Best Tent Camping near Plainview, TX

Caprock is a smaller version of palo duro canyon, and very close, without all the “commercial” fanfare. We tent camped here in august, 2018 and had the entire tent campsite lakeside to ourselves. The bathrooms were great, clean, hot water, all good things. The hikes were nice, challenging only due to heat (it was August in Texas so to be expected). There is a nice pier overlooking the lake, we were able to set up our chairs and enjoy a beautiful peaceful evening. The staff was very helpful. This is a Bison ranch, but we didnt see any during our two night stay.

My friend and I camped our way from CA to Austin and was heading back home. We chose Lubbock area to stop for the night. Buffalo Springs campground was the only nearby place I found to camp. I called them and was told that I had to register online. I was surprised to pay a total of $60 for a camp site. It cost $25 for a tent site plus $5 fee plus $15/adult just to get into the gate. What a rip off! It was split between the two of us so it didn't seem too terrible but...when we drove to our site, there wasn't a shade structure or picnic table in our assigned site. We were told to go online for any changes. I couldn't figure out how to do that and since we were the only campers there, we moved to another site. Fire rings, shade structures, picnic tables and little pieces of trash were randomly spread out everywhere! This was the most unorganized, run down place to tent camp I have ever seen! My dog kept finding bones tossed about on the ground. There were cigarette butts everywhere. We even found a vintage beer pull tab amongst other trashy little things. This was the only tent camping place that I was not happy with the whole 3,600 mile drive!

Do not tent camp here. They will mislead you and then give you a huge fine!!! When we booked the campsite as a fun activity for our pandemic fatigued 6-year old granddaughter, they told me our car would be close to our campsite. We get there at 4 on a Friday afternoon in November and we were the only people in sight! When we booked, they told us to go into the park and find our tent site by ourselves because park personnel were avoiding interacting due to Covid. We got to our sight and found the gate locked to the whole area. It was clear people had driven around the gate several times. Thinking they had forgotten their sole campers for the night and had not come and unlocked the gate, we drove around it. We were very concerned about having to put up the tent in the dark, which was descending upon us. We went down a road to our campsite. While we were unloading, a state police officer came and gave us a$200 fine for going around the gate. It was devastating and disappointing. We wanted our granddaughter to have some fun during all the pandemic restrictions. We were treated horribly.

I have stayed in the Lake Theo Tent Camping Area several times - ranging from 110° days in May through perfect 75° days in July. Shaded sites go quickly, so be sure to spend extra time studying the map. The campsites are a short walk from a swimming hole and fishing area. There are often paddleboats and boards lolling around the no-wake lake. The trails are lovely, and if you catch site of the Texas State Bison herd, you'll fall in love with the park. Amazing bat-watching as well!

Stayed at South Prong Tent Camping area, site 37. Star gazed at the Milky Way for hours. Heard coyotes yipping at night and the bison herd walked through our site around five in the morning. Was the most amazing experience to be so close and hear them. Front desk staff were very nice as well. 10/10 coming back soon to spend a long weekend.

Red canyons, sunsets, bison, amber fields. Park road is pretty linear, lots of trails and camping options. I forget the exact site we camped but all the choices were lovely. Was nice and empty, excluding all the critters. Some tent sites do not have water and it’s very hot, so bring tons of water in a cooler. Highly recommended for this part of TX.

I went with a couple buddies this past weekend (1/18-1/20) and had an absolute blast. We stayed in the south prong tent campsite (primitive but not hike in). Saturday we hiked the South Prong trailhead and cut across the Haynes Ridge cutout, and it was amazing. It’s a 7 mile loop with an elevation of around 3000 feet. It’s a good 3.5-4.5 hour hike, but the views are amazing. The other fun thing we saw were bison. They roam at this park so they warn you to give way. We only saw one, but it was incredible.

We just happened to camp during an unusually cool time, and extremely thankful for it. Temps are 10-15 degrees hotter here than at the top of the canyon. Vault toilets are super nice. Bring a light with you. Tent sites were well maintained, but sound carries. We could hear our neighbors clear as day when they arrived at 2:30AM and 4AM. Tons of wildlife came through camp - two bison, a raccoon, and a pack of coyotes.

Just a short walk to a nice scene up to an overlook where the wind funnels down. If you feel hot and sweaty, just walk 2 minutes through the juniper and cacti to relief.

This place is wonderful. I came here some years ago with my father, and had to venture out and see it again. Nothing has changed, and that's a great thing. The park was virtually empty in early February, I saw a grand total of five people over my three days here. There were many bison, prarie dogs, and stars. There are loops with full hookups, but most of the primitive tent sites are walk-in, though not far from the parking areas, and all with fantastic views of the canyons & Caprock Escarpment. This park is a hikers dream! Many trails to fuel your desires. 

