Are you looking for a place to stay in McClellan Creek National Grassland with your horse? It's easy to find McClellan Creek National Grassland campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Texas horse camping excursion.
These tent-only campsites are in the Cactus or Fortress Cliff areas. Water is in the campground, but not at each site. Restrooms with showers are 1/2 - 2 miles away. Picnic table Fire ring Water nearby Shade shelter These are drive-up sites, you do not have to backpack to them. Tent camping only. No pop-up campers, travel trailers, or motor homes are allowed in this area. Map: https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4506_007g.pdf
$16 / night
All horses must have a negative Coggins test less than 12 months old. These sites are for campers traveling with horses only, and the maximum number of people and horses combined is eight per site. This is an open camping area that has some picnic tables, fire rings, and two water faucets. Four joined horse pens are first come, first serve. Each horse pen can hold up to two horses. Customers may bring portable panels. No electricity in this area. These sites must be reserved through the park.
RVs are allowed in this area with horses only but no hookups are available. Restrooms with showers are 1/3 mile away. You are not permitted to ride your horses to the restroom area. Horses cannot be left unattended. Four sites have horse pens and six do not. Obtain an equestrian brochure from park headquarters at check-in.
Welcome to Palo Duro Glamping, located at the floor of beautiful Palo Duro Canyon. We offer a unique and luxurious camping experience. Our glampsites are secluded from other glampsites and campgrounds, yet a short walk to the Comanche trail and the Sagebrush Campground restroom and shower facilities. They are located behind the Palo Duro Trading Post where you can enjoy a world famous burger, shop for Palo Duro souvenirs, purchase supplies, and check in/out of your glampsite. Each site is fully furnished with air conditioning/heating, luxury rustic furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, games, bicycles, gas grills and gas fire pits (propane included), covered porches with rockers and porch swings, and much more. Enjoy beautiful sunrises, take a hike and explore the many wonderful trails offered, go for a bike ride, or just enjoy the beauty and wildlife that Palo Duro Canyon has to offer. All Glamping Rooms are NON Smoking. Each glamping site is in it's own location. GlampSite A is approximately 295 steps to the nearest restroom and 75 steps from the Trading Post parking lot. GlampSite B is approximately 285 steps from the nearest restroom and 105 steps from the Trading Post parking lot. GlampSite C is approximately 370 steps from the nearest restroom and 185 steps from the Trading Post parking lot. GlampSite D is approximately 400 steps from the nearest restroom and 215 steps from the Trading Post parking lot. You will have to walk approximately 1/16 of a mile from the parking lot to your glamping site. We will assist in transporting your heavier items during our regular business hours and do provide a wagon for assistance for after hours check in. Due to popular request, all glampsites are now pet friendly. We have a 2 pet maximum per site. Any damages or messes left behind will result in refundable deposit being kept. Need dinner for your stay? You can purchase hamburger kits from Palo Duro Trading Post upon your arrival (late check ins please email if interested in the burger kit.) Kits come with fresh made hamburger patty, bun, cheese, and all of the fixings for $5 per burger. * We are located inside of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. By booking to stay with us you agree to adhere to all park rules and policies. You also understand that park entry fees are your responsibility upon entering the park.*
Scout
The campground has basic amenities like water, restrooms, and picnic tables at most sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for both RV and tent campers. While the park can get busy, Hackberry often provides a quieter experience compared to some of the other campgrounds in the area. You might encounter native wildlife like idle breakout roadrunners, wild turkeys, and even deer, which adds to the natural charm.
Guide
Fortress Cliff is definitely one of the more primitive sites in the park. Porta potties only whereas some have full showers and flush toilets. Sites are spacious and shaded making this still a great site.
Scout
Great spot for horse lovers! The facilities are basic but perfect for a fun camping experience with your horses. Just remember to book in advance!
LegendWonderful huge park with an abundance of wildlife. Horseback riding, hiking, bike trails, glancing and more.
TravelerPositives: Beautiful site and large! We were on the outer loop and had awesome views of the canyon walls Wildlife at camp - saw roadrunner and heard coyotes at night (eerie but also magical)! Staff were amazing! We came in after the entrance station closed and they had a packet with our name on it waiting for us with maps and more in it!
Downfalls: Only port-a potties If you were on the inner part of the loop you might not have as great of a view looking at other sites instead… Lots of bugs
Overall this would’ve been the PERFECT camp site minus the few downfalls. We would 1000% come back again!
GuideI grew up in Dallas and am sad to say that I didn't know about Palo Duro. The canyon sneaks up on you, literally. There's no foreshadowing until you turn onto the canyon road and then it appears if out of nowhere...majestic, serene, simply breathtaking.
