Palo Duro Canyon State Park is worth the drive. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro is the second largest canyon in the United States. There is an iconic rock formation in the park known as the Lighthouse.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a CCC park, and opened in 1934. At 28,000 acres it is the second largest state park in Texas.
Location
11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, Texas 79015
Cost
The entry fee for Palo Duro State Park is $8 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Palo Duro State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Palo Duro State Park
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $12 per night. You must bring in all of the water you might need, and pack out all trash. Ground fires are not allowed. Hike is a. Minimum of half a mile. Bathrooms are even further. Permits are first come, first served at the park. The park requests that campers call them in advance of visiting.
Campsites with water are $16 per night. These sites are tent only, but accessible by vehicle. The campsites have a picnic table, fire ring, and shade shelter. There is water in the area, but not at each site. Restrooms with showers exist, but are a considerable distance.
Campsites with electricity are $26 per night. Campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring or grill. There are hookups for water and electricity. Bathrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Cabins
Cow Camp Cabins are $60 per night. These cabins were built by the CCC and are more rustic. They do not have a bathroom inside. Water and bathrooms with showers are available in the vicinity. The cabins have electricity, air conditioning, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There is a table and chairs and beds. You must bring your own linens. No pets inside the cabins.
Cabins on the rim range from $125 – $150. These cabins were built by the CCC, but have more modern updates including a bathroom with a shower inside the cabin. There is electricity, air conditioning, and a fireplace. There is a mini fridge, microwave and picnic table and outdoor grill. Beds have linens included. No pets are allowed inside the cabin. Tents are not allowed outside the cabin.
Luxury Camping is also available from a private outfitter.
Equestrian Sites
There is an equestrian camping area for people traveling with horses. This area is only open to people with horses. There are picnic tables, fire rings, and water faucets. Contact the park if you are arriving with a horse.
Group Facilities
There is a dedicated youth campsite for groups for $50 per night. It has room for up to 32 people. There is a large fire ring, picnic tables, and water. It is a short walk from eh parking area.
Wolfberry group campsite is $225 per night. It has nine campsites and room for a total of 72 people. There are limits on parking. The group site has picnic tables, a fire ring, lantern posts and some of the campsites are wheelchair accessible. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Mack Dick Pavilion is a group hall with a commercial kitchen and It can be rented for a day rate of $1000 per day. It has a beautiful covered porch area.
Tasajillo Pavilon is available to rent for $300 per day. It has room for up to 54 people. Bathrooms are nearby, but not in the building. There is an outdoor fire ring with seating around and a large grill.
Restrooms in Palo Duro State Park
There are many bathrooms provided throughout the park. There are many bathrooms with showers throughout the camping areas, but not every camping area has a bathroom with a shower.
The cabins at the top of the rim have bathrooms with showers in the cabins. The cabins in cow camp do not have bathrooms in the cabins, but there are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Hiking Trails
There are over 30 miles of trails in the park. Many of the trails are hike and bike trails, and some allow horses as well. There are also dedicated horseback riding areas.
Pay close attention to the difficulty rating of any trail that you attempt, and take proper safety precautions.
Lighthouse Trail is 2.8 miles and leads to the Lighthouse Rock formation that is iconic of the park. This is a very popular trail.
CCC Trail is 1.4 miles but is quite difficult. It crosses over four historic bridges that were built by the CCC and goes from the rim of the canyon to the canyon floor.
What is there to do at Palo Duro State Park?
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
This show requires an additional ticket, which should be purchased in advance. The show has singing, dancing, and fireworks. It appropriate for all ages and will really get you into the Texas spirit.
There is entertainment in the area before seating officially opens up in the amphitheater at 7:45 PM The show begins at 8:15 PM with a horseback rider along the top of the canyon wall.
The show last until 10:45 PM.
Pre-Show Barbecue Dinner
From 6:30 – 8:00 PM there is a Chuck Wagon BBQ dinner. Dinner reservations need to be made by 4:00 pm the day before, walk ups are not available. Reservations can be made when purchasing show tickets.
The barbecue dinner comes from Fat Boys Family BBQ. The dinner includes brisket, sausage, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, a roll, dessert, and a drink.
Horseback Riding
There are two trails in the park that are mixed use for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
There are also 1,500 acres of land that has trails on it exclusive for horseback riding.
If you have your own horse there is an equestrian campground where you can stay or park your trailer.
You take a guided horse tour with Old West Stables. They are located on the canyon floor. Reservations must be made in advance.
Observe Nature.
Take photographs of the unique rock formations called hoodoos that exist in the park. Go birding. Look for the Texas horned lizard or even Texas Longhorns.
Dogs at Palo Duro State Park
Palo Duro State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Check difficulty ratings for any hiking trail you attempt to bring a dog on. Trails can be too hot, or have rough rocks. Dogs can overheat and die on these trails. Bring plenty of water and be prepared to turn back. Heed any posted warnings about pet safety, and listen to advice from rangers.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms. Dogs are not allowed in the amphitheater for the TEXAS Musical.
What to do near Palo Duro State Park
Canyon, Texas
Canyon, Texas is 12 miles from the park. Canyon is the county seat of Randall County, Texas and has a population of 15,000. Visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Walk around the historic Randall County Courthouse and shop in one of the stores on the square, such as Burrowing Owl Books. Get a coffee at Palace Coffee Company or pick up last minute camping supplies at the Palo Duro Canyon Outfitters.
Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo, Texas is 30 miles from the park. Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County, Texas and has a population of 200,000 people. The historic Route 66 ran through Amarillo. You can eat a steak at the Big Texas Steak Ranch and stay in one of the themed rooms. Spray paint a car at the Cadillac Ranch or visit the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. Explore the city and see all of the wonderful murals.