you the sense of having your own "yard". We stayed in the mesquite camp loop, theres another camp area that seemed to have a brand new bathhouse. Call them and ask where that is, it'd be the "prime" spot. While you're in this area, go by the big texan steak house. Hits the spot after a day of hiking.
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The scenery in this park is amazing. There are several camping loops, Sagebrush has several 2x2 camping sites, so if you don't like a presence behind you, try for one of the other sites. Power was steady; water pressure was a little low when park was busy, 55psi otherwise. The views and vista's here are beautiful, there is plenty to see and do. The park is extremely busy; there is always a lot of traffic and a lot of people. This is not a "rest and relax" park. The quietest spot we found was... Read More
The scenery in this park is amazing. There are several camping loops, Sagebrush has several 2x2 camping sites, so if you don't like a presence behind you, try for one of the other sites. Power was steady; water pressure was a little low when park was busy, 55psi otherwise. The views and vista's here are beautiful, there is plenty to see and do. The park is extremely busy; there is always a lot of traffic and a lot of people. This is not a "rest and relax" park. The quietest spot we found was at the wildlife bird blind and even there it doesn't last long. Trails are nice, but again, very busy. Also, several of the trails are multi-use and if hiking, you need to watch out for bike riders, they are usually moving very fast. There is a trading post with souvenirs and a caf,. The food is good in taste and portion size. The visitors' center offers the history of this CCC park with a small interpretive museum and gift store. The staff we encountered were polite and helpful. No Verizon wifi or cel service at all once you are in the canyon. We found a signal at the visitors' center strong enough for checking EM and VM. This park is certainly worth a visit, but we probably would not camp here again due to the extreme traffic and lack of relaxation and quiet.
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Stayed there three nights. A very beautiful place and quite this time of year. Bathrooms were heated which is appreciated during the colder months. Showers were a bit old so we didn't use them. Rather steep grade into/out of canyon. I have a 13000 lb 5th where. Make sure your tow vehicle is decent and take it slow.
This is an amazingly beautiful park. We stayed here last year and this year. There is plenty of room around your site. Each site has a covered area. Restrooms are clean. Plenty of hiking opportunities. We were in a 42 ft. 5th wheel. The site was w/e only. We would definitely stay again! There is also a fantastic musical presentation and BBQ on certain days.
If you have never been to Palo Duro Canyon, it is a must! The clear skies unencumbered by any white light from nearby Amarillo was exactly what we needed. We could see satellites passing overhead with the naked eye and were able to use our star app to Identify tons of star constellations. Quiet, peaceful, and cool, and no internet/cell connenction at the canyon floor. YES! We went for labor day weekend to get away from work; The website for Texas State Parks was right on the money for registration.... Read More
If you have never been to Palo Duro Canyon, it is a must!
The clear skies unencumbered by any white light from nearby Amarillo was exactly what we needed.
We could see satellites passing overhead with the naked eye and were able to use our star app to Identify tons of star constellations.
Quiet, peaceful, and cool, and no internet/cell connenction at the canyon floor. YES!
We went for labor day weekend to get away from work; The website for Texas State Parks was right on the money for registration. Price was great.
There is abundant wildlife to view and plenty of outdoor activities, especially if you like hiking, picturesque views and mountain biking. If you go before the end of August you can get tickets to the live outdoor show Texas!.
I grew up in Texas and camped with my family for many years, but we never thought to trek north to the panhandle to stay at Palo Duro. What a mistake.
Lot's of history in this area and only 25 minutes from Amarillo if you need a connection fix.
Be ready for a bit of a climb out of the canyon with your rig though; 7+% grade leaving the park.
The dually had to work towing the toyhauler out.
Sites are easy access and setup; so the positives outweigh the negative climb out of the canyon when you leave.
Can't wait to return, even if in the winter.