The racoons will get your trash/food if they are able to get to it, even if you are in your campsite. They do not care.

We went here because Palo Duro was already booked the weekend that we wanted to visit. This park is amazing, though. We camped in the South Prong Tent Camping area. There is a drop toilet, but there is no water in the tent area. Be sure to bring large jugs. We drove up to the RV area to refill and take showers.

The campground has a buffalo heard that roams the park. They seemed to stay closer to the RV camping areas, but they can wonder the roads where they please. There is also a prairie dog colony near the showers that is fun to watch.

The South Prong camping area is at the trailhead for the Upper Canyon trail trail. You can do a great all day hike looping the Upper and lower trails Or you can do a steeper, but somewhat shorter climb up the Haynes overlook and then back either the Upper or Lower trail. We did an out & back onthe Upper Canyon the first day and then did the Haynes Ridge to Lower Canyon loop for a longer hike the second day.

We stayed here on the way to Colorado. It’s about a one day drive for us from Austin Texas. The park exceeded our expectations for experience and amenities. We arrived at 7pm and the ranger station and visitors center was still open. They have a small gift shop and your can also rent items including fishing rods for the well stocked fishing lake. The views of the red canyons are worth the visit. The morning sun light on the canyon is incredible. The hidden surprise is the huge herd of bison. They congregate around the main entrance at sundown and you can get very close in your car for some great shots. The site was perfect for our sprinter van with privacy between the sites, water, and electric. We don’t need water or electric but find these larger sites provide some space and privacy. The sites have picnic tables, sun shades, and hooks for hanging clothes lines or drying out tents. We visited in July and the outdoor temp was 94 degrees at 9 pm. So you need to plan your visit if you are tent camping or you can ac is limited. They have great facilities including RV dump station and clean restrooms with showers. Lots of folks travel to Palo Duro which is just up the road but Caprock has a lot to offer. We plan to come back in the Fall to do some hiking and camping. Another good Texas State Park. The town of Turkey Texas is close. This looks like an interesting stop with cafes and a nice theater.

Caprock Canyon South Prong primitive camping area

The Caprock Canyon South Prong primitive camping site is about a 1 mile hike from the South Prong Tent camping area and the trailhead.

You’ll hike up and down some ravines and up a hill to reach it. If you’re able to camp at this site you’ll be rewarded with great views of the mountains and the valley. The red rock formations in this park are amazing.

I highly recommend hiking the Upper South Prong trail to the Fern Cave and then returning via the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail.

Other highlights at this park include watching the prairie dogs and bison roam freely on the plains.

The only downside for this park is that to see some of the attractions you might need to drive because they are located far apart. The bison tend to gather on the open plains. The prairie dogs are located near the Honey Flat campground. Both of these attractions are far from the South Prong Camping Area. 

This park is located in the panhandle of Texas so it’s likely that you will have to drive a long distance to reach this park. if you would like to breakup the drive consider stopping over in Abilene to grab a bite to eat, see the worlds largest buffalo skull, or see the worlds largest paper airplane.

I’ve camped here by myself for 8 years as a small single female. always felt absolutely safe. the park rangers are really on it. they keep track of everyone on the trail and make sure you’ve got enough water.

some of these trails are particularly difficult in terms of drastic elevation change in a short time. the trails can be a bit tricky to follow and after significant rains parts of the trails can be washed out on the backside of the south prong/canyon rim trail.

I usually camp in the south prong primitive tent camping area. there a “primitive bathroom” which is fine. if you camp up closer to the showers there are a ton more people and children.

best to camp here in the fall and even winter. I try to shoot for day lights savings weekends. then it’s not too hot or cold but it can be brutal in the summer. if you’re prepared for it and you can rent camp during a good storm though, it’s pretty awesome.

dogs welcome. watch out for the buffalo. they are not to be messed with. they will jack you up, especially the pack of single bulls haha for obvious reasons. but give them a wide birth and don’t let your dogs bark at them and you should be ok.

This is my favorite place to camp in Texas, second only to BiBe (though I haven’t been to Palo Duro yet). A truly beautiful site. We hiked out at 11pm and the moon was so bright we almost didn’t need headlamps. Lots of bison poop, and lots of coyote howling. The sites were pretty spread out, and the central area had a decent pit toilet. Completely surrounded by red rocks - loved it. Close access to some of the park’s major trails, and an easy hike out to the site.

This damned lake (Army Corps of Engineers) recreation area offers some very inexpensive camping and OHV trail access. When the water is full during the summer, the lake is good for motoring, fishing, and other water sports. We visited during the draw down which offered a lot more beach area, but less water. 

Many of the campsites offer full-hook ups with all the usual amenities, picnic table, grill, sun shade and fire ring. A few of the campsites lie along the rim of the canyon and are way more beautiful, offering more privacy and sweeping vistas, but do not offer water or electricity. Bring your own solar panel and water and you are all set! 

