Best Tent Camping near Gardendale, TX

Tent campgrounds around Gardendale, Texas offer limited options primarily concentrated in neighboring communities. Crane County provides two established campgrounds that accommodate tent camping: Crane County Golf Course RV Park and Crane County North Side RV Park, both located approximately 20 miles south of Gardendale in the city of Crane. These sites function primarily as RV parks but do permit tent setups for campers seeking basic accommodations in this remote West Texas region.

Both Crane County tent camping locations offer minimal amenities specifically for tent campers. The sites provide electric hookups, water connections, trash disposal, and allow pets, but lack dedicated tent pads or traditional campground features like picnic tables, fire rings, or communal facilities. Tent campers should be prepared for limited shade in this arid environment and bring adequate water storage, as drinking water is not readily available. Sites operate year-round in this desert climate, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping.

The tent camping experience near Gardendale emphasizes self-sufficiency and adaptation to the West Texas landscape. These sites provide basic utility access rather than natural camping experiences typically associated with backcountry or primitive tent camping. Visitors should prepare for limited privacy at these developed locations and bring all necessary camping supplies. The surrounding area features flat terrain typical of the Permian Basin oil region with sparse vegetation. Campers seeking more traditional tent experiences with natural features may need to travel farther to areas like Monahans Sandhills State Park or Big Bend National Park, where dedicated walk-in tent sites and backcountry camping opportunities exist amidst more diverse landscapes.

Best Tent Sites Near Gardendale, Texas (2)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Gardendale, TX

65 Reviews of 2 Gardendale Campgrounds


  • Shea M.
    Apr. 29, 2020

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Sand Surfing

    This was a great place to stop on our roadtrip out West! We have actually been here twice, it's so convenient and right off I20 near Odessa! The workers are so friendly and we all five loved sand surfing!! There are pull through sites with electric/water hookups, picnic table, fire ring, grill and a shade shelter! There is also a bathhouse with showers and restrooms! So much fun, don't pass it by!

    **UPDATE: We have been here 4 times now! Always great!!!

  • M
    Feb. 2, 2022

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Decent campground, relatively clean bathrooms.

    Definitely different camping amongst the sand dunes. Sand gets everywhere! Back-in spots 20-24 are the most level and some of the longer sites. Most site pads are in need of repair. Pull thru sites are tight and close to campground road. Water, electric, and trash are easily accessible. Most spots have shaded picnic tables.

  • Brett D.
    Feb. 24, 2023

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Quite campground

    Nice and quite campground. Sand dunes are cool and o see but hard to walk in with the sand so soft. Sites are spacious and have a picnic table. Good for a day or 2 stay. Only downside is no sewer hookup at site but does have a dump station close by.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 31, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    You think you're at the beach

    I stayed here five nights in site number three, which is a pull through and a great view of the windmill and the day use parking lot.. 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. Yes, I live alone. It was very quiet with little noise from I 20. I did hear a train whistle, but then you can hear a train whistle just about everywhere in the entire state of Texas in the morning. I did see very small prints in the freshly blown sand. Watch out for rodents getting into your RV.

  • Laura F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2021

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Small campground with beautiful sand dunes

    We camped one Friday night and were among only a handful of campers. The sites are small because of the sand and the paved driveways are starting to crumble. Many sites share a covered picnic table pad. The dunes are really beautiful at sunrise and sunset so it's definitely worth a short stay.

  • C
    Jul. 13, 2019

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Gritty but pleasent

    If you have a problem with everything you own being covered in sand, this may not be the best place. Lots of birds and wildlife. Very hard to set up tents unless you get those paddles they use in snow camping. During the summer you will need the spf 50. If the wind is blowing it will get dusty. Lots of photography opportunities. You can hear the traffic on I20 at night in a tent. Expect to be visited by skunks and raccoons.

  • Allison N.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    SAND but beautiful place and a good stopping point if you’re going west on 20

    It gets very cold in the winter, which was terrible when tent camping but the sand dunes were a unique experience and we would’ve stayed longer if we could have. There’s a drop box for late arrivals and it isn’t busy in winter at least. The sand is very hand to stake into, you will need extra long stakes and a good technique.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Sand dunes in Texas?!

    General: Small (25-site) campground in one loop. Temporary park headquarters as the huge visitor center at the entrance was under construction when we were there. 

    Site Quality: Sites have paved driveways, covered picnic shelters, bbq, electric hookup, and water a spigot. Some sites are back-in and some pull-through. We watched some larger rigs try and fit into the back-in sites, which are smaller than the pull-throughs. Our site (25) seemed to have two picnic tables and two BBQs (there were some on the other side for the site next to us so not sure why there were two in our site unless two campers would come together?) 

