Camping near Plainview, Texas offers sites across a semi-arid landscape characterized by flat terrain and occasional canyon formations. Average summer temperatures range from 70°F-95°F while winters can drop to freezing overnight with occasional snow. The region receives approximately 18-20 inches of rainfall annually, with most precipitation occurring between May and October.
What to do
Explore off-road trails: Lake Mackenzie Park features dirt trails for motorsports enthusiasts about 45 miles from Plainview. "There is a general store for last min items, and live bait with decent outdoor bathrooms. There are also some pretty popular dirt trails for moto cross and 4 wheelers and the like," notes one visitor to Lake Mackenzie Park.
Swim at Lake Mackenzie: The lake provides cooling relief during hot Texas summers. "The nice thing about this campground is the ability to swim at the lake down by the beach. Not a stellar beach but with 100 weather, it was sure nice to cool off," reports a camper who visited during peak heat.
Watch wildlife: Honey Flat Camping Area in Caprock Canyons State Park offers unique bison viewing opportunities. "Prairie dogs town, bison walking around, gorgeous canyon views! The sites are so nicely set up with plantings obscuring your neighbor and a nice covered picnic table with shade/privacy slats on one side," writes a visitor. The park requires maintaining safe distances from wildlife.
Visit rails-to-trails conversion: Near Caprock Canyons State Park, outdoor enthusiasts can access converted rail trails. "Not far from the park is an old rails to trails trail which allows for some interesting features," mentions a reviewer who enjoyed the hiking opportunities outside the main park area.
What campers like
Affordable overnight options: Wayne Russell RV Park in Floydada offers complimentary short stays with hookups. "Free for 2 days and then there is a fee. It was windy and stormy when we stayed so there was a little mud, especially near the hook ups, but the site was a mix of gravel and dirt so it was manageable," explains one camper. Travelers should note the two-day limit before fees apply.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At Shady Lane RV Park, one long-term visitor reports: "The Shady Lane RV Park in Plainview, TX was my home for 9 months and it was an awesome experience. The place was clean and quiet and in a good location for my needs." The park maintains 48 sites with full hookups.
Canyon rim camping: South Prong Primitive Camping Area provides scenic vistas. "If you're able to camp at this site you'll be rewarded with great views of the mountains and the valley. The red rock formations in this park are amazing," notes a visitor. The primitive camping area requires a one-mile hike from the main parking area.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The Plainview area experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "We usually 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 but it can be brutal in the summer," advises a regular visitor to Caprock Canyons.
Wildlife safety protocols: Bison roam freely in Caprock Canyons. "Bison roam through the area and aside from hoofprints they will leave reminders of their presence. During the night it had bedded down in our vicinity and had moved on by morning," explains a camper at South Prong. Park regulations require maintaining distance from all wildlife.
Limited facilities: Lubbock KOA provides more amenities than most local campgrounds. "Clean place to stop for the night, while traveling through. It was a good value in terms of price. One item to consider is that the back side of the park, right off the main (busy) road, was not fenced," notes a traveler, highlighting security considerations for families with children or pets.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: For families needing weather alternatives, Lubbock KOA offers indoor facilities. "A good place to take kids it seems, big playground right next to the pool. Our pups loved it too," shares a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities during their stay.
Shaded sites importance: Summer heat makes shade crucial. At Lubbock RV Park, campers find relief: "The park is bigger than it seems and has amenities galore. They cater to full-timers weekenders and seasonals even the overnight stay," reports a visitor who found the park well-maintained for different camping styles.
Primitive vs. developed options: Consider your family's comfort needs when selecting campsites. "We stayed in the south prong primitive tent camping area. There's a 'primitive bathroom' which is fine. If you camp up closer to the showers there are a ton more people and children," explains a camper at Caprock Canyons, noting the tradeoff between amenities and crowds.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: At The Hitchin' Post RV Park and Cabins, some sites require equipment extensions. "Since hook-ups are at the rear of the site I had to leave the toad in the road just a little and use two sewer hoses. 25' water hose barely reached," notes an RVer, suggesting bringing extended hoses when staying at this facility.
Check water availability: Before setup, verify working water connections. "Suggestion - one of the water fixtures had a dead bolt on it, so check to make sure the water is available before you set up so you avoid making the mistake we did!" advises a camper at Wayne Russell RV Park.
Level site availability: Most area RV parks provide level sites with gravel bases. "Sites are long enough and gravel covered. However when I pulled-through I had to drive on a field of dirt to leave. Glad it didn't rain," mentions an RVer, highlighting the importance of checking ground conditions when weather threatens.
