Midland, Texas sits in the heart of the Permian Basin at an elevation of approximately 2,700 feet, characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The region experiences minimal rainfall, averaging 14.8 inches annually, which creates distinctive desert camping conditions. Seasonal temperature fluctuations can exceed 30 degrees between day and night, particularly during spring and fall camping seasons.
What to do
Sand dune exploration beyond sledding: While disc sledding is popular at Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground, visitors can also enjoy hiking through the dune field ecosystem. "I couldn't get over how unique the landscape was. 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," notes Sara B.
Stargazing opportunities: The dark skies provide exceptional stargazing at Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground. According to Zoey T., "Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken. Epically quiet - cool at night."
Desert wildflower viewing: Spring brings unexpected wildflower displays to the sandhills area. One camper observed, "I was surprised to find a variety of flowers thriving amongst the sandhills. How does that happen?" The contrast between delicate blooms and stark sand creates unique photography opportunities.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Lamesa RV Parking Area offers free camping with basic amenities. Dave W. states, "First off it was free, it is a quiet area and the people in the area were nice! We plan to stop there the next time we going that direction. It's a perfect stop to break up the trip from DFW metroplex to Whitesands New Mexico area."
Clean facilities despite sandy environment: The parks maintain surprisingly clean facilities. Kara S. mentioned, "Campsites were well taken care of with water and electric at all sites. Bathrooms were clean. The showers were great- free and hot water!"
Well-spaced sites: At Midland RV Park, the layout provides good separation between campsites. As one reviewer noted, "Nice stop over. Gravel, level, all services work as expected. Staff was very friendly, bathrooms, showers & laundry are VERY clean and updated."
What you should know
Seasonal temperature considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. One camper at Monahans shared, "In January, it gets pretty cold at night around freezing, but warmed up nicely every day."
Wind conditions can be significant: The flat terrain offers little wind protection. "One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before," reports Butch K. from Monahans Sandhills.
Limited yurt camping options near Midland, Texas: While traditional yurt camping in Midland, Texas is uncommon, alternative glamping accommodations can be found at KOA Kampgrounds of America with cabin options. Aidan M. notes, "We came here as it was late in the day and we had nowhere to stay for the night. This KOA had plenty of spots and some laundry machines and shower which was awesome."
Tips for camping with families
Early morning activities: Schedule dune exploration for early mornings when temperatures are cooler. Ashley R. recommends, "Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime experience."
Wildlife awareness: Small desert creatures are present but generally not problematic. Ray & Terri F. advise, "Our dog loved frolicking in the sand dunes, but do watch out for goathead burrs, she found a few."
Bring extra water: The dry climate increases water needs significantly. Lamesa RV Parking Area provides water hookups, with one camper noting, "Nice safe spot w water and electric. Across from a playground and on a frisbee golf course."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Construction near Midland RV Park can complicate arrival. One RVer suggests, "If you're traveling in the next month or so, call ahead and they can give you the latest 'best' route... wish we had, newbie mistake."
Site selection for larger rigs: At Monahans, some sites accommodate large vehicles better than others. Christina H. advises, "Limited pull through sites that seem to book quickly, but plenty of open back in sites that are nicely spaced. We booked site 22, a back in site up against a large dune hill. It was not easy to back a 55ft long rig into."
Electrical reliability varies: At free camping areas, electrical hookups may be unreliable. One camper at Lamesa noted, "The electrical has slowly deteriorated. Site 10 this time had serviceable electrical hook up but... Site 4 showed on my meter to be good but upon hookup had a faulty circuit."
