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.
"Bring some bug spray the mosquitoes are pretty bad.
Had wonderful stars and a beautiful sunrise."
"The overlook gives you incredible panoramic views of Palo Duro Canyon— especially during sunset, when the colors light up the entire sky."
"No amenities, but good boondocking spot for the night. Got lucky with cooler overnight temps in June."
"Lookout parking area with no restrictions on overnight parking. Great place to see the sunrise over the canyon."
"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."
"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."
"Free 14 day limit. This is a horse friendly park. Open area with not many trees. One of thirteen primitive camping areas in the Lake Meredith National Rec Area. 2802 ft elevation."
LegendFCFS
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.
TravelerThis 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.
LegendUpon 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.
LegendFCFS
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
ScoutNo amenities, but good boondocking spot for the night. Got lucky with cooler overnight temps in June.
ScoutLookout parking area with no restrictions on overnight parking. Great place to see the sunrise over the canyon.
ScoutI 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.
TravelerStrange person going around following ya u hear stuff at night strange stuff and health warnings for air quilty just stay away
ScoutThis spot really surprised me in the best way. The overlook gives you incredible panoramic views of Palo Duro Canyon— especially during sunset, when the colors light up the entire sky. I car-camped here for a night, and even without water or bathrooms, it felt like the perfect escape from city life. The picnic tables were super handy for dinner, and even though it got windy at night, it was manageable. Stargazing was the highlight— I saw more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life. Just make poor bunny sure to pack your own water, snacks, and warm layers if you're staying overnight. If you’re road-tripping through Texas, this is a stop worth making.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Canyon, Texas, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Palo Duro Canyon?
You can find free dispersed camping near Palo Duro Canyon at SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook which offers panoramic views of the canyon and flat areas suitable for car camping, particularly spectacular during sunset. Another option is the Palo Duro Canyon Lookout, a parking area with no restrictions on overnight stays and a perfect spot to catch the sunrise over the canyon. Both locations are free but have no amenities like water or bathrooms, so come prepared with everything you need for your stay.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Palo Duro Canyon?
Dispersed camping regulations around Palo Duro Canyon typically include a 14-day stay limit at locations like McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp in the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Campers must pack out all trash and follow fire safety guidelines when using fire rings. These areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Some sites may have pit toilets and picnic tables, but you need to bring your own water. Be aware that improper waste disposal is prohibited and can lead to site closures, so always practice Leave No Trace principles.
When is the best season for dispersed camping at Palo Duro Canyon?
Spring and fall are the best seasons for dispersed camping at Palo Duro Canyon, when temperatures are moderate and comfortable. Summer can be extremely hot, as noted by campers at Lower Plum Creek Campground who mention the open areas with limited shade. Even in June, some visitors to the canyon report getting lucky with cooler overnight temperatures, but this isn't guaranteed. Winter brings milder daytime temperatures but can get quite cold at night due to the 2800+ ft elevation. For the most comfortable experience, aim for March-May or September-November when the weather is more predictable and pleasant.
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