Camping opportunities near Mentone, Texas span the Permian Basin region at elevations around 2,600 feet. This high desert area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations between seasons, with summer highs routinely exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region feature gravel pads situated among oil field developments, creating a unique industrial-meets-wilderness camping environment.
What to do
Sand sledding adventures: At Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground, visitors can rent discs for sliding down dunes. "You can rent sand discs and sled down the mountains. Definitely recommended to check out for a night or two!" notes Nicole K. The park offers this unusual activity just steps from your campsite.
Stargazing sessions: The West Texas skies provide exceptional stargazing conditions with minimal light pollution. "Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken," reports Zoey T. about her experience at Monahans Sandhills.
Wildlife tracking: Early mornings reveal animal tracks in the freshly blown sand. As one camper observed at Monahans: "I did see very small prints in the freshly blown sand. Watch out for rodents getting into your RV." Morning walks can become impromptu nature detective sessions.
Lake activities: Jal Lake Park offers water-based recreation beyond the typical desert experience. "Lovely lake with FREE three day parking, mini water play area, vault potties, playground and bike paths galore," according to Chris S.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable stays with decent amenities. At Wickett City Campground, campers appreciate the value. "Nice city park right off I-20. Easy to get to and full hook ups for $16.75 a day," writes Dave L.
Spacious sites: The Rise at Monahans provides ample space between sites. One reviewer noted it as a "Great 'no frills' stopping point... Very new and still being developed. It's a big rock parking lot with full hookups."
Unique landscapes: The sandhills create a distinctive camping backdrop unlike typical mountain or forest settings. "Definitely a hidden gem. Perfect pit-stop on the way to Big Bend but would also be a great place to stay for a few days," shares Sara B. about Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities despite the dusty environment. Kara S. notes about Monahans, "Bathrooms were clean. The showers were great- free and hot water!"
What you should know
Sand management: Sand infiltrates everything when camping in this region. Bring extra cleaning supplies, especially if staying at dune-adjacent sites. Pack floor mats for RV entrances and sealable containers for food and belongings.
Wind considerations: High winds are common and can affect camping comfort. One camper at Monahans reported: "One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before." Secure loose items and consider wind breaks for tents.
Limited shade options: Most campgrounds offer minimal natural shade. At Saddleback Mountain RV Park, campers note the lack of shade: "This is a basic CG with no internet... There's no formal dog park, but there is plenty of room to walk your dog."
Pet hazards: Watch for goatheads and thorns that can injure pet paws. As noted by one camper, "Nice landscape, but lots of goatheads (thorns) that get in your dog's paws."
Tips for camping with families
Morning activities: Plan desert explorations for early mornings before temperatures rise. Families at Monahans Sandhills find this time ideal: "Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime time experience," shares Ashley R.
Safety precautions: Some campgrounds have reported safety concerns after dark. At Jal Lake Park, one camper noted: "Not a safe vibe if we weren't with our son we might stay but now looking for a new spot."
Wildlife education: Use the unique environment for teaching moments about desert adaptation. Bring field guides to identify desert plants and animals, and watch for wildflowers after rain.
Temperature planning: Prepare for extreme temperature shifts between day and night, especially in winter. "In January, it gets pretty cold at night around freezing, but warmed up nicely every day," reports a Monahans visitor.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Most RV sites in the region are level and easy to access. At Pecos Park, campers note: "Campsites are few and far between in this part of the world, and Pecos Park is a welcome option. Plenty of sites with giant picnic tables."
Highway noise considerations: Many campgrounds sit close to major highways. "This is a basic CG with no internet, but they have a laundry room... We should have used our sound machine as there's a lot of road noise from I-10," reports one RVer at Saddleback Mountain.
Hookup reliability: Most campgrounds offer reliable hookups despite remote locations. Christina H. at Monahans Sandhills notes: "They have a good amount of RV spots, with 50 amp, water, and a dump station on the way out."
Extended stay preparations: For longer stays, be aware of site limitations. "Limited pull through sites that seem to book quickly, but plenty of open back in sites that are nicely spaced," notes an RVer about pet-friendly camping near Mentone, Texas.