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We spent four days at Palo Duro in September. The weather was wonderful, sunny and quite warm but not too hot. The park has many enjoyable hike and mountain bike trails. There are views from the canyon rim as well. We did a number of hikes and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Juniper the newest camping loop furthest from the entrance and found it excellent, generous sized spaces, a nice picnic table with roof to protect against sun and rain, water and electric hookups were fine. Dump station... Read More
We spent four days at Palo Duro in September. The weather was wonderful, sunny and quite warm but not too hot. The park has many enjoyable hike and mountain bike trails. There are views from the canyon rim as well. We did a number of hikes and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Juniper the newest camping loop furthest from the entrance and found it excellent, generous sized spaces, a nice picnic table with roof to protect against sun and rain, water and electric hookups were fine. Dump station stop required for the fluids. In looking casually at other camping loops we thought that Juniper was the best of them. The park is beautiful with the red rock canyon wall surrounding it on both sides. The road down into the canyon, which is where the camping is located, is about a 10% grade with switchbacks, it wasn't a problem for our rig in a lower gear (i.e. 2500 series truck and 28' travel trailer) but probably would be a bit more daunting for larger rigs. Rigs of all sorts made it down so didn't feel this grade was a serious limitation. Would definitely return to this location/facility.
Read Less
This is a very nice state park with plenty to see and do. Roadrunners frolic all around, avoiding coyotes. Hiking trails take you up to spectacular views. The sites are spaced far enough apart to give you the sense of having your own "yard". We stayed in the mesquite camp loop, theres another camp area that seemed to have a brand new bathhouse. Call them and ask where that is, it'd be the "prime" spot. While you're in this area, go by the big texan steak house. Hits the spot after a day of hiking. Read More
This is a very nice state park with plenty to see and do. Roadrunners frolic all around, avoiding coyotes. Hiking trails take you up to spectacular views. The sites are spaced far enough apart to give you the sense of having your own "yard". We stayed in the mesquite camp loop, theres another camp area that seemed to have a brand new bathhouse. Call them and ask where that is, it'd be the "prime" spot. While you're in this area, go by the big texan steak house. Hits the spot after a day of hiking.
Read Less
The scenery in this park is amazing. There are several camping loops, Sagebrush has several 2x2 camping sites, so if you don't like a presence behind you, try for one of the other sites. Power was steady; water pressure was a little low when park was busy, 55psi otherwise. The views and vista's here are beautiful, there is plenty to see and do. The park is extremely busy; there is always a lot of traffic and a lot of people. This is not a "rest and relax" park. The quietest spot we found was... Read More
The scenery in this park is amazing. There are several camping loops, Sagebrush has several 2x2 camping sites, so if you don't like a presence behind you, try for one of the other sites. Power was steady; water pressure was a little low when park was busy, 55psi otherwise. The views and vista's here are beautiful, there is plenty to see and do. The park is extremely busy; there is always a lot of traffic and a lot of people. This is not a "rest and relax" park. The quietest spot we found was at the wildlife bird blind and even there it doesn't last long. Trails are nice, but again, very busy. Also, several of the trails are multi-use and if hiking, you need to watch out for bike riders, they are usually moving very fast. There is a trading post with souvenirs and a caf,. The food is good in taste and portion size. The visitors' center offers the history of this CCC park with a small interpretive museum and gift store. The staff we encountered were polite and helpful. No Verizon wifi or cel service at all once you are in the canyon. We found a signal at the visitors' center strong enough for checking EM and VM. This park is certainly worth a visit, but we probably would not camp here again due to the extreme traffic and lack of relaxation and quiet.
Read Less
Stayed there three nights. A very beautiful place and quite this time of year. Bathrooms were heated which is appreciated during the colder months. Showers were a bit old so we didn't use them. Rather steep grade into/out of canyon. I have a 13000 lb 5th where. Make sure your tow vehicle is decent and take it slow.
11450 Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015
Coordinates: 34.984709, -101.701867
Elevation: 3500
Directions
From Jct of US-87 & SR-217, E 12.2 mi on SR-217 (E); or From Jct of I-27 & SR-217, E 10 mi on SR-217 (E) (2 mi - 10% Grade Down to sites) (Entrance fee)