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Best Dispersed Camping near Amarillo, TX

31 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Amarillo, Texas centers primarily around Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and the Palo Duro Canyon region. Several free primitive camping areas exist within these public lands, including McBride Canyon, Mullinaw Creek Camp, Rosita Flats OHV Area, and Chimney Hollow. Most locations permit stays up to 14 days, with McBride Canyon extending to 30 days during hunting season. These areas typically feature basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets, though not all sites offer these facilities.

Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain when dirt and gravel surfaces become problematic. The road into McBride Canyon deteriorates the further in you travel and becomes very dusty during dry periods. Lower Plum Creek Campground and several other Lake Meredith sites have cement pads and covered picnic areas but limited tree cover. The SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook, while technically a roadside picnic area, permits overnight parking and car camping but does not accommodate tent camping outside vehicles.

The camping experience varies significantly across these free sites. McBride Canyon provides secluded tent camping with sites spread apart for privacy. A camper noted, "This is the perfect place for quiet, secluded tent camping. The sites were spread apart a nice distance, each with a picnic table." The Palo Duro Canyon Overlook delivers panoramic canyon views, especially at sunset, making it popular for overnight stays despite being a simple parking area. Weather conditions can affect the camping experience, with several reviews mentioning strong winds and, at Lake Meredith, significant mosquito populations during certain seasons. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, and the Mullinaw Trails System near McBride Canyon offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding options.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Amarillo, Texas (8)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Amarillo, TX

31 Photos of 8 Amarillo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Amarillo, TX

31 Reviews of 8 Amarillo Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Country Living

    FCFS

    FREE

    This is a pretty good campground especially since it is Free.  You have a stay limt of 14 days and who doesn't need to kick back and just enjoy the simple pleasures of doing nothing.  There is no water but you will have picnic tables with shelters for the tables, fire ring, trash and a pit toilet.  You have a lot of shade around the perimenter of the campground which makes it nice.  There is no electric but who needs it.  You should have plenty of time to hike the grasslands, find a great fishing spot around the lake.  We are looking forward to a return trip to spend more time around the lake.  Hunting is another reason to check this place out.

    LNT

    tRAVEL SAFE.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2020

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Simple, no frills, secluded

    This is the perfect place for quiet, secluded tent camping. The sites were spread apart a nice distance, each with a picnic table. Pit toilets centrally located. Grills And fire rings at some (but perhaps not all) of the sites.  The best part of this campground is the quiet. We were the only ones at the campground the weekend of our visit - we literally had the campground to ourselves. Just a short drive/hike further up the canyon on the dirt road for some beautiful views.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Chimney Hollow — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Free As Ya Wanna Be

    FCFS 

    FREE 

    No drinking water. There is a pit toilet, trash, and plenty of cactus. This is a very open area that is more like a pasture than dispersed camping. It is a great spot if you want to get away from it all. The road in will turn from pavement to dirt. I would be careful during the rainy season. No shade trees which means it is great for solar. There was only one rock fire ring. You might want to have a bit of clearance on your vehicle. 

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it. 

    Travel safe

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2022

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Out of The Way Peaceful

    Upon arrival, it is very far out of the way of any towns or amenities. So make sure you bring everything you need for your stay. This is not a one night stop if you’re just driving through.

    The road is fairly nice and paved the whole way out until you reach the camp. No big ruts or pot holes. It turns into sand and loose gravel after entering the campground.

    There are quite a few rules and regulations to stay here, so it says on the board when entering the camp.

    We stayed during hunting season so the length of stay is up to 30 days. Any other time of the year it’s 14 days.

    I checked the local website and there is a fire ban in effect but it could change in the future. So be sure to check if you plan on having a fire.

    Reception sucks. We got one bar where we stayed but towards where people are living out here, it’s a little better.

    There are a couple of holes dug in the ground with a toilet sitting on top. I used it and noticed it was to the top by the rim of the seat full of human waste. Awesome!

    There are a lot of sand burrs that stuck to literally everything when you walk anywhere outside.

    The time of the year we stayed the whole country was experiencing an Arctic blast from the north, so it was quite chilly. That’s not norma here, but it is what it is.

    We didn’t make it down to the Lake so i have no pictures of that.

