Best Equestrian Camping near Canyon, TX

Equestrian Campground at Palo Duro Canyon State Park features horse corrals directly at campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs and tent camping areas. Located at the canyon floor, the campground provides direct access to riding trails throughout the 120-mile canyon system. Sites include picnic tables with covers and fire rings at each location. The campground maintains toilet and shower facilities within walking distance of the equestrian sites. Generators are permitted for horse owners requiring additional power options. Sites accommodate both horses and camping vehicles in the same area, eliminating the need to separate animals from camping equipment.

Palo Duro Canyon offers extensive trail networks accessible from the equestrian camping area, with paths winding through diverse terrain including juniper and mesquite trees. Riders frequently encounter wildlife such as deer and wild turkey along the canyon trails. The 10% grade entrance road requires careful navigation when trailering horses into the campground. Reservations are essential as the equestrian sites fill quickly, particularly during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Winter camping provides exceptional stargazing opportunities and more solitude for riders, though temperatures can drop significantly at night. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making early morning rides advisable during hot months. The park recommends carrying additional water on longer trail rides as natural water sources may be unreliable.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Canyon, Texas (5)

    1. Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    50 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $16 / night

    "The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables."

    "This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon. There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking."

    2. Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    35 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $26 / night

    "What an incredible entrance! We unhooked our toad before heading into the canyon, and I'm glad we did. The drive was stunning, especially for us Floridians not used to such drops."

    "For most people, it is a long drive to this park. The Palo Euro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle. From Central Texas it is a 8-9 hour drive. The long drive is worth it."

    3. Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    4 Reviews
    Canyon, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2227

    $1000 / night

    "Hackberry Campground near Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers."

    "Horseback riding, hiking, bike trails, glancing and more."

    4. Palo Duro Glamping

    Be the first to review!
    Canyon, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 488-2821

    5. Plum Creek — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Fritch, TX
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (806) 857-3151

    "You will find equestrian camping with nice corrals. The area has some nice shade and a large grass area. The grass has been bush hogged so it is not very high."

    "It has plenty of trees and miles upon miles of trails. There is definitely water for the horses (courtesy of local Eagle Scouts) and pens as well."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Canyon, TX

95 Reviews of 5 Canyon Campgrounds


  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horses and Trails

    Equestrian: at Paul Duro, State, Park (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5 this is a nice secluded area campsites do not seem that well defined to me. I don’t believe there are any restrooms here. A nice looking equestrian area (see pictures below) with water available for horses. Since I’m not an equestrian guy, check with visitor center for specifics. Looks pretty god, but I’d wish for bathrooms on site. Security: at park entrance Usage during visit: empty Site Privacy: no Site surface: dirt Reservations: Yes Outside Road Noise: not noticeable Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: available down the road Potable Water Available: yes Bathroom: no down the road Showers: down the road Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): one bar Setting: open in Area West Canyon walls on both Recent Weather: 30 to 70s Solar: definitely Insects: none Host: not on site Rig Size: large rigs can fit Sites: there are no site numbers

  • Ruth  P.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Red Sand Everywhere

    Red sand everywhere! The color is truly amazing! The wind storms in the spring are something truly amazing in a whole different way. lol You will find sand in places you did not know existed! The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables.

    Canyon, the small town right outside of the Canyon, is a lovely town with some cool bars and restaurants. It also has Walmart, so if you end up needing anything you can take a quick 20 minute drive into town.

    I've been twice now and every time is better then the last! The location is great for visiting near by towns/cities in the pan handle of Texas.

    I look forward to going back and camping there!

  • Griffin C.
    May. 13, 2025

    Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Great

    Hackberry Campground near Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The campground offers a perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, with well-maintained tent sites, RV hookups, and cozy cabins. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including showers and drinking water, and the serene, wooded surroundings that offer both beauty and privacy. The location is ideal for exploring the stunning canyon trails nearby, which many say are the highlight of their stay. Whether you're hiking, relaxing by your campsite, and playing horror games or visiting the nearby camp store, Hackberry Campground delivers a peaceful and enjoyable escape in the heart of the Texas panhandle.

