Juniper Campground, near Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern conveniences. With spacious sites that come with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a day of exploring.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including hot showers and flush toilets, which visitors appreciate after a long day of hiking. Many campers have highlighted the stunning views of the canyon walls surrounding the area, making it a picturesque backdrop for your stay. One visitor remarked, “Gorgeous views from the campsite! Massive space between RV pads!”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the campground offers direct access to numerous hiking trails, including the popular Juniper Trail, where you can discover unique geological features like caves. Horseback riding is also available, adding another layer of adventure to your visit. Plus, the nearby camp store provides essentials and tasty bites, so you won’t have to venture far for supplies.

While the heat can be intense during the summer months, the cool evenings and starry skies make it all worthwhile. Just be prepared for some pesky flies, as they seem to be a common companion in the area. Whether you're camping in a tent or an RV, Juniper Campground is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Juniper Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Canyon, TX has a lot to offer. Canyon is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Canyon, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Canyon

The Best Camping Near Canyon, Texas

I have camped twice at the Hackberry campground.  Some of the sites have shelters, some do not.  Water is at every site and the bathrooms are nice.

It is a beautiful camp ground.  I got chased by wild turkeys once.

The hikes are amazing.  I have hiked the Lighthouse Trail, CCC Trail, Juniper/Cliffslide Trail, and a few others.

Be sure to bring lots of water on the hikes.

There is a great information building at the top of the canyon.

The Grand Canyon of Texas

Some sites have shelters, all have water.  Make sure you bring plenty of water on your hikes, coming from NC, it is something I need to constantly remind myself of this!!!

Gorgeous Red Rocks!

You have a lot of campground variety options. Some campgrounds can handle giant monster RVs and have hookups while others are tent only and then you have group and hike in sites.

The tent sites are drive up and have tables and fire rings, some areas have (shaded tabled, which you may need because it's pretty open) You have some water nearby, but depending on which campground you're at you might want to make sure and pack it in.

This also goes for restrooms and showers, as they are not everywhere....

Palo Duro Canyon should be listed as several different campgrounds...

If you don't mind a little red dirt, Palo Duro is an outstanding place to explore. It's large enough to spend several days and not feel like you've exhausted the area. Catch the overlook as you enter, and then camp as far into the park as you can. Don't miss the ~3 mile trail out to the iconic Lighthouse and the big cave all the way in by the equestrian area.

Palo Duro Lighthouse

I came here on my way back to California after visiting Sam Houston for 2 weeks. I was able to visit Cactus Campground. The site was a little bare in my opinion and felt like a deep back country camp spot. I came here on the weekday and was pretty busy. My original plans was to book a cabin at Cows Camp cabin a 10 minute drive up the road but was completely booked.

The shelter was not as big as I wanted to wait out the blazing sun in the 90 degree temperature. The site had water and the restroom is a portal potty. I would recommend going in the early morning or late at night because can cause a massive stench. The site didn't have much coverage but a few dried up trees. You can see right into the neighbors site. If you came here for the view of the stars I would NOT recommend this spot. The site park is near Amarillo and the city lights block out the stars

Cactus Cmpground

I had passed through the Texas panhandle so many times on my bi-yearly drives to Scottsdale Arizona from central Illinois, but had not stopped at this park until June of 2017\. I found this on the Internet and having been to the Grand Canyon several times I wanted to compare it to this one.

The canyon is amazing and I saw a wild boar, a roadrunner, an armadillo, 7 turkey's and 2 white tail deer. In the morning after spending just one night here. It cost $16 for a site with no electricity and I reserved it online for another $4\. The tent campsites all have covered pavilion structures that shade the picnic table and many people hang hammocks in them. There are fire pits with grates and porto potty's that were disgusting, so I dug a cat hole in the morning, which was a much better option. I tent camped and intended to hike some after my long day driving, but was held up in a two hour traffic jam making the hike impossible before dark. The people I found having a Birthday party in my campsite said the hiking is great here and treated me to a hamburger, a beer ( not allowed ), some great conversation and a piece of Birthday cake.

The RV campsites had shower houses and much better restrooms, so if I return here with my wife I will spring for the more deluxe campsite. I was in awe of the scenery in this canyon but surprised by the lack of groundskeeping, restroom maintenance and park management not knowing what people were doing in the campgrounds. Although I found 10 people in my reserved campsite after driving all day, I made the most of it and was happy I met this group of people.