    Bathhouse: There is one all-in-one and one regular restroom with two additional showers (and a connecting door between them. Hot water and soap dispensers but no paper towels. The showers were incredible – hot water, great water pressure, and clean. One of the best campground showers I have ever had! 

    Activities: Explore the dunes! There are no designated paths; you are free to climb the dunes and explore. Saucers are available to rent for $6 and wax for $1. The sunsets are beautiful. The constantly shifting sand makes beautiful patterns and great photographs. If the moon is not full, night sky photography. 

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here exploring the dunes (and the incredible shower!).

  • S
    May. 3, 2021

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Beautiful setting, ton of fun!!

    The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We played on the snd dunes all day and camped. The campsites were sand with a covered picnic table and grill. The picnic table was moved because storms were coming and we put tents under pavilion. It would have been perfect for stargazing if it had not been cloudy all night. Other campers were quiet and it was a very clean park with clean bath house. Be warned that this is oil country and the trains run constantly, day and night and they are a few miles away. Sand dunes are probably best enjoyed during cooler months and definitely best after rain! We picked the perfect time in April! Flowers blooming everywhere and new growth around walking trails. Dunes were a blast!


Guide to Gardendale

Tent camping near Gardendale, Texas requires planning for the arid West Texas environment where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F with minimal rainfall averaging just 14 inches annually. The surrounding Permian Basin landscape features flat terrain dominated by mesquite, creosote bush, and various cacti species. Campers should prepare for dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly during winter months when overnight lows can drop below freezing.

What to do

Explore nearby state parks: Monahans Sandhills State Park, located approximately 35 miles west of Gardendale, offers distinctive camping among 3,840 acres of sand dunes. The park provides opportunities for sand surfing, hiking, and wildlife observation not available in the immediate Gardendale area.

Visit local historical sites: The Crane Historical Museum, 20 miles south of Gardendale, documents the oil boom history of the region with exhibits on early petroleum extraction techniques and settlement patterns. The museum operates Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM with free admission.

Stargazing opportunities: The low light pollution in this sparsely populated region creates optimal conditions for astronomical observation. Crane County North Side RV Park and Crane County Golf Course RV Park both permit overnight tent camping with unobstructed horizon views ideal for nighttime sky viewing during new moon phases.

What campers like

Affordability and accessibility: Tent camping sites at Crane County Golf Course RV Park provide budget-friendly accommodations at $15-20 per night with no reservation requirements, offering flexibility for travelers passing through the region.

Utility access: The established RV parks in Crane that accommodate tent camping provide electrical connections and water hookups not typically available at primitive sites. Visitors appreciate these conveniences while still experiencing outdoor camping.

Base camp functionality: Many campers use these locations as strategic overnight stops while exploring the broader West Texas region. The sites serve as practical launching points for day trips to attractions like the Million Barrel Museum in Monahans or the Presidential Archives in Odessa.

What you should know

Limited shade coverage: The tent camping areas near Gardendale offer minimal natural shade. Campers should bring portable shade structures, especially during summer months when midday temperatures regularly exceed 100°F between June and September.

Wind considerations: Strong prevailing winds are common throughout the year in this open terrain. Extra tent stakes, guy lines, and wind-resistant tent designs are necessary for secure camping experiences at Crane County North Side RV Park.

Water management: Despite water hookups at the established RV parks, the water quality can contain high mineral content typical of West Texas groundwater sources. Many campers bring supplemental drinking water or filtering systems for consumption.

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife education opportunities: The surrounding desert environment hosts diverse reptile species including western diamondback rattlesnakes, Texas horned lizards, and various scorpion species. Families should establish clear guidelines for children about observing but not handling local wildlife.

Heat safety protocols: Establish regular hydration schedules for children camping in this arid climate. Plan outdoor activities before 10 AM or after 5 PM during summer months to avoid peak heat periods.

Indoor alternatives: The Crane Community Center offers air-conditioned respite during extreme weather conditions with family-friendly activities and temporary day use for a nominal fee when tent camping becomes uncomfortable.

Tips from RVers

Power management: RVers camping at Crane County Golf Course RV Park note the electrical service can fluctuate during peak summer cooling periods. Surge protectors are recommended for sensitive electronics when using the provided hookups.

Level site selection: The terrain at both Crane County RV parks features slight grades. RVers recommend bringing additional leveling blocks as the sites lack dedicated leveling pads.

Supply planning: The nearest full-service grocery stores are in Odessa, approximately 40 miles from Gardendale. RVers suggest stocking provisions before arrival as local options are limited to convenience stores with basic supplies and higher prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gardendale, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gardendale, TX is Crane County Golf Course RV Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.