Facilities are excellent and fellow campers, polite. The park has an excellent gift shop with quality silver and native art. I can't wait for my next visit.
ScoutWhat an incredible entrance! We unhooked our toad before heading into the canyon, and I'm glad we did. The drive was stunning, especially for us Floridians not used to such drops. Our site was beautifully wooded, though cell service was minimal down in the canyon love tester online. Definitely a must-visit if you're in the Texas panhandle.
GuideRead some reviews where they stated they didn't unhook their toad upon heading to the canyon. Well I'm glad we did, being from Florida we don't have drops like this. What a drive. Loved our site, very wooded. Not much if any cell service as you are down in a canyon. This is a must stay if you're in the panhandle of Texas.
ScoutSites 1-9 are pretty close to the main park road that quieted down once it got dark.
LegendEquestrian: at Paul Duro, State, Park (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3.5 this is a nice secluded area campsites do not seem that well defined to me. I don’t believe there are any restrooms here. A nice looking equestrian area (see pictures below) with water available for horses. Since I’m not an equestrian guy, check with visitor center for specifics. Looks pretty god, but I’d wish for bathrooms on site. Security: at park entrance Usage during visit: empty Site Privacy: no Site surface: dirt Reservations: Yes Outside Road Noise: not noticeable Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: available down the road Potable Water Available: yes Bathroom: no down the road Showers: down the road Pull Throughs: yes Cell Service (AT&T): one bar Setting: open in Area West Canyon walls on both Recent Weather: 30 to 70s Solar: definitely Insects: none Host: not on site Rig Size: large rigs can fit Sites: there are no site numbers
LegendHackberry in Palo Duro 3/24 Overall Rating: 4.25 Our site, # 10 is close to a 5 out of 5. Many sites would be less than that, in my opinion, because of the lack of privacy. See below Security: Yes. At park entrance. Usage during visit: 60 to 95% full during our week here Site Privacy: ours and some others are great. The sites I listed below have pretty good visual privacy from adjacent sites. Site Spacing: Most sites have good spacing . Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: You better make them well in advance. Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: Sites 1-9 will have traffic noise from the park road. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Clean flush toilets Showers: Yes. Curtained Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars. Short drive for 3 bars Setting: Deciduous forest in the canyon Recent Weather: 30s to upper 60s Insects: None Rig Size: Medium rigs. No large rigs are here Sites: 2,4,6,8 are in an open area. I don’t like these sites, but they do have nice rock formations to look at from these sites. 1-9 are closest to park road traffic of the sites in this campground. Some of the nicest sites.: 10( ours, nay be the best site here), 11 13. 16 18 30 32 31 33 Okay sites: 21 23
LegendFORTRESS CLIFF Rating: 3.5 as not a lot of visual privacy from adjacent sites. However the view of cliffs is very clear Security: at park entrance Usage during visit: 50% Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Fair Parking Pad: gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet during my short visit Outside Road Noise: Some sites are near the park road. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Scattered spigots Generators: Check Bathroom: Portable toilets Showers: At Hackberry CG Cell Service (AT&T): one bar here. Setting: under deciduous trees with canyon walls, viewable on both sides of the cg. Recent Weather: 30s to 70s Solar: Definitely Insects: None Host: not on site Sites: Sites: my favorites: 49,47, 45,43, 41* 37(close to the park Road, but on the outside perimeter of the loop.)
ScoutWonderful sites and very nice park employees. I wish I would have brought my mountain bike, the trails are sick! Good hookups, spacious sites and clean areas.
ScoutWow, Palo Duro Canyon sounds like a dream outdoor getaway! Can't wait to explore the trails and catch a TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Any hidden gems you recommend checking out? unscramble words
ScoutThe park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, javelinas, and coyotes. You might even spot a bald eagle or a golden-cheeked warbler if you're lucky retro bowl
TravelerOnly a port-a-potty which was tough. But didn’t feel too crowded even though you are inside the park
GuideMy review will follow suit with many of the other reviews .  The way this campground is set up with an inner and outer ring, will leaves you feeling very congested and crowded.  if you are on the inner ring of the campsite, you will not have an unfettered view to the surrounding scenery. 
That being said the location is ideal for many of the hiking trails and if You don’t mind being surrounded by other people, than I do t have a single complaint. There is water access and porter potties for bathroom use (which are very clean for what they are)
Be careful of the time of year you may go, the flies can also be horrible if you go in the summer months.
GuideLove this state park, driving into the canyon is very cool. Campground located at the bottom - zero service w/ t-mobile. Bugs were BAD in July. Electric on site and water.