Unexpected beauty in the Panhandle

I live in Amarillo and visit this area often. Great area to hike, camp, and mountain bike. It does get hot in summer months.

your choice of camping areas, tent, camper and primitive outback hiking . Lots of trails, slots to find. I’ve been several times and have never seen it over crowded.

Palo Duro great place

best views of the night sky. the bathrooms were over clean, except we saw a friendly frog in the shower. beautiful views of the canyon. 

starry night

Palo Duro Canyon is undeniably beautiful. Outside of any reviews of camping the canyon itself is a wonder.

We've stayed in a few of the RV loops, but our favorite is Juniper. Its the furthest inside the park but has had recent renovations to the sites and bathroom facilities. Sites are reasonably spaced apart with water and electric hook ups. A few pull through spots are available in Juniper. Sites are level with fresh gravel and a covered concrete pad with picnic table.

You can access several trails from Juniper. The mountain biking in Palo Duro is fantastic. As well as the hiking. Summers are very hot, but Spring and Fall are great times to visit.

The gate is usually busy when you check in but the rangers always do a great job.

Our Go To State Park

The famous Lighthouse trail was great first thing when the park opens &amp; before it becomes too crowded with park visitors. It’s an easy trek to the end of the trail and back, with a shaded area for a snack and water break. Driving through the park is breathtaking with the colors of the canyons and landscape. We did a challenging trail, which only had one other couple, and it was beautiful to walk along the ridge of the canyon and see more of the park.

Vast landscape, great for families

Palo Duro Canyon is just amazing! We have been 3 times, as it is one of our stopping points on our Texas and Colorado trek. Seeing the canyon is such a treat! Be sure to ask about the best spots to take pictures at sunset.

If you go in the Summer, expect it to be HOT, and always have water with you. The drive down to the campsites has lots of switchbacks, but we have successfully navigated it with our RV in tow. MANY opportunities for hiking, climbing, biking and just walking around. The rock formations are just wonderful, and if you are a photographer, you will love this park.

The Texas Show is a MUST- at least once in your life!!

Worth the Drive!

Land steeped in history. This place fills fast! Stunning views and hiking opportunities. A must see in Texas. 

Palo Duro Canyon

Our family loved it here, we can't wait to go back- we just have to mentally prepare for a 13 hour car drive.  That's Texas for ya!

 A New Favorite

We had a wonderful experience here back in April 2018\. You can look up from most campsites and see the cliffs. Trails to walk around and an awesome gift shop with fountain drinks and plenty of snacks. The turkeys were walking around the campsites. Our camp host rode around talking to all campers on his jeep. People talked to one another in the mornings and evenings. I give credit to our park host for telling us all the info we needed to know and creating a safe atmosphere. Great place for Hiking, Biking, and Equestrian events.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Unexpected beautiful canyon in northern Texas! Beautiful views and clean, well maintained tent sites! Many trails walking distance from your camp and shared water spigots near sites. Come for the canyon and stay for Texas the musical! That exceeded my expectations too!

Incredible 

Juniper site 113, full hook ups, right across from bathrooms/showers which are well kept and nice! Cell service is sketchy— tv reception got a few digital channels.  Fire pit/grill combo, covered picnic table.  Lots of hiking trails.  Well spaced sites with privacy.  

Beautiful  and well kept!

October was perfect time to stay here.  Temp’s were comfortable.  Beautiful canyon, colors are unbelievable. Really enjoyed this State Park.  Will visit again!

October Paradise 

Spent 2 nights and 3 days in the canyon with my dog. It was during the week and I wasn’t allowed to do a two night and had to move camp sites which was annoying and why I took off a star. Besides that great stay and great hikes with scenic views.

All around beautiful

Great camping. Absolutely beautiful place. Was pretty empty when I was here. Great hiking and perfect sunsets. Would stay again.