    Wildlife and traffic are heavy due to it being hunting season. But the traffic wasn’t a bother. Usually early in the morning and late at night.

    Seen a park ranger a few times drive by, that’s the extent of that.

    All n all, very peaceful! We would stay again.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Trail Ride

    FCFS

    FREE 

    Horse corral with hitching post, pit toilet, trash, some covered picnic tables, and fire ring. This is a very open site and would be great for a trail ride. There are a lot of trees for shade but It can get hot in the summer. The road into the campground does deteriorate the further in you go. It is also VERY dusty This area is located south of the lake off of State Highway 136. You will find large cottonwood trees that provide shade. The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System. 

    This trail system is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

    NO OFF ROAD VEHICLES ALLOWED. 

    No drinking water 

    LNT 

    BTWYFI

    Travel safe

  • Marlin E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Palo Duro Canyon Lookout

    Great Overnight Spot with Awesome Views

    No amenities, but good boondocking spot for the night. Got lucky with cooler overnight temps in June.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Palo Duro Canyon Lookout

    Great spot

    Lookout parking area with no restrictions on overnight parking. Great place to see the sunrise over the canyon.

  • Cullen R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2023

    SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook

    Great view, mostly for boondocking.

    I stayed last night and had no problems except for one of the #vanlife dudes emptied his chemical toilet into the parking lot and it ran down the parking lot to where I was setting up my stuff. I plead with him to stop dumping because he was dumping for like 10 minutes. People like him are going to get these places removed.

    The sleep was great. I slept most of the night in my hammock connected to the back of my truck. Bring some bug spray the mosquitoes are pretty bad.

    Had wonderful stars and a beautiful sunrise.

Guide to Amarillo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Amarillo, Texas, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.

Stunning Views at Palo Duro Canyon Lookout for Dispersed Campers

  • This lookout area provides breathtaking views of the canyon, making it an ideal spot for sunrise enthusiasts.
  • Overnight parking is allowed, giving you the flexibility to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
  • The location is perfect for stargazing, with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the night sky.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Amarillo, Texas

  • Always check for local regulations, as some areas, like McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp, have specific rules regarding fires and wildlife.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, as amenities can be sparse; for instance, Chimney Hollow offers only basic facilities like a pit toilet and trash disposal.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions; some sites may have rough terrain, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, especially when visiting places like Fritch Fortress Campground.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near Amarillo

  • Enjoy hiking and wildlife watching at Rosita Flats OHV Area, where off-road trails provide an adventurous experience.
  • Fishing and boating opportunities abound at nearby lakes, making spots like Bugbee Campground a great choice for water enthusiasts.
  • Explore the rugged landscapes and unique rock formations at Lower Plum Creek Campground, perfect for photography and nature walks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Amarillo, TX?

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers several free dispersed camping options near Amarillo. McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp provides secluded sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets with a 14-day stay limit. The area features shaded spots and is ideal for tent camping. Another excellent option is Chimney Hollow, which offers a more open landscape with pit toilets and trash service. Be prepared for primitive conditions as there's no drinking water at these sites, and access roads may deteriorate in wet weather. All these areas are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

How does Palo Duro Canyon camping compare to dispersed camping options near Amarillo?

Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers developed campgrounds with amenities like water, electricity, and restrooms, but requires fees and reservations. In contrast, Palo Duro Canyon Lookout provides free dispersed camping with no amenities but spectacular sunrise views over the canyon. It's essentially a lookout parking area with no restrictions on overnight parking. For a more established dispersed experience, Bugbee Campground offers a drive-in option with more primitive conditions. While the state park provides convenience and facilities, dispersed options offer greater solitude, no fees, and often more flexibility for last-minute trips, though you'll need to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.

Are there any free overnight RV parking spots in Amarillo, TX?

Several free overnight RV parking options exist near Amarillo. Lower Plum Creek Campground offers free camping with a 14-day limit and features cement pads and covered picnic tables, making it suitable for RVs. It's one of thirteen primitive camping areas in the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area at 2,802 ft elevation. For a scenic overnight stop, SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook provides flat parking suitable for RVs with stunning views, particularly at sunset. Both locations are first-come, first-served with no hookups, so be prepared to boondock with your own water and power.

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