Monahans Sandhills State Park offers distinctive camping experiences amid rolling sand dunes approximately 30 miles southwest of Gardendale, Texas. The park's 26 water and electric hookup sites accommodate tent campers and RVs within easy access of 3,840 acres of sand dunes. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night in this desert ecosystem, where summer highs regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Sand disc sledding: Rent plastic discs for $6 at the park headquarters to slide down the dunes. "We loved this campsite! It was so cool to see all of the sand dunes... You can rent sand discs and sled down the mountains," notes Nicole K. from Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground.
Sunrise hikes: Walk up the dunes before dawn for spectacular color displays. "Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime time experience," shares Ashley R., who visited during Easter weekend.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear desert skies offer excellent night sky viewing. "Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken," reports Zoey T., who found the park "epically quiet" during their stay at Monahans Sandhills.
Wildflower spotting: Spring brings surprising desert blooms among the dunes. "I was surprised to find a variety of flowers thriving amongst the sandhills. How does that happen?" observes Troy W. after his visit.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: The campsites at Monahans Sandhills provide reasonable privacy despite the open landscape. "Campsites were well taken care of with water and electric at all sites. Bathrooms were clean. The showers were great - free and hot water!" says Kara S. about her November stay at Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms were great and the showers were nice and hot," reports a recent camper. "The park is incredibly clean and the rangers do great work patrolling and keeping the campsites safe and clean," adds Christina H.
Affordability: State park fees remain reasonable compared to private campgrounds. "The price for camping is incredibly cheap, especially for what you're getting! The views from each site are breathtaking," notes Christina H., who recommends Monahans as "a must for RV camping checklists."
Convenient location: Despite proximity to I-20, noise remains minimal. "Right off the highway exit but far out where you can't hear any traffic noise," observes Nicole K., who appreciated the combination of accessibility and seclusion.
What you should know
Extreme weather conditions: Desert temperature swings require preparation. "In January, it gets pretty cold at night around freezing, but warmed up nicely every day. One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before," cautions Butch K. from his stay at Midland RV Park.
Limited shade: Most sites lack natural shade. "There isn't any shade, but we had a decent breeze, which helped," notes Ray & Terri F. about their September camping experience.
Road construction challenges: Ongoing construction in the Midland-Odessa area can complicate navigation. "There is a LOT of construction in the area making entry a challenge with some scary U Turns in the city because our Garmin doesn't register it," warns Erin H., suggesting campers call ahead for current route information.
Pet hazards: Watch for goatheads and burrs in sandy areas. "Our dog loved frolicking in the sand dunes, but do watch out for goathead burrs, she found a few," advises Ray & Terri F.
Wildlife awareness: Small desert animals may be active near campsites. "I did see very small prints in the freshly blown sand. Watch out for rodents getting into your RV," cautions Butch K.
Tips for camping with families
Timing considerations: Visit during weekdays or off-season for quieter experiences. "We stayed 2 weekday nights in early November and there were only a few others that were camping so it was quiet and peaceful," reports Kara S. from her stay at KOA Kampgrounds of America.
Navigation safety: Establish clear boundaries when exploring dunes. "It might be a good idea to not venture too far from the main campground unless you are familiar with desert navigation or are equipped with a GPS," suggests Troy W., who enjoyed exploring but recognized the potential for disorientation.
Supply planning: Stock up in nearby towns before arrival. "It is possible to pick up supplies or eat in the town of Ozona or Fort Stockton," notes a camper who planned ahead for their late arrival.
Educational opportunities: Use the visitor center resources when available. Sara B. mentions, "The visitor center was closed for renovations but I think it will be really nice once it's finished," suggesting families check for educational programs and exhibits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Choose pull-through sites when possible. "We booked site 22, a back in site up against a large dune hill. It was not easy to back a 55ft long rig into, probably one of the worst sites for a big rig, but we still managed," shares Christina H. from Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground.
Connectivity options: Cell coverage varies by carrier. "AT&T coverage was pretty good with 2 bars of LTE service and speeds up to 17 MB/s. We had a clear view to the N at the site, so Starlink was fine with speeds up to 20 MB/s," reports Ray & Terri F.
Campsite surfaces: Most sites feature paved pads but narrow dimensions. "The CG roads are paved, but narrow, as are the pull-through sites. The sites themselves all seemed mostly level," notes Ray & Terri F., who stayed in a 36-foot Class A motorhome.
Hookup considerations: Water and electric available at most sites, with dump stations at exits. "All sites are blacktop," notes Mary G., who found the park well-equipped for RV stays during her overnight visit.
