Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground occupies a distinct ecological zone in west Texas where sand dunes rise 70 feet above the surrounding desert floor. The park contains 3,840 acres of sand dunes formed from eroded Permian Basin rocks, creating an environment that supports unique desert vegetation. Temperatures range from winter lows near freezing to summer highs above 100°F, with high winds common throughout spring months.
What to do
Sand sledding for all ages: Visitors can rent plastic discs at the park office to sled down the dunes. "We stayed 2 weekday nights in early November and there were only a few others that were camping so it was quiet and peaceful," reports Kara S. from Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken," notes Zoey T. about her experience at Monahans Sandhills.
Desert hiking exploration: Though there are no marked trails, visitors can wander freely among the dunes. "Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime time experience," shares Ashley R., who visited during Easter weekend.
Wildlife observation: Despite the harsh environment, various desert animals inhabit the area. "My dog loved frolicking in the sand dunes, but do watch out for goathead burrs, she found a few," advises Ray & Terri F., who stayed for 5 nights in early September.
What campers like
Unique landscape photography: The shifting dunes create constantly changing patterns ideal for photography. "I couldn't get over how unique the landscape was. Definitely a hidden gem," remarks Sara B. about her October stay at Midland RV Park, which serves as a convenient base for day trips to the sandhills.
Desert flora viewing: Spring brings surprising wildflower blooms among the dunes. "I was surprised to find a variety of flowers thriving amongst the sandhills. How does that happen?" writes Troy W. after his short stay at Monahans Sandhills.
Affordability and value: The campground offers excellent amenities at reasonable rates. "The price for camping is incredibly cheap, especially for what you're getting! The views from each site are breathtaking," shares Christina H., who appreciated the economical camping options.
Desert sunrise experiences: Early risers are rewarded with spectacular light conditions. "Even though the weather was pretty bad whenever I went, I would recommend to visit here at least once," says Ashley R., highlighting that even in suboptimal conditions, the experience remains worthwhile.
What you should know
Weather considerations: High winds can impact camping comfort, especially for RVs. "One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before," reports Butch K. from his January stay at KOA Kampgrounds of America.
Limited facilities: The campground provides basic amenities but no extensive services. "Campsites were well taken care of with water and electric at all sites. Bathrooms were clean. The showers were great- free and hot water!" notes Kara S.
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer brings intense heat while winter nights can be frigid. "In January, it gets pretty cold at night around freezing, but warmed up nicely every day," shares Butch K. about the temperature swings.
Proximity to oil activities: The campground is surrounded by active oil fields. "We heard the distant songs of coyotes and smelled the oil from the fields. A very unique experience and a must for RV camping checklists!" Christina H. mentions, providing context about the industrial surroundings.
Tips for camping with families
Best camping times: For family yurt camping near Odessa, Texas, spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. "Loved this campsite! It was so cool to see all of the sand dunes. Right off the highway exit but far out where you can't hear any traffic noise," shares Nicole K. from her stay at Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground.
Sand management strategies: Bring extra towels and cleaning supplies for inevitable sand infiltration. "Easy to make a reservation online," notes Mary G., who enjoyed the convenient booking process for her family's overnight stay.
Water requirements: Desert conditions demand increased hydration; plan for 1 gallon per person per day. "Drinking water, electric, bath house with hot showers, and picnic tables available. Decent price with amenities," explains Nicole K. about the available resources.
Morning activities: Schedule dune activities for early mornings to avoid midday heat. "You can rent snow sleds and go sand boarding. There's gorgeous wildflowers all over in the spring and summer," Christina H. advises families looking for suitable activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose pull-through sites for larger rigs; back-in sites require maneuvering skill. "The CG roads are paved, but narrow, as are the pull-through sites. The sites themselves all seemed mostly level," explains Ray & Terri F., noting the campground's layout considerations.
Connectivity information: Cell and internet service is surprisingly reliable. "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," details Ray & Terri F.
Road access challenges: Construction frequently affects access routes to area campgrounds. "Nice stop over. Gravel, level, all services work as expected. Staff was very friendly," reports Erin H. from her stay at Midland RV Park, though she warns about navigating the construction-heavy approach.
Hookup availability: Sites include water and electric connections with a dump station available upon departure. "Each campsites has water and electric hookups. There are also a sun shade, picnic table and grill," Troy W. notes about the practical amenities available for RVers at Monahans Sandhills.
