Seminole Canyon State Park Campground maintains 27 developed sites situated within the high desert landscape of southwestern Texas. Located at 1,100 feet elevation, the park experiences typical Chihuahuan Desert climate patterns with temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night. The park serves as a gateway to prehistoric pictograph viewing while providing modern amenities that support extended stays in this remote region.
What to do
Ancient rock art tours: Visitors to Seminole Canyon State Park Campground can participate in guided tours to view the preserved pictographs. "We did the rock art/painting guided tour ($8.00 per person for adults). Sunsets were beautiful," notes Deborah C., who tent camped at the park in November.
Rio Grande overlooks: Hiking trails provide views into Mexico across the international border. "We even enjoyed a snack overlooking the Rio Grande with Mexico across the river," reports Sarah D., who appreciated the historical significance of the area.
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The sunset dimmed to indigo and purple with the long, lonesome vista to the west across sage and limestone country. The night breeze whistled by our tent," writes Jacob W., describing the atmospheric conditions at the campground.
What campers like
Diverse hiking options: The Canyon Rim-Presa Overlook trail system offers multiple routes with panoramic views. "We did the 8 mile hike around the park and it was easy, beautiful views of the Rio Grande river looking into Mexico," explains Deborah C., highlighting the accessible nature of the trails.
Modern facilities: The campground provides clean bathrooms with showers. "Bathrooms were clean, showers worked well, and the stars were bright at night," reports John T., who stayed at the park in August despite the summer heat.
Historical significance: Many campers appreciate the cultural heritage preserved at the park. "Camp, hike, mountain bike, geocache and study history and nature. With guided tours into one of the most preserved and spectacular dwellings with rock art," states Houston D., emphasizing the educational value of visiting the park.
What you should know
High desert climate challenges: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making late fall through early spring the optimal camping seasons. "Don't do this trip when it's very hot," advises Emily M., who visited specifically to see the cave paintings.
Wildlife precautions: The desert ecosystem contains various animals requiring awareness. "Even though you're in a campground, there's a wild feel to it," notes Jacob W. about San Pedro Campground, adding that coyotes can be heard at night.
Water conservation: Limited water resources in the region require careful planning. "There is no water available at this campground," cautions Shari G. about San Pedro, reminding visitors that desert camping requires bringing sufficient supplies.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more solitude, dispersed sites exist with minimal amenities. "The non-tent sites all have covered picnic tables with a concrete pad and charcoal grill," explains Laura F., describing the basic setup at San Pedro Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal planning: Schedule family visits during moderate temperature months. "We tent camped two nights here in November, 2018 and were very pleased," shares Deborah C. about Devils River State Natural Area, noting that fall weather was "perfect" for exploring.
Footwear protection: Bring closed-toe shoes for children due to cactus and rocky terrain. "Watch out for the cactus and thorn bushes," warns Maggie C., who brought her dog to Seminole Canyon but encountered challenging desert vegetation.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger-led programs for kids. "We had a great opportunity to take a tour of the rock art and were so glad we did, Nora was a great tour guide, plus this was free!" mentions Deborah C. about Devils River State Natural Area.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: Choose sites carefully as some have uneven terrain. "Site 26 is a bit sloped," notes John T. about Seminole Canyon State Park, providing specific information about campsite topography.
Temperature management: Be prepared for extreme temperature fluctuations. "August may not have been the best time to come in an Aliner camper (not the parks fault), Our ac couldn't keep up during the day," advises John T., explaining the cooling challenges in smaller RVs.
Access considerations: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Comstock have limited big rig access. "The entrance was a bit narrow but fine from our 34' tt," reports Teri S. about Rough Canyon Campground, confirming accessibility for medium-sized travel trailers.
Solar power utilization: Many sites lack hookups but offer good solar exposure. "There are no electrical hook-ups (bring your solar!)," suggests Shari G. about the pet-accommodating options at San Pedro campground, providing practical advice for off-grid camping.
