Primitive camping sites near Pampa, Texas offer tent campers a genuine grasslands experience beyond developed campgrounds. Tent sites in the region exist within the McClellan Creek National Grasslands and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F and winter nights drop below freezing. Camping options range from $10-15 established sites to completely free dispersed areas with various amenity levels.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake McClellan provides fishing access at McDowell Campground, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally. One visitor noted, "There is a small pond/lake and the water level is a bit low" when visiting during dry periods.
Hiking trails: The Mullinaw Creek area at McBride Canyon features an expanded trail system open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A camper mentioned, "Just a short drive/hike further up the canyon on the dirt road for some beautiful views."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one camper at McBride Canyon, "Wildlife and traffic are heavy due to it being hunting season," indicating good opportunities for wildlife spotting throughout the year.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers value the isolation found at these sites. One McBride Canyon visitor reported, "We were the only ones at the campground the weekend of our visit - we literally had the campground to ourselves."
Affordable camping: Most established sites maintain reasonable fees, while some offer completely free camping. A visitor to Lake Marvin Campground noted, "The cost is 20.00 a night for an RV, but tent camping is free."
Stargazing: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. One McBride Canyon camper observed, "Very dark out here though!" making it excellent for stargazing during clear nights.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The Texas Panhandle experiences extreme temperature fluctuations. A McDowell Campground visitor reported, "We were here mid June 2021. On Wednesday the campground was almost empty. Very peaceful place. It was 100 degrees but always breezy."
Sand burrs and stickers: These painful plant seeds can damage tent floors and clothing. A camper at McDowell warned, "Be careful for stickers, especially if you have pets."
Insects: Summer months bring significant insect activity, particularly at lower elevations. One East Bluff #1 Campground visitor cautioned, "Beware of the massive number of insects, especially the wasps. They actually bit my dog."
Toilet facilities: Restroom maintenance varies widely between campgrounds. A McBride Canyon camper reported, "There are a couple of holes dug in the ground with a toilet sitting on top. I used it and noticed it was to the top by the rim of the seat full of human waste."
Tips for camping with families
Campsite selection: For families, McDowell Campground offers more amenities and lake access. One visitor detailed, "Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring, some sites also include pedestal grills as well. All sites are nice and level."
Water planning: Most sites have limited or no water access. A camper at East Bluff #1 noted, "No water source available," making it essential to bring sufficient water supplies for your entire stay.
Arrival timing: Arriving during daylight hours simplifies navigation. One McBride Canyon visitor recommended, "I recommend arriving before sunset so as to be able to see but we were able to find a spot in the dark after about 45 mins of driving around."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads deteriorate significantly at some campgrounds. One McBride Canyon camper advised, "Definitely wouldn't recommend driving big RV's past the campsite. Steep unpaved grades."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. A visitor reported, "Gravel and fairly unlevel but not too terrible," suggesting bringing leveling blocks for RV camping.
Hookup options: Limited electrical access exists at select sites. A visitor to McDowell noted, "The campground has hook up sites with electric and water($15), and non-hookup sites($10)," providing options for different camping styles.
