Monahans, Texas features expansive sand dunes that range from 10 to 70 feet high covering over 3,800 acres. Located in the Permian Basin at an elevation of 2,700 feet, the area experiences temperature extremes with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter overnight lows near freezing. Camping options cluster along the I-20 corridor, providing access points to the unique sand dune ecosystem that's often compared to desert environments.
What to do
Sand sledding on dunes: Rent sleds at Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground and enjoy sliding down the massive dunes. "You can rent snow sleds and go sand boarding. Theres gorgeous wildflowers all over in the spring and summer and the sunsets are always 10/10 here," shares Christina H.
Sunset viewing: Plan evening hikes up the sand dunes for impressive sunset views unique to the region. At Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground, Ashley R. reports, "Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime time experience."
Stargazing: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded," notes Zoey T. about her experience at the state park campground.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife and their tracks in freshly blown sand. Butch K. observed, "I did see very small prints in the freshly blown sand," during his January stay.
What campers like
Unique landscape: The sand dune environment creates a beach-like experience without water. One camper at Tra-Park RV Park mentioned, "The whole park is a typical high desert natural gravel parking lot with some trees, chain link fences and the pedestals demarcating the travel lanes which are plenty wide for the biggest RVs."
Quiet weekday camping: Visitor numbers drop significantly during weekdays, especially in non-summer seasons. "We stayed 2 weekday nights in early November and there were only a few others that were camping so it was quiet and peaceful," notes Kara S.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities despite the challenging sand environment. At Park Place RV, Stephanie K. reported, "Amazing playground and pool for families beautiful shower facilities, lots of washer and dryers. Full hook ups."
Affordability: Campgrounds in the region offer reasonable rates compared to more popular destinations. At Jal Lake Park, Christie C. appreciated that "it's FREE!" while Zoey T. noted the state park's value: "$15 camp fee plus $4 per person unless you have a Texas park pass."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Strong winds can impact camping comfort and equipment stability. "One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before," warns Butch K. about his January stay at the state park.
Temperature extremes: Summer heat makes the sand dangerously hot during midday hours. Ray & Terri F. advised, "There isn't any shade, but we had a decent breeze, which helped. Our dog loved frolicking in the sand dunes, but do watch out for goathead burrs, she found a few."
Limited shade options: Most campgrounds in the area have minimal natural shade. At Wickett City Campground, Dave L. found, "Nice city park right off I-20. Easy to get to and full hook ups for $16.75 a day. It only has 30amp but that's ok."
Sand management challenges: Be prepared for sand getting into equipment, clothing, and vehicles. Troy W. observed unexpected vegetation: "I was surprised to find a variety of flowers thriving amongst the sandhills. How does that happen?"
Tips for camping with families
Morning activities: Schedule outdoor play time in early morning hours when temperatures are cooler. At the state park, Nicole K. recommends, "You can rent sand discs and sled down the mountains. Definitely recommended to check out for a night or two!"
Pet-friendly considerations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Monahans allow leashed pets but require monitoring due to hot sand and potential hazards. "Our dog loved frolicking in the sand dunes, but do watch out for goathead burrs, she found a few," cautions Ray & Terri F.
Water play alternatives: Some campgrounds offer swimming pools as relief from heat. At Mesquite Oasis RV Park, Nomad Nurse Z noted, "Does have a pool and laundry area. Roses BBQ within 6 minutes away was good."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature children's play areas. According to Stephanie K., Park Place RV has an "Amazing playground and pool for families," making it one of the more kid-friendly campgrounds near Monahans.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Sand can complicate RV leveling and stabilization. Christina H. shared her experience at the state park: "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, probably one of the worst sites for a big rig, but we still managed."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. Ray & Terri F. reported, "AT&T coverage was pretty good with 2 bars of LTE service and speeds up to 17 MB/s. We had a clear view to the N at the site, so Starlink was fine with speeds up to 20 MB/s."
Site selection strategy: Choose pull-through sites when possible for easier navigation. At Jal Lake Park, Christie C. noted, "There's 6 spots for RVs to park. Enough space for big rigs and can park additional car on the side."
Dump station access: Plan your water usage around available dump facilities. "Campsites were well taken care of with water and electric at all sites. Bathrooms were clean. The showers were great- free and hot water!" reports Kara S. about the state park facilities.