  • Mia J.
    May. 29, 2024

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    incredible entrance

    What an incredible entrance! We unhooked our toad before heading into the canyon, and I'm glad we did. The drive was stunning, especially for us Floridians not used to such drops. Our site was beautifully wooded, though cell service was minimal down in the canyon love tester online. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the Texas panhandle.

  • Jennifer J.
    Sep. 23, 2016

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Horse, bike, and walking trails

    This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon.

    There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. You should check out the Lighthouse Trail while you are there.

    The "primitive" campsites include a picnic table, running water, and fire pit. If you want to get away from others I highly suggest backcountry camping.

    There is a guided tour of the Old West Stables, that is perfect for the whole family. Also, the Pioneer Amphitheater host the play TEXAS, which is a must see if you are in the area.

    I would also recommend going to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum just 15 minutes West of the park.

  • Troy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Palo Duro Canyon State Park + Rock Formations

    For most people, it is a long drive to this park. The Palo Euro Canyon State Park is located in the Texas Panhandle. From Central Texas it is a 8-9 hour drive. The long drive is worth it. When you arrive at the park you feel like you’ve arrived to someplace special. The park is a typical Texas State Park with a number of reservable developed campsites with a table, water, electricity and restrooms nearby. There are also some basic sites without water and electricity. And of course there is primitive camping. Since we had a long drive we stayed one of the developed campsites for the first night. For the remaining days we hiked into the canyon and camped primitive. While there is a small creek that runs through the canyon, we did not use the water. There is cattle grazing throughout the park and it is rumored that the creek is both a water hole for the cattle and a toilet. We were planning an in and out hike, so we carried a couple extra gallons of water in, stashed them near a tree, then relocated and used them on the way out. The park has some really cool rock formations, cliffs and orange soil. This weather can by dry and hot in the summer, so early spring and late fall are probably the preferable time to visit.

  • Debi R.
    Apr. 24, 2020

    Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Scenic desert camping in a canyon

    We love camping at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This is the second largest canyon in the U.S. It’s 120 miles long and 600 to 800 feet deep. It’s so beautiful that you swear you are on a Disney Wild West set and this is make believe.  It’s awesome cause you can camp at the bottom of the canyons near all these great red cliffs.  There are some epic mountain bike trails here thru Juniper and Mesquite trees.  If you’re looking for other entertainment besides just camping or bike riding there was also a Texas Hoe-Down BBQ, a Texas musical and an interpretive night hike along the canyon floor with flashlights.  Flush toilets and showers are available.

  • Leah Katie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2018

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    "Little Grand Canyon"

    The Fortress Cliff Camp Area is a great location to camp because of its convenience to many of the best hiking trails in the park. It's a popular campground, and there's no tree coverage but most sites have a covered picnic table to hide from the sun.

    Palo Duro Canyon is a fantastic place to hike, mountain bike, and ride horses. Horse rentals are available in the park, or you can bring your own. Some of the trails are challenging physically, but the views are a great reward. Also, depending on the time of day, the sun can be brutal and plenty of water as well as sunscreen and protective clothing are necessary.

    The Lighthouse Trail is a wonderful hike to do at sunset, but be sure to bring a headlamp and a trail map.

  • Alex M.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Grand Canyon's little brother

    What a surprise this place is! The land around Amarillo is flat as a pancake. But head a few miles south and Palo Duro Canyon opens up vistas that rival the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There are many foot and horse trails that offer a close look at the multicolored canyon walls.

    There are several campgrounds on the canyon floor. I stayed at Fortress Cliff Camp Area. Each site has a paved picnic table space with an awning - very important here. It gets hot and the sun is relentless. The spaces are of generous size. I could have easily pitched four or five more tents. The ground is great for driving stakes, too. They go in easy but they hold fast.

    There are water spigots at Fortress Cliff, but only porta potties (reasonably clean when I visited). For a real bathroom with flushing toilets, showers, and hot and cold running water that can run continuously, head down the road to Mesquite Camp Area. This campground is geared for RVs, which typically have their own bathroom facilities. Wonder why they built a nice bathroom here and not at Fortress Cliff? Hmmm.