Bathrooms were scarce, none close to the campground, unless we missed them, but there were some toilets by the office/campstore. So, come prepared with your own facilities, too if you don't have one in your RV.

Closest town for groceries and supplies is Plainview, about 45 miles away.

Let me preface this by saying that our woes during our stay here didn't really have anything to do with the campground or the hosts. Our stay here was, however, eventful. 

We stayed here because this is the only area that the state rangers said was open... more on that later. We did find it interesting that there were only out of state license plates here... but again more on that later (and maybe a coincidence?) 

It was toasty hot- we stayed in a roof top tent, so if you're not in a trailer, think about how you're going to stay cool. 

Late at night our roof top tent became overrun with small cockroaches. Yes I said it. It sucked. We fought them off for probably an hour before we finally plugged all the holes in our tent. Then we still found a few and got them out. Next the coyotes came in our site. Yes. You read that right. They were within 10 feet of us. We pick up our sites meticulously before we go to bed and store our food properly. Howling next to your tent is very... ominous. Yes, let's go with that. Then the wind came. This is an equestrian park, so there are horse corrals all around you. Just something... eerie about horse corrals (that we closed by the way because of the creaking) opening and closing in the middle of the night. THEN came the birds at 4AM who were singing the song of their kind... yep.. you guessed it, right next to our tent. 

Again- nothing to do with how the park is run, just our one night there. UNTIL- the next morning when we went and saw the RV portion of the campground. All. Texas. Plates. Full. Hookups. I bet they slept nicely. Could be a coincidence, but could not be- who knows! At the absolute very least- this gave us the most memorable story of our entire 6-week trip. So we are thankful for that. Also, cool fact- the Texas State Buffalo Herd lives here!

Created by the Red River, Caprock Canyon State Park, lies about 125 miles to the southeast of Palo Duro Canyon. While many similarities exist between the two state parks, the differences are striking. For starters, this park features the remaining heard of Southern Plains Bison (related to the Bison heard managed in Yellowstone N.P.) who wander the park roads and graze upon the local vegetation. So, keep your speed down and pay attention around every corner, especially at night!

We stayed in the Equestrian Camp (water only, no toilets, no electricity so come prepared with your solar panel).   Spacious sites, corrals for horses at each site, and one very squeaky windmill that will keep you awake at night if it's windy, which it always is.  Try to get a spot that is NOT right next to it!  The campground has a gate to keep wildlife out and horses in.  You'll have to open and close it each time you leave/return.

Hiking might just be the best way to see this park, but miles and miles of horse trails offer an unique experience from the saddle. Many trails crisscross the dry washes so pay attention to your trail markers so you don’t get turned around. Opportunities to hike up to the highest point in the park are strenuous but well worth the effort. So too is the hike back to the year-round springs that keep the wildlife running.

The nearby town of Quitaque also has an ice/water kiosk and a convenience store which is less than 5 miles away.  The closest town with a real grocery store and restaurants is Plainview, about 55 miles away.

The park has a free roaming bison herd (ancestral to the original bison that once roamed Texas in the 1800's) and a large prairie dog colony. They have hiking trails for all levels. Campsites are not stacked on top of one another, so there's a bit of privacy. Lots of different camping areas depending if you want to tent, backpack or RV. The scenery is different than we'd experienced prior, but it's a breathtaking beauty. Our girls, 5 and 7, begged to have a few extra days at the park. We cannot wait to get back in the fall to do more hiking! Also, we took a day trip on the Texas Plains Trail up to Amarillo, to Cadillac Ranch and ended up at Palo Duro State Park for their TEXAS! show. It was a big day, but a great way to see more of the region.

Honey Flat is located within Caprock Canyon State Park about one hour south of Amarillo Texas. The park has great facilities and it’s own heard of bison. The canyon is at the end of the Honey Flat Campground. Although smaller than Palo Duro Canyon it’s a beautiful red canyon photo op. The park also has popular well stocked fishing lake. Honey Flat Campground can host guests from tent camper to large 5th wheels and RVs. Depending on the location each site has some degree of privacy along with electrical and water hookups. They also have picnic tables with shelter, fire rings, and poles to hang shower bags and camp gear. They have a nearby dump station as well. The restrooms are located just north of the campgrounds along with a great playground for the kids. Homely flats is usually crowded on weekends especially during the fall and spring. I would recommend making a reservation a few months in advance. The park staff are very friendly and efficient. We like to stop over at Caprock during our trips up to Colorado and the Utah.

I spent a week here in the summer time. It was hot during the day and chilly at night. Many hiking trails and opportunities for nature sightings. Slept in a tent and woke up to buffalo within feet of my tent. They are simply amazing creatures. Take plenty of water and sunscreen.

A little complicated in terms of finding a place for camping if you have rooftops tents.

