Langtry sits in the Chihuahuan Desert region of southwest Texas at an elevation of 1,306 feet. The area receives about 15 inches of rainfall annually, creating an arid landscape dominated by cactus, yucca, and thorn scrub vegetation. Summer temperatures regularly reach above 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations of 30+ degrees within a single day.
What to do
Night sky viewing: Seminole Canyon State Park Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "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. Even though you're in a campground, there's a wild feel to it," notes Jacob W.
Ancient rock art tours: Seminole Canyon State Park Campground offers guided tours to view prehistoric pictographs. "Cave paintings in the desert. Definitely do the main tour. It's the reason to come here... Makes for quite a sight when hiking the trails. Don't do this trip when it's very hot," advises Emily M.
Canyon rim hiking: The 8-mile loop trail at Seminole Canyon offers views into Mexico. "We did the 8 mile hike around the park and it was easy, beautiful views of the Rio Grande river looking into Mexico. We also took the rock art/painting guided tour (8.00 per person for adults)," shares Deborah C.
Fishing at Amistad Reservoir: San Pedro Campground provides access to the limestone-lined waters. "My son and I tent camped at San Pedro several times circa 2010 when the lake was high. We always had a good time. I waded into the lake chest high and caught a bass with a rod and reel," recalls Jacob W.
What campers like
Desert wildlife viewing: The high desert plateau supports diverse wildlife species visible from campgrounds. "We could could see the distant mountains in Mexico on the western horizon... Right off Highway 90, the state park is south of the nearby Pecos River high bridge," notes Jacob W. about Seminole Canyon State Park.
Border region cultural sites: Langtry Wagon Wheel RV Park offers proximity to historic sites. "In town, you can use the visitor center for restrooms, wifi, and very friendly staff. The museum there is free and is actually very interesting with a beautiful cactus garden and butterfly garden in the back," writes Kera P.
Dark night skies: The remote location creates excellent star viewing conditions. "Nights and mornings were fantastic... the stars were bright at night," writes John T. about his August stay at Seminole Canyon, despite daytime heat challenges.
Canyon overlooks: Pecos River Overlook Rest Area provides dramatic views for free overnight RV stays. "Quite solitary camp just off the highway. Free," notes Shiner T., while another camper describes it as having a "Very spectaculaire view on the ridge and the canyon. Quiet."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. "The campground manager was extremely rude. I banged on our van door early in the morning only to find out we had prepaid with a reservation," writes one visitor about a challenging experience at Seminole Canyon.
Desert hazards: The environment presents specific challenges to campers and dogs. "Sites are spaced and as private as you can be when there are no trees... Just watch out for the cactus and thorn bushes," advises Maggie C. about dog friendly campgrounds near Langtry at Seminole Canyon.
Water scarcity: Drought conditions affect lake levels and camping experience. "The lake as of October 2021 is so dried up you can not see it from the tent sites. But everything is clean. Fire ants EVERYWHERE. We just pitched a tent by the pavilion where we found the least ants," reports Stacy M. about San Pedro Campground.
Remote location: Devils River State Natural Area Del Norte Unit requires significant planning. "This park is VERY remote, a 22 mile dirt road is required to get to the park and it takes about 90 minutes to traverse that road... no service in most of the park," warns Deborah C.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom accessibility: Plan for limited facilities when traveling with children. "The primitive sites remain close to clean bathrooms with free showers," reports a visitor to American Campground, while at Devils River, "the restrooms are the cleanest around, the showers are hot, but they are a LONG drive from the sites and on pretty rocky roads."
Heat precautions: The desert climate requires extra preparation for kids and pets. "Our ac couldn't keep up during the day. Nights and mornings were fantastic, though," notes John T. about his August stay at Seminole Canyon, highlighting the importance of timing outdoor activities.
Educational opportunities: American Campground offers proximity to interpretive sites. "Nice campground with RVs, trailers and concrete cabins... I did not swim in the campground pool, because I swam at beautiful lake Amistad at scuba cove at Diablo east," shares Jacob W., noting options for cooling off.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about desert wildlife safety. "Night was dark and to be honest, I feared a mountain lion attack because my son was smaller then and there had been recent sightings nearby," recounts Jacob W. about camping at Spur 406 Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many dog friendly RV spots near Langtry have restricted utilities. "We stopped at Amistad for one night on our way to Big Bend. I wish we had built in some time to spend a couple days here. Absolutely beautiful area. The camp area has minimal amenities (compost toilet) and is first come first serve. Self pay and is $6 per night," notes Natalie B.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving. "Great value, only $3 with the senior pass. We stayed at site 31, level, gravel with a picnic table under a sun shade and a grill... Easy to get to, the dirt road here is in great condition, and it is not far from 90," shares Jacqueline A. about San Pedro Campground.
Levelness challenges: Rough Canyon Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "The entrance was a bit narrow but fine from our 34' tt. The ground is rocky but each of the four campsites had a more or less level spot in front of the covered picnic table. Number 4 has the best view but 2 and 3 are closer to trails," advises Teri S.
Temperature management: RVs may struggle with cooling in peak summer heat. "Slept in my cargo conversion. Had to use my Starlink to get internet and used my power station for electricity," reports Jordan P. about staying at Pecos River Overlook, highlighting the need for alternative power sources.
