Caprock Canyons State Park offers tent camping near Estelline, Texas at an elevation ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 feet. The park's temperature varies significantly between seasons, with summer highs often exceeding 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. The canyon's distinctive red rock formations are part of the Caprock Escarpment, a geological transition zone between the High Plains and Rolling Plains regions of Texas.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies make Caprock Canyons an exceptional location for astronomy enthusiasts. At South Prong Primitive Camping Area, visitors can observe celestial events with minimal light pollution. "I usually camp in the south prong primitive tent camping area... best to camp here in the fall and even winter. I try to shoot for day lights savings weekends. Then it's not too hot or cold," notes camper Courtney R.
Wildlife viewing: The park's diverse ecosystem supports numerous animal species beyond the bison herd. At Little Red Tent Camping Area, campers frequently encounter multiple species. "All sorts of wildlife roam free across the entire park, and this area is no exception. It is surreal and awe inspiring to watch the Bison wander through the sites in this area as they migrate through the park, and I also observed deer and a coyote during my stay," reports Veronica S.
Winter hiking: The cooler months provide comfortable hiking conditions with fewer crowds. Trails connecting from tent sites offer varying difficulty levels and scenic vistas. "I went with a couple buddies this past weekend (1/18-1/20) and had an absolute blast. Saturday we hiked the South Prong trailhead and cut across the Haynes Ridge cutout, and it was amazing. It's a 7 mile loop with an elevation of around 3000 feet. It's a good 3.5-4.5 hour hike," shares Chris H.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent sites provide adequate separation from neighboring campers. At Lake Theo Tent Camping Area, site layout maximizes personal space. "We spent one night at the Little Red Campground, which has a surreal view down into the Red River. Our site had a covered patio, table and running water, and short walk to the outhouse. Sites were pretty private due to dense bushes and space between them," according to camper S B.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report memorable interactions with the park's fauna. "Woke up to the Buffalo licking my tent, awesome experience. Coyotes yip at night, stars are beautiful. Showed up late and was able to set up camp and pay the next morning," says Savannah W. about her experience at Little Red Tent Camping Area.
Seasonal variations: Different seasons provide unique camping experiences, with winter offering comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors. "This place is wonderful. I came here some years ago with my father, and had to venture out and see it again. Nothing has changed, and that's a great thing. The park was virtually empty in early February, I saw a grand total of five people over my three days here," reports Jon D. about camping at Little Red Tent Camping Area.
What you should know
Raccoon awareness: Food storage precautions are essential when camping at Caprock Canyons. "The raccoons will get your trash/food if they are able to get to it, even if you are in your campsite. They do not care," warns Jon D. Another camper at South Prong Primitive Camping Area noted, "I caught a raccoon digging through my backpack on the picnic table after I walked a few feet away to my tent."
Trail navigation challenges: Some hiking paths can be difficult to follow without proper preparation. "My only problem was that some of the trails were not very well marked. It took us a while to find the right trail heads and even longer to find some of the more scenic sites (You'll walk right over the natural bridge without realizing it!)," explains Chris G.
Temperature variations: The canyon experiences significant temperature fluctuations between different elevations and seasons. "We just happened to camp during an unusually cool time, and extremely thankful for it. Temps are 10-15 degrees hotter here than at the top of the canyon," reports LaRee S. about Little Red Tent Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Water planning: When camping with children, bring extra drinking water for hot weather. "Some tent sites do not have water and it's very hot, so bring tons of water in a cooler," advises Harry H. about tent camping options at Caprock Canyons.
Entertainment options: The lake area provides family-friendly activities beyond hiking. "The campsites are a short walk from a swimming hole and fishing area. There are often paddleboats and boards lolling around the no-wake lake," notes Audrey H. about Lake Theo Tent Camping Area.
Site selection strategy: For summer camping with families, prioritize shaded locations. "I have stayed in the Lake Theo Tent Camping Area several times - ranging from 110° days in May through perfect 75° days in July. Shaded sites go quickly, so be sure to spend extra time studying the map," recommends Audrey H.
Tips from RVers
Prairie dog watching: RV campers can observe prairie dog colonies from designated camping areas. "Other highlights at this park include watching the prairie dogs and bison roam freely on the plains. The prairie dogs are located near the Honey Flat campground," explains Troy W. about his experience at South Prong Primitive Camping Area.
Campsite selection: The tent sites at South Prong offer easier trail access than some RV locations. "The site is indeed very private and allows very easy access to the trail system. We did a 7.5 mile loop in the park, and the next day did a simple day trip over to Palo Duro," shares Jordan E.
Dispersed location planning: RV campers should note that attractions are spread throughout the park. "The only downside for this park is that to see some of the attractions you might need to drive because they are located far apart. The bison tend to gather on the open plains. The prairie dogs are located near the Honey Flat campground. Both of these attractions are far from the South Prong Camping Area," advises Troy W.