    Aside from the heat (about 104 °F when I arrived in June), the main downside here is the flies. They bite. Through clothing. Hard to stay in one place very long when the flies are after you.


Guide to Canyon

The Equestrian Campground sits at the canyon floor of Palo Duro State Park, where colorful sandstone cliffs rise 600-800 feet from the prairie. Temperatures in this high plains environment can fluctuate dramatically, with summer daytime highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dipping below freezing. The canyon's unique microclimate supports juniper, cottonwood, and mesquite trees that provide natural shelter throughout the horse camping areas.

What to do

Trail riding in the canyon network: Access over 1,500 acres of riding trails directly from Plum Creek, where equestrians will find "miles upon miles of trails" with water for horses "courtesy of local Eagle Scouts" according to Phil & Jennifer K. The trails connect to broader networks throughout the park.

Explore wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning rides offer the best wildlife encounters. At Hackberry Campground, campers report "wildlife peaks out in the early mornings" and you can see "native wildlife like roadrunners, wild turkeys, and even deer," adding natural charm to rides.

Evening stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution. Jackson M. notes Plum Creek offers "total silence" and "very peaceful" evenings, making it ideal for stargazing after a day of riding. During summer, plan evening activities after the intense daytime heat subsides.

What campers like

Secluded camping options: At Fortress Cliff Primitive, campers appreciate that "sites are spacious and shaded," though Rich J. notes it's "definitely one of the more primitive sites in the park" with porta-potties only. This provides a more authentic backcountry experience for horse campers.

Dedicated horse facilities: The corrals at horse campgrounds near Canyon, Texas receive positive reviews. Roger W. describes the Equestrian Campground as "a nice looking equestrian area with water available for horses" and notes the "nice corrals" available for overnight stays.

Canyon wall views: Many equestrian sites offer direct views of geological formations. Sonora J. describes camping with "awesome views of the canyon walls" and the experience of hearing "coyotes at night (eerie but also magical)!" The multicolored stratification of the canyon walls is visible from most horse camping areas.

What you should know

Terrain considerations: The 10% grade entrance road requires careful navigation with horse trailers. Jackie R. warns about "steep grade of 10% to enter the park itself" and notes that "long rigs could really have issues" with the "hairpin turns going in and out of the campground area."

Water availability: Natural water sources for horses can be unreliable, so bring extra. At Palo Duro Glamping, potable water is available, but most equestrian-specific sites require hauling water for horses during drier periods.

Limited facilities at some sites: Equestrian sites have varying amenity levels. Roger W. notes that at the Equestrian Campground, "I don't believe there are any restrooms here" and campers must go "down the road" for bathrooms and showers, making advance planning essential.

Tips for camping with families

Reserve well ahead: Horse camping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. Anna K. reminds visitors to "book in advance" as equestrian sites are limited and popular, especially during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate.

Consider multi-day stays: Allow time for multiple trail rides. John R. describes Palo Duro as a "wonderful huge park with an abundance of wildlife" offering not just "horseback riding" but also "hiking, bike trails, glamping and more" for family members who might not ride.

Weather preparation: Pack for temperature extremes that affect both horses and riders. Amy & Stu B. at Hackberry Campground note that "the park is STUNNING. Every hike is worth it. Every vista every viewpoint...incredible," but warn that water was "really chlorine-y" - important to consider for horses sensitive to water taste.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for horse trailers: Look for pull-through sites when possible. Roger W. advises that at the Equestrian Campground "large rigs can fit" and there are "pull throughs," though "campsites do not seem that well defined."

Generator policies: Verify which campgrounds permit generators for overnight horse monitoring. Jackie R. mentions "no full hookups" at some sites, making generator access important for horse owners needing overnight power options, particularly during extreme weather.

Road navigation advice: Plan arrival during daylight hours. Ben J. warns about "hairpin turns and 10% grade" when entering and notes that "long rigs could really have issues," suggesting that smaller rigs and experienced drivers have an easier time navigating to the equestrian sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Canyon, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Canyon, TX is Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Canyon, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Canyon, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.