Amarillo camping areas sit at an elevation of about 3,600 feet in the Texas Panhandle, with typical high plains conditions including strong winds and temperature extremes. The region receives approximately 20 inches of rainfall annually, creating a semi-arid environment where most RV parks remain open year-round despite seasonal temperature fluctuations. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with occasional severe thunderstorms in spring and summer months.
What to do
Visit Palo Duro Canyon: Juniper Campground in Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers camping just 30 miles southeast of Amarillo with access to hiking and biking trails. "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," notes one visitor. The park features multiple campgrounds with varying amenities.
Explore Cadillac Ranch: This famous roadside attraction with buried vintage cars is just a short drive from several Amarillo campgrounds. "About 1 mile from the famous buried Cadillac art attraction. The neighboring campers were all friendly some of them seem like they stay there long term and they were super friendly," writes a camper who stayed at Cadillac Ranch RV Park.
Watch outdoor performances: During summer months, visitors can catch shows at the canyon. "One night we drive out to Palo Duro Park to see the musical Texas! Lots of fun!" reports a camper from Big Texan RV Ranch.
What campers like
Indoor recreation options: Big Texan RV Ranch offers amenities that campers appreciate during extreme weather. "Great indoor pool with sauna and hot tub. Fenced areas for three separate dog parks. Good level sites. Will stay here again," writes one visitor. Another adds, "My kids LOVED the bounce pad," highlighting family-friendly features.
Transportation services: Many campers mention enjoying the unique dining shuttle services. "Call them and they will send a limo over to the RV park to transport you! That was fun, and frankly, since we didn't have a tow car...a big savings over Uber," notes a visitor describing the free transportation to nearby restaurants.
Pet facilities: Amarillo RV Resort receives positive reviews for its pet accommodations. "Small fenced pet run with larger pet area next to it for leashed dogs," mentions one camper. Another notes, "Large area for the dogs. Very clean, very accommodating facility. Good dog area."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Many campgrounds sit close to Interstate 40, creating ambient noise. "It's one of those parks where all the campers are close to each other and lined up in long rows and of course Amarillo is flat flat flat with few trees so it isn't very picturesque," reports one visitor about Amarillo RV Resort. Another camper notes, "It was pretty noisy with the interstate traffic."
Wind conditions: The Amarillo area experiences significant wind year-round. A camper at Love's RV Hookup mentions, "You can hear the sounds of the freeway," with others noting windiness as a regional characteristic affecting camping comfort.
Canyon access challenges: When heading to Palo Duro Canyon, be prepared for the descent. "The drive down to the campsites has lots of switchbacks, but we have successfully navigated it with our RV in tow," explains one visitor, addressing a concern many RVers have about canyon access.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor swimming options: Fort Amarillo RV Resort provides all-weather recreation that families appreciate. "The campground is great looks like it's lots of fun in the summer. We only stayed 1 night but we did have a limo pick us up and take us to the steak house. Very nice staff full hook ups heated indoor pool," mentions a visitor.
Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Pros: Good Sam Campground, Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP), Huge pull thru site, Level site, Picnic table on-site, Playground, Indoor Pool, Hot tub (adults only), Friendly staff," summarizes one camper at Big Texan RV Ranch.
Canyon safety with kids: For families visiting Palo Duro Canyon, preparation is essential. "If you go in the Summer, expect it to be HOT, and always have water with you," advises one camper, emphasizing the importance of hydration in the semi-arid climate.
Tips from RVers
After-hours arrival: Many parks accommodate late check-ins. "We arrived late but the neon sign out front was a great welcome. The office and gift shop area had a cool retro style to it," reports a visitor to Cadillac Ranch RV Park. Another RVer notes, "We arrived a little after 7, so they had called me mid-afternoon to confirm we were coming and gave us instructions for after-hours check-in."
Site selection: For privacy at The Silos at Canyon RV Park, experienced campers recommend specific areas. "We just needed a place to stay for the night on our drive through Amarillo and this place was great. Felt very safe, the bathrooms were super clean and nice and the other amenities were great," explains one visitor.
Electrical needs: Multiple amperage options exist across different parks. "On our way through Amarillo/Canyon we needed somewhere quick & easy to stay and came across Silos. Had 20, 30, 50 connections, water, and dumping. Perfect place!" reports one RVer, highlighting the electrical flexibility important to many travelers.
