RV camping near Pampa, Texas offers travelers access to several Panhandle region facilities set within a relatively flat landscape at approximately 3,200 feet elevation. The area experiences dramatic temperature fluctuations with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter visitors should prepare for potential high winds and sudden weather changes.
What to do
Visit the football stadium: Recreation Park in Pampa includes camping sites near the local football field. One traveler notes: "Check the football schedule before dropping in on a Friday otherwise you might be quite disappointed."
Animal viewing: Texas Route 66 RV Park maintains a small farm animal collection on-site. A reviewer writes: "They have some animals in the property that the kids loved seeing! Small dog area but proportionate to the size of the rv park."
Walk the trails: City of Pampa Recreation Park offers walking paths near a small lake. According to a visitor: "The park itself was pretty nice, large pavilion, basketball courts, walking trail with a lake and playground."
Visit Route 66 sites: Several campgrounds position travelers near historic Route 66 segments. One camper reports: "Located on one of the last remaining stretched of Route 66 in Texas. This is a nice campground just outside of Shamrock TX, on the panhandle, about 10 miles from the Oklahoma line."
What campers like
Honor system payment: Watson RV Park simplifies check-in with self-service payment. As one visitor explains: "It's an honor system $20/night. Water and electric and level so we didn't have to unhook."
Friendly ownership: Personal attention from proprietors receives consistent positive mentions. A visitor to Longhorn RV Park shared: "When we arrived we were greeted by the owner, a very nice lady, who stated to pick any site and she collected our money."
Easy highway access: Many parks offer convenient access from major roads. One reviewer notes: "This campground is right off I40 about an hour East of Amarillo. Plenty of space, full hook ups, friendly owners."
Security features: Some properties provide additional security measures. A reviewer mentioned: "Surveillance cameras 24/7. Full hook ups. Mostly for big RV to live there."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Several parks sit close to major transportation corridors. A traveler at Watson RV Park observed: "Right next to the highway and train that runs through the night so if that bothers you I wouldn't suggest this spot."
Site spacing varies significantly: Some parks feature tight spacing between units. A visitor to City of Pampa Recreation Park noted: "Some of the sites look like they pretty much are on top of one another and there isn't really a lot of room to spread out."
Limited site amenities: Many parks provide basic utilities without additional features. One camper described: "Picnic tables and fire rings are absent from the individual sites and it seemed more of a place just to stop than a place to really enjoy."
Weather shelter access: Texas Route 66 RV Park maintains tornado shelters. A reviewer highlighted: "Storm shelters on site! Only 5 minutes away from the town of Shamrock, TX which has multiple fuel options, grocery market and ace hardware."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for shade needs: Many camping areas lack natural coverage. A visitor observed: "There is little to no shade and the electrical connection boxes look pretty wonky."
Schedule around local events: Sporting events can impact campground atmosphere. One reviewer suggested: "Get a discount for camping on a weekday when it is only $15 a night as opposed to $20."
Utilize recreation areas: Comanche Campground provides access to various amenities beyond camping sites. However, a visitor cautioned: "Very basic RV park. It has all the amenities you need but it's just that."
Consider off-peak timing: Weekdays typically offer less crowded conditions. A recent visitor noted: "Pulled in here on my way to NM and after seeing it on the Dyrt, I decided to give it a try. For the money this is not a bad deal at all."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger units: Some areas accommodate various RV lengths. A reviewer at City of Pampa Recreation Park advised: "If you are in a larger rig, you will want to use one of the sites closer to the stadium that area a bit longer."
Leveling requirements: Several parks feature reasonably level sites. One camper noted: "We picked site 11. All 12 sites here are pull throughs with FHUs with 15, 30, and 50 AMP on both sides so you can pull in either direction."
Connectivity options: Cell service strength varies between parks. A visitor to Desert Dove Hacienda RV Park commented positively about the accommodations, though connectivity details remain limited.
Dump station availability: Not all facilities offer on-site dumping. Texas Route 66 RV Park received this observation: "They have Full Hookups, with 30 & 50 amps, Long Pull-Thru sites, Free Wi-Fi, a Dog Run, Laundry, Play Area."