LegendI have mixed feelings about Fortress Cliff campground. It's in a scenic location. We camped there in a campervan. Tent & car campers there as well. The layout of the campground was a little confusing & strange. Sites were really close to the campground loop road. No privacy between sites. The shelter was good. Water quality was good. Three porto-potties; these were pretty clean & had tp. Trash dumpster also on site. No campground host; didn't see a patrol. One site had loud occupants through the night. Check-in was easy. Really good hiking trails. If I planned to come back, I will try to pay the extra money & get a site in the park's Mesquite Campground down the road; very nice campground. The campground had hot showers & a clean restroom.
Guidei loved my 3 nights stay but would RECOMMEND YALL to stay for about a week if yall wanna to have the full experience of palo duro canyon’ nature such as hiking/running (many many trails are surrounded by red ass canyons😍), camping, horseback riding, ZIPLINE, and moreee.
LegendExcellent tent camping location inside Palo Duro Canyon. Winter camping is excellent here. The temps were really cold, but no bugs and no sweating made for a great Thanksgiving trip.
There is a nearby camp store with a simple menu restaurant. The also rent propane fire pits sonde there is usually always a burn ban.
Lots of nearby hiking trails. This campground is very close to the popular and usually full Trailhead for the Lighthouse.
LegendGreat little campground circle inside Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Sites have water and electric hook up with a dump station nearby.
This state park is massive with many campgrounds to choose from. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. Some are great for RV’s, some are better for tent camping!
Nice visitors center and camp store nearby.
Ranger`Stopped at Palo Duro Canyon (Hackberry campground) on our way back from Colorado and will definitely be back (just not in the summer). This is an easy weekend trip from Dallas and the park has incredible hiking trails. The campsites are well maintained and well-spaced. Couple things to be aware of: the dump station is a little sketchy and there are an absurd number of dumpsters throughout the campground. While I'm sure that the excess trash receptacles help keep the campground clean (there is certainly no excuse for littering), I think it contributed to a large fly population that plagued our stay. It was impossible to keep them out of the camper--they would sneak in anytime we opened the door. But I'll take flies over mosquitos any day.
If you're looking to stay in the panhandle, check out Caprock Canyons State Park. It's not far at all from Palo Duro Canyon and we love the park. There are fewer visitors, the views are just as spectacular, and bison will visit your campsite!
GuideMy wife and I camped in the Hackberry section and enjoyed it very much. It’s amazing second only to the Grand Canyon. They have a store on site that serves great hamburgers. Beware of flies, they are the worst I’ve seen. Take some Raid fly spray, it works great . The restrooms were clean. Would definitely recommend it.
GuidePalo Duro Canyon State Park is a uniquely beautiful state park with numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy rains, the hiking and bike trails were closed. We stayed at the Hackberry Campground, which we preferred due to the presence of more trees and, in some cases, vegetation between campsites. We liked campsites 10-18 on the outer edge because of their spacing and vegetation allowing for some privacy. The Mesquite Campground had some great views, but fewer trees. A few of the campsites have partial shade, but most offer little shade other than a covered picnic table. The hiking and off-road bike trails looked interesting. We were here in early September. It was very hot during the day (90's), but cooled down sufficiently at night to turn off our air conditioner.
GuideWe stayed in one of the cabins that overlook the Canyon, situated right on the ridge (Sorenson was the name of ours I believe). The cabin was small but fit our family of 5 well since we had a cot and sleeping mats. Beautiful and night and in early morning/late afternoon, but the middle of the day was so hot there wasn’t much to do. Trails closed at 11 am since there was a heat advisory, and we hiked some anyways but didn’t go far since it was dangerously hot. We backpacked a minimal distance the second night and had a beautiful view of the canyon walls, although some trouble with avoiding cacti. The established campgrounds were mostly empty and we didn’t see anyone else when we camped in the backcountry area. The heat was bearable at night, but we had to sleep with the tent doors open for airflow. No fires were permitted.
LegendLove love love this park. So very stunning from every angle.
Great campsite. We had some major trails running directly behind our specific site which made late nights and early morning walkabouts so easy! We also had wild turkey walk throughout our site and found a snake skin beside the RV. Sites also had grill, and a picnic table with a cover for sun.
Electric and water hookup, fine bathrooms with showers that had hot water. ATT was spotty but kind of worked-Verizon was nonexistent.
The park is STUNNING. Every hike is worth it. Every vista every viewpoint.. incredible. Lots of mountain bikers and a few horse riders.
Literally only minus was that the water was really chlorine-y. But hey, I’ll take any potable water over no hookup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near McClellan Creek National Grassland?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near McClellan Creek National Grassland is Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near McClellan Creek National Grassland?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near McClellan Creek National Grassland, with real photos and reviews from campers.