Beautiful 

Wow, this place is incredible!  It’s a state park but could easily qualify as a National Park based on the natural beauty and park programs.  This is a major state park with hundreds of camping sites for all levels of camping from large RVs to simple tent campers.  The canyon is huge on covers hundreds square miles.  It’s about a one day drive from Austin and located near Amarillo in the Texas Plains.  This area can get very cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer.  The campgrounds are down in the canyon which is normally hotter.  We visited in July on the way back from Colorado.  It was 93 degrees at 10pm at night.  So tent campers need to plan carefully.  They have some of the Best facilities for a state park.  The amphitheater is very popular and puts on great programs.  We canyons are breathtaking and the red variations of the canyon walls are fantastic for artists and photographers alike.  The visitors center staff were very helpful and were able to accommodate a couple of special request.  They are open until 9pm which is great.  The restrooms and other facilities are some of the best we have experienced.  The hiking trails here are a highlight and popular for hiking and mountain biking.  We saw eagles and roadrunners during our stay.  The area has some interesting history and worth learning more.  I would highly recommend for those looking for a campsite in Northern Texas near Amarillo.  This has to be one of the best Texas State Parks on our list.  

North Texas Must See

We had to do late check in but were able to select a more secluded site in Wolfberry to set up camp. There was a fire ban due to the heat in the area but it was okay since we pretty much just needed a place to rest for the evening before heading further north. The next morning we checked out the sights but were unable to actually do any trails. Some seemed a little difficult for our young children. The park was well maintained and the park employees were very helpful. 

We got in late. Beautiful sunrise. 

Nice. Bathroom could be cleaner. Deer in campground. 

Very pretty. 

Stayed here for a few days in our van again with my wife on our 25th wedding anniversary trip!  Beautiful!  Had a great time and made some fantastic memories!

Amazing place!

This was my favorite park traveling through Texas. The canyons are beautiful ,the hiking trails are extremely good, you could mountain bike also. Easy to take good pictures over here, OK it’s hot but for sure I will be coming back here.Great RV sited.
June 24 to 27.  2020

My favorite park

The sites are spacious and you’re surrounded by so much beauty you feel like your boondocking even though you have water and electric hookups! 

Best Place Ever 

The scenery in this park is outstanding. Staff is friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Definitely a ‘must see’ campground. 

Absolutely Beautiful

We stayed here for one night to do a little hiking and mountain bike riding. Lots of fun trails. Beautiful rock formations and caves to explore. Dogs are welcome on leashes any were outside in the park. We stayed in Juniper Campground spot 103.  It was a pull through site. All of the sights are spacious and have fire rings along with covered picnic tables. It gets super hot in the summer so spring and fall temperatures may be better. Bring lots of water. I’m definitely going to be coming back soon and often. I didn’t use the facilities but they looked new and spacious from the outside and we heard they were good. 

Hidden gem!

The area of Texas around Palo Duro is flat and uninteresting almost until the rim of the canyon, at which point you drive down a well maintained, winding road to a campground at the bottom of the canyon. The road and several buildings on the site were built by the CCC. We were in a 17-foot Casita RV parked in a loop with other larger rigs but had reasonable privacy due to well designed spaces with picnic tables set in low-growing junipers and other greenery. We had 30-amp and water hook-ups but dumped at a dump station on the main road just outside our loop. Central bathroom with shower was clean. The rangers and staff and about half the guests we encountered masked in public spaces i.e. restrooms. Strongly recommend hiking through the canyon - trails we hike were relatively flat but accessed interesting and beautiful terrain.

Great Camping in a Dramatically Beautiful Canyon

While approaching the park most first timers would think “What canyon?”  For miles in all directions outside of Amarillo are fields and wind Turbines. When you make that first turn after entering the park WOW is such a weak descriptor.   The view is spectacular. 2 miles wide, 800 feet deep and 12 miles long.  Absolutely fantastic!  The park is very linear.  One way in and a loop at the far end.  Many trails (equestrian hiking and biking) are available.  The maps provided are top notch.  The have a park store (called The Trading Post) about 4 miles into the park.  Gas, diesel, propane, hot food service.  It was extremely handy. To be fair there was one draw back to this park, I’ve never seen as many flies anywhere.  Apparently this is a common situation.  Here are some of our pictures. ￼

Breathtaking is a understatement 

I camped down in the canyon for 3 days and had a fantastic time. There’s a small store with tiny restaurant and tons of good hiking trails. I easily walked several trails even though I can’t walk far due to a hip disability. 

