Palo Duro Canyon State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers exceptional RV camping across 5 campgrounds with over 130 sites, featuring America's second-largest canyon, iconic Lighthouse Trail hiking, and year-round outdoor adventures. Hackberry and Sagebrush Campgrounds provide electric and water hookups accommodating RVs up to 60 feet, while strategic locations like Amarillo RV rentals and Canyon camper van options offer prime access to this 29,182-acre wonderland that welcomed 400,000 visitors in 2023, making it Texas's premier canyon camping destination.
What Makes Palo Duro Canyon the Ultimate RV Destination?
Carved over millions of years by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, Palo Duro Canyon State Park captures the rugged beauty and colorful history of the Texas Panhandle. Famous for being America's second-largest canyon, this dramatic landscape stretches 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and plunges 800 feet deep, creating breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems. The park is home to iconic natural wonders like the Lighthouse Rock formation, a spectacular red rock spire accessible via the park's most popular hiking trail, and the colorful geological layers that tell the story of 240 million years of Earth's history.
You'll discover limitless adventure during your RV trip to Palo Duro, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hiking. The park features over 30 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for capturing the canyon's dramatic layers and wildlife, including roadrunners, wild turkeys, and over 175 bird species. The unique desert landscape showcases native Texas plants like prickly pear cactus, mesquite, and yucca that thrive in this high plains environment.
Spring and fall offer ideal RV camping conditions with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees and stunning wildflower displays. Summer brings intense heat that can exceed 100°F on the canyon floor, making early morning and evening the best times for outdoor activities. Winter provides mild days perfect for hiking, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night in this high desert environment.
The park welcomed approximately 400,000 visitors in 2023, representing consistent demand that makes advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak spring and fall seasons when weather conditions are perfect for outdoor adventures.
RV Rentals in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Transportation
Driving
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is easily accessible via major highways, located 25 miles southeast of Amarillo and 12 miles east of Canyon, Texas. From Amarillo, take I-27 South for approximately 18 miles to Canyon, then head east on Highway 217 for 10 miles to the park entrance. From Lubbock, take I-27 North to the Highway 217 exit 106 at Canyon. The park road features a winding, steep descent with hairpin turns and 10% grades that require careful navigation with larger RVs.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Texas Panhandle Hub: Amarillo RV rentals position you perfectly for Palo Duro Canyon access, just 25 miles northwest of the park entrance. This major city offers full services, shopping, dining, and attractions while serving as an excellent base for exploring the entire Texas Panhandle region.
Canyon Gateway: Canyon camper van rentals provide the closest access to Palo Duro Canyon, positioned just 12 miles from the park entrance. This charming university town offers a more intimate gateway experience with easy access to local restaurants and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
Parking
RV parking is available at the visitor center on the canyon rim and at various trailheads throughout the park. The park road is a one-way loop with designated pullouts for scenic viewing and photography. Due to the narrow, winding canyon road with steep grades, larger RVs should exercise caution and maintain slower speeds during the descent to campgrounds.
Public Transportation
No public transportation serves Palo Duro Canyon State Park directly. Private tour companies offer guided services from Amarillo, including jeep tours, horseback rides, and seasonal transportation to the famous TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Most visitors arrive by personal vehicle or RV rental from nearby gateway cities.
Campgrounds and parking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Campsites in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Reservations camping
Hackberry Campground
Hackberry Campground offers 32 sites with 30/50-amp electric and water hookups, accommodating RVs up to 60 feet in length. Located in the central area of the canyon floor, this popular campground provides easy access to hiking trails and park amenities. Sites feature paved parking, picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restrooms with hot showers. The campground's location offers excellent access to the Trading Post and Old West Stables.
Reserve sites up to 5 months in advance through the Texas State Parks reservation system, as Hackberry fills quickly during peak seasons. The Lighthouse Trail trailhead is easily accessible from this centrally located campground.
Amarillo KOA
The Amarillo KOA provides full-hookup sites accommodating RVs up to 90 feet, featuring 30/50-amp service, WiFi, cable TV, and modern amenities. Located 25 miles from Palo Duro Canyon, this family-friendly campground offers a heated swimming pool, playground, dog park, and convenience store.
Sagebrush Campground
Sagebrush Campground features 29 sites with 30/50-amp electric and water hookups suitable for RVs up to 60 feet. Positioned near the Pioneer Amphitheater, this campground is ideal for visitors planning to attend the famous TEXAS Outdoor Musical during summer months. Sites include paved parking, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities with hot showers.
The campground offers excellent canyon views and easy access to the Tasajillo Pavilion, making it perfect for group gatherings. Dump station facilities are conveniently located nearby for RVs without sewer connections.
Mesquite Campground
Located on the canyon floor, Mesquite Campground provides 20 sites with 30/50-amp electric and water hookups accommodating RVs up to 60 feet. This campground offers a more secluded experience surrounded by towering canyon walls and native mesquite trees. Sites feature paved parking, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities and a peaceful camping experience while maintaining access to major park trails and attractions via the park road system.
Juniper Campground
Juniper Campground offers primitive camping with 32 sites providing picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restroom facilities. While this campground lacks hookups, it provides an authentic outdoor experience for self-contained RVs and serves as an excellent overflow option during busy periods.
The campground features a group camp area with 9 sites offering 30/50-amp electric and water hookups, accommodating up to 72 people for family reunions or group gatherings.
