Places to camp in Amarillo TX range from simple pull-throughs for quick overnight stops to scenic campgrounds nestled within the red rock formations of Palo Duro Canyon. The Texas Panhandle sits at approximately 3,600 feet above sea level, creating significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even during summer months. Windstorms frequently impact the area, particularly during spring when gusts can reach 40-50 mph and potentially damage camping equipment.
What to do
Hiking at The Lighthouse Trail: Located at Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park, this 5.7-mile round-trip trail leads to the park's signature formation. One camper noted, "Great spot at the bottom of the Canyon, very close to lighthouse trail. Near bathrooms, several trailheads, and has a great view all around."
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities to spot native species. A visitor at Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park shared, "The Canyan views are great and the wildlife peaks out in the early mornings. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean!"
Mountain biking: The canyon offers extensive single-track trails for various skill levels. "We have stayed here a view times! Great place to stop for the night! Big indoor pool, play ground and store! Level sites, pull thru's with full hookup's! One night we drive out to Palo Duro Park to see the musical Texas! Lots of fun!" commented a visitor to Big Texan RV Ranch.
Star gazing: The low humidity and minimal light pollution create excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Amarillo KOA mentioned, "We have stayed here two or three times and the best part is how clean everything is. I always want to stay longer. It's quiet at night and the stars really are big and bright!"
What campers like
Large sites in canyon campgrounds: Many visitors appreciate the spacious camping areas. A camper at Juniper Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park stated, "Gorgeous views from the campsite! Massive space between RV pads! Amazing outside patio with cover and aluminum table! Large red granite rocks for seating if you forgot you're own!"
Free transportation to attractions: Several RV parks offer complimentary shuttle services. A visitor at Big Texan RV Ranch shared, "We were driving through Amarillo when we saw a billboard advertising this RV park. We had no trouble getting a campsite without notice. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We stopped mainly for the indoor pool. However they also offer Limo Rides to the Big Texan Restaurant where you can order a massive steak."
Covered picnic areas: Shelters provide essential shade from intense sun. At Sagebrush Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park, a camper noted, "We chose Sagebrush because we felt it was the nicest with paved roads, lots of vegetation, privacy and close to the trading post! We were in site 120 and had a wonderfully secluded fire ring space at the back of our coach."
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate reasonable rates at certain parks. At AOK Camper Park, a visitor reported, "Only $14 for a full hook up site. Very nice man assisted us to our site which was gravel dirt and grassy area. Surrounded by fields with long horns, llamas, and donkeys."
What you should know
Limited water sources: Water conservation is essential, particularly in canyon areas. A visitor at Oasis Amarillo Resort advised, "Convenient location passing thru area. Very friendly staff, very clean. Full hook ups. Many pull through sites. There is a Love's just up for any conveniences. Far enough from highway that you didn't hear the noise."
Extreme weather fluctuations: Prepare for significant temperature changes. A Fortress Cliff camper stated, "We stayed here in late February weather was amazing," while others have noted summer temperatures exceeding 105°F.
High winds: Proper tent staking and RV stabilization are crucial. A camper at Sagebrush Campground reported, "The wind picked up at night and nearly blew a few of our tents away. Some people couldn't sleep in their tents any longer and moved to our group van."
Insect activity: Biting flies can be problematic in warmer months. A visitor mentioned, "Biggest downside besides the heat was the relentless biting flies," while camping in Juniper Campground during July.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several Amarillo camping spots feature kid-friendly facilities. At Fort Amarillo RV Resort, a visitor noted, "My kids enjoyed the little catch and release pond before we left the next morning. It was mostly quiet and accessible to everything."
Indoor recreation options: Look for parks with weather-protected activities. A Big Texan RV Ranch visitor shared, "Just passing through for a night but such a great place for families. My kids LOVED the bounce pad."
Short, manageable trails: Select hiking routes appropriate for children. A Sagebrush Campground visitor recommended, "You MUST do the lighthouse trail but beware take lots of water even in February it's longer than you think. And a little tricky at the end!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting native species. A visitor to Fortress Cliff mentioned, "Wildlife at camp - saw roadrunner and heard coyotes at night (eerie but also magical)!"
Tips from RVers
Hairpin turns in Palo Duro Canyon: Large rigs require careful navigation. A visitor warned, "The drive down to the campsites has lots of switchbacks, but we have successfully navigated it with our RV in tow."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all sites accommodate lengthy setups. A guest at Overnite RV Park stated, "Well laid out campsites and mostly pull throughs. Friendly staff and appropriate check in during the Covid 19 epidemic."
Hookup availability: Water connections may freeze in winter. A camper at Sagebrush noted, "Our RV water froze up twice in the five days we were here but we kind of expected it..., it is January."
City vs. canyon camping trade-offs: Consider what amenities matter most. A visitor explained, "We stayed in the sagebrush circle, site 136, and it was great!!! It was an awesome corner spot and was just a little walk off of the K trail."