  

You will find this to be a favorite campground worthy of bringing the entire family to several times.

Fantastic Camping Experience 

Camped on Memorial Day Weekend, the park is run beautifully. Loved hiking the trails with my dogs. Campsites were nice, stayed at juniper the first night. It had a pavilion on every site, and located next to restrooms. Beautiful view of side of the canyon. I wouldn't recommend staying at Hackberry sites 1-4 it's closer to the main road which is 30mph.

Astounding views

Gorgeous views from the campsite! Massive space between RV pads! Amazing outside patio with cover and aluminum table! Large red granite rocks for seating if you forgot you're own! Plenty of space at the park for corn hole, darts, or even a little baseball tossing with the little peeps! Wildlife was cool too, complete with friendly Road runners and Terrantula Spiders!

Gorgeous Views 

Absolutely beautiful park.  Very peaceful.  Stars galore at night. Big State park. Had my electric bike so I was able to see most of the park. Hiking/biking trails for all skill levels.  There are stables in the park that I went on an 1 hour ride.

A Mini Grand Canyon In Texas

Quiet and clean campsite.  Each site is well spaced with a fire pit, table and cover. The shower facilities were clean and water was hot. Lots of hikes and wildlife. 

Glorious starry night 

Another great campground loop inside Palo Duro Canyon. Nice, level sites with water and electric hookups. Two dump stations in the park to choose from. There is a store with small restaurant inside.  

This campsite is close to The Big Cave. What a great area to explore! 

Juniper Campground Loop

This is a unique little campground at the bottom of a canyon. Lots of hiking to do. Very quiet. Sites are nice and spacious and there are shelters over the picnic tableS when we were there there was a burn ban so. O fires or charcoal. They have horseback riding and a nice camp store

Beautiful unique campground 

Juniper CG - Paul Duro : 
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating:  4 – secluded campground all outside sites are nice.
Security: @Park entrance
Usage during visit: 50%
Site Privacy:  junipers offer a degree of privacy
Site Spacing:  pretty good except some of the inside sites back up to
Pad surface: Blacktop
Reservations:   Yes
Campground Noise:   Quiet
Outside Road Noise: not noticeable
Through Traffic in campground:    no
Electric Hookup:  yes
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: down the road
Potable Water Available: at the sites
Bathroom: flush toilet
Showers: yes
Pull Throughs: many
Cell Service (AT&amp;T): one bar
Setting: scattered junipers and deciduous trees with nice view of Canyon walls on both sides of the canyon. 
Recent Weather: 30 to 70
Insects: none
Host: two park hosts are at the campground
Rig Size: large rigs are here
Sites: my favorite sites: 97,99, 100 101 103, 105, 107, 109, 111 (a bit closer to the road), 113 (close to the road.) 110. Most inner loop sites aren’t very private. The best ones are among my list above.

Canyon Walls Visible Both Sides of CG

Wolfberry : this looks like the newest campground, which is very adequate for large it
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating:  3.5 -all are  pull throughs. Looks great for large rigs
Security: @Park entrance
Usage during visit: empty. Might be closed.
Site Privacy:  no
Site Spacing:  pretty good
Pad surface: blacktop
Reservations:   Yes
Outside Road Noise: no
Through Traffic in campground:    No
Electric Hookup:  yes
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: down the road
Potable Water Available: at the sites
Bathroom: flush toilets
Showers: at the adjacent campground
Pull Throughs: all
Cell Service (AT&amp;T): two bars
Setting: juniper trees, mesquite trees with Cliff falls on both sides
Recent Weather: 30 to 7 days
Insects: None during our visit
Host: at the adjacent
Rig Size: will accommodate large Riggs
Sites: pictures of my favorite sites in this campground.

Empty.  Looked Pretty Good

About 5 miles into the canyon past the entrance. I arrived after check-in hours and they had my packet waiting for me at the entrance. It was about 105 when I got in at 5pm in July (to be expected), but cooled down some overnight with a bit of rain. Great access to the Juniper trail with the cave— definitely worth checking out. Saw a baby scorpion in the bathroom sink, but pretty clean bathroom facilities. Biggest downside besides the heat was the relentless biting flies. 

Photos of Juniper Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Real photos from real campers