The designated tent places they have you have to walk into. Unless you want to be by all the RVs, which we don’t like. They have an overflow camping space, which was perfect for us. The place is very nice and has great views. We got visited by Bison at night and early this morning. Lots of coyotes howling at night and beautiful skies.

We stayed in the South Prong Tent Area, not to be confused with the South Prong Primitive area (which you have to hike into).

We stayed on site SU037. There is no tree cover, which is ok if you want that morning sun warmth, but know that if it gets super windy (which apparently happens a lot here), your tent will need to be stable. Gusts up to 53 mph were reported when we stayed.

The view is outstanding at this site. You are not able to drive into the site; there are parking strips blocking the way. So you have to walk your gear in about 60 feet. To me, this is suitable for a ground tent but not a roof top tent or camping trailer.

There is easy access to great hiking trails, which this area is known for. If you want to see some great views, be sure and pack a lot of water and snacks and start early.

There are also free roaming bison everywhere. We even had one come into the camp ground while we were making pancakes, but he just observed from a distance and moved on.

In site SU037, there isn’t a huge distance from each site, so if it was fully booked, expect to hear your neighbors.

There was plenty of small trails and area for the kids to explore, but be mindful of the small cliff about 70 ft from the back of the campsite.

TP was not stocked in the vault bathrooms, so bring your own.

Overall we would stay here again. The view was amazing, great hiking, clean air, geological interest, quiet.

Woke up to the Buffalo licking my tent, awesome experience. Coyotes yip at night, stars are beautiful. Showed up late and was able to set up camp and pay the next morning. Prettiest campgrounds ever

• Burn Ban in Effect - No firewood or charcoal - Only Propane
• Night sky is awesome
• If you are expecting shade…forget it
• Bison roam free and they are bigger than you
• Horse flies are everywhere and according to my wife they do like gray leggings
• Watch out for critters, large and small
• Watch where you step..land mines (Bison poop is everywhere)
• Fishing at Lake Theo - No license needed
• Really nice park store
• Ranger led Bat Tours in the summer

We went with some friends who also pulled their camper. We picked Sites #22 and #24 because they were connected and the kids could roam between the two sites. The park has a lot of wildlife…in addition to the Bison and the Prairie Dogs we saw Road Runners, Jack Rabbits, Horned Lizards. If you are a first time visitor going hiking in the summer, plan and heed the warnings of the park rangers. The park has very limited cell service (AT&T works better than Verizon) and canyon floor is much warmer than up top. We hiked early in the mornings and the kids were awed by the red rock and the quartz. After sunset it is very comfortable outside and the night sky will leave you breathless. Quitaque is the closest town 3 miles away and has a gas station. Amarillo is a hour away and we went for a day trip taking TX 207 N through Mackenzie Lake. It is a scenic drive. We stopped at the Cadillac Ranch, had lunch at Tyler's BBQ and made a trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park to watch "TEXAS". Next time we pull a camper, I will definitely carry a tent and go primitive for a couple of nights. Also, take a telescope if you own one. You won't regret it.

So many options for camping here- tent only, walk in, RV, numerous campground areas! We stopped enroute to Palo Duro State Park for lunch and decided to have a look around. Lots of prairie dogs to see and we even saw a bison. We did a cool little hike which was great. We wished we had mountain bikes to check out their trails.

Wild Horse Campground Spot 74 

I showed up at the welcome center with a reservation for primitive camping, not realizing the only spot to set up my RTT would be the parking lot. A nice lady working the desk, slide me into a spot that had cancelled earlier that day at the Wild Horse Campground. 

Wild Horse is the equestrian camp and each spot has horse pens, picnic table, fire ring(though burn ban was in effect while we stayed) and water. No restrooms. The campground is behind a drive through gate that you have to close to keep the buffalo out. 

Only one slot had horses while we were there. Several had mountain bikers staying in them. Everyone besides us and the horse folks were in ground tents. Plenty of room for us and the horse trailer setup didn’t look too cramped either. Slots are well spaced out, but not much privacy– see tree comment below. 

Not much shade to be had except what little you get from scrubby mesquites, but if you are looking for lots of shade, this probably isn’t the park for you. The park itself is great. Easy to get around. Lots of well-marked trails. Bring water and what for snakes. Gorgeous canyon views and features. 

Very quiet after sundown.

Quitaque(kitty-quay) is a couple of miles from the main entrance and has a convenience store, a grocery store and a couple of cafes. We drove ten miles further to Turkey, Texas for dinner– very cool setup at Hotel Turkey. Good food, good music and fun casual outdoor atmosphere. Be sure to check their website for hours. Speaking of website, we had no service on Verizon cellular except very slow spotty connections from 10 pm to 7 am. Service in Quitaque and Turkey was very spotty and very slow. 

Definitely glad we stopped here. Wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.