Cabins
If you want to enjoy some rustic country living and sleep indoors for a night or two then book yourself a cabin at the park. There are seven cabins here, four of which are grouped together at Cow Camp and three that are on the Rim Cabin Loop near the main entrance of the park. The cabins are rough stone structures, which have wonderful views of the park and offer basic amenities. They all sleep a maximum of four people on wooden beds.
The four cabins at Cow Camp do not have bathrooms but are right opposite Mesquite Campground where you will find restrooms with hot showers. The cabins have a refrigerator, microwave, space heater, and air conditioning so you could easily spend a few days here in any season.
The three cabins on Rim Cabin Loop each have a fireplace, refrigerator, and microwave and a bathroom with a toilet and shower. An added bonus is that linens are provided when using these cabins.
Palo Duro RV Park
Palo Duro RV Park offers full hookups with 30/50-amp service, accommodating various RV sizes with both pull-through and back-in sites. Located just outside Canyon, this peaceful campground provides easy access to the state park while offering modern amenities including WiFi, showers, and laundry facilities.
Amarillo Best Wonderland RV Resort
Amarillo Best Wonderland RV Resort features full hookups, recreational facilities, and proximity to Wonderland Amusement Park. This family-oriented resort provides pavilions, playgrounds, and convenient access to Amarillo attractions while serving as an excellent base for Palo Duro Canyon day trips.
First-come first-served
Hike-in Primitive Camp Areas
If you are into primitive camping this state park offers opportunities for backpacking and camping in the country. Permits for using the hike-in primitive camp areas are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. You'll need to hike at least a half-mile from the parking area in order to access the camping area. Make sure to bring your own drinking water and a containerized fuel stove for cooking as no fires are allowed. Restrooms and showers are located a quarter-mile from the trailhead. Up to four people are allowed in each group, and this area can accommodate as many as 40 people. The use of these sites is dependent on the weather, so make sure you check with the park rangers before heading out.
Tent Campground
Between them, Fortress Cliff and Cactus Camp Areas have 14 campsites suitable for tent camping. These scenic sites have a lovely panoramic view of the cliff line and are peaceful. Here you can enjoy some rustic camping with wonderful opportunities for stargazing and enjoying the coyote calls at night time. The campsites are spacious and have gravel parking with a 20-foot long driveway. There aren't many trees in this area but the picnic table at each site is shaded. The campgrounds have a communal water spigot, but campers have to use the restrooms and showers at Juniper campground.
Seasonal activities in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
In-Season
Hiking
There are over 30 miles of trails for you to explore during your RV trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The majority of the trails are marked with signs to help you stay on the right path. The most popular trail in the park is the Lighthouse Trail. This moderate six-mile round-trip trail will greet you with stunning views of rock formations, such as Capitol Peak and Lighthouse Rock.
If you want to get a picturesque, panoramic view of the Texan hilly valley below, try the over two-mile-long Rock Garden Trail. Keep in mind that this trail is difficult due to steep climbs up the canyon. If you're looking for trails the whole family can enjoy, try the easier and shorter Juniper Trails.
Remember to bring a water bottle and sunscreen in your Airstream as it can get very hot on the trails. You will see an abundance of wildlife around you, but please leave them as you found them in order to keep their habitat intact.
Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Texas state park adventures, check out our Big Bend National Park RV guide and explore our Garner State Park camping guide.
Attending a Show
Each summer the Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation puts on a set of musicals to tell the history of Texas. These started in the 1960s and have continued to draw large crowds ever since its first premier. You can order your tickets online if you would like to attend, but you can also buy them at the door. They perform from Tuesday through Saturday, every week during the summer. If you want to come a little early to the show, you can enjoy a delicious dinner hosted by Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner.
Horseback Riding
You are allowed to bring your own horse to the park, but if you do you will have to stay at the Equestrian Basic Campground. There are 10 sites available with a stable for you to keep your horse comfortable. Over 1,500 acres of land have been put aside for horseback riding. You can also ride on three horseback riding trails: the Lighthouse Trail, the Equestrian Trail, and the Juniper Cliffside Trail.
There are guided tours available by the Old West Stables. They have been in operation since 1998 and offer a wide range of activities. You will need to make a reservation if you wish to participate in the tour.
Off-Season
Shopping at the Trading Post
The Trading Post is the equivalent of a camp store, but with a few more items for you to purchase. You can get camping supplies, firewood, jewelry, souvenirs, groceries, and even fuel. The store also provides meals and snacks if you are feeling hungry or just peckish. You can find guide books about the canyon, as well as the animals and the plants found in the canyon. You may also want to stock up on sunscreen if you forgot to bring yours along.
Attending Nature Walks
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has a lot of historical significance that you may have never heard about. The Battle of Palo Duro Canyon was a major loss for the southern Native Americans who had to surrender and move to a reservation in Oklahoma. Along your nature walks you will find a few interpretive signs that provide a brief history of the canyon. Be on the lookout for hoodoos, which is a certain rock formation found in the canyon where a larger rock is found balancing on a smaller base. Remember to bring your camera in your rig, and be prepared to come across some amazing sights full of history and the beauty of nature.
Birding
Birding in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park takes on an entirely different meaning than in other parks. There is a wide variety of birds that live in the park. You can find wild turkey, but they are not for your consumption. The park provides a bird guidebook that you can pick up at the Trading Post on your drive in. On your birding adventure, you can turn it into a game and see who can spot some of the park’s natives like the Golden-fronted woodpeckers, the Mississippi kites and western meadowlarks
