Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Open daily; hours not posted
- Entrance fee
- $8 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- RecommendedCan reach capacity
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 115 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- tpwd.texas.gov(806) 488-2227
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 30, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Alert Hot Air Balloon EventOn Oct. 25, 2026, the park will host the annual Hot Air Balloon event and food drive. The Pirates of the Canyon balloons will fly from 7 a.m. to 9… (more)
On Oct. 25, 2026, the park will host the annual Hot Air Balloon event and food drive. The Pirates of the Canyon balloons will fly from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. if weather allows. Entrance is free. Donations of canned good or non-perishable items will be accepted at headquarters. Weather Closures Sept. 28, 2026 - Some trails are closed and conditions may change quickly due to forecasted heavy rain. Campsites will remain accessible via Alt. Park Road 5. Please check weather conditions before traveling. Contact the park for any questions. Closures Jan. 9, 2026 - The equestrian campsites and equestrian trail are closed for trail maintenance. Area Closures The backcountry and nearby areas (including the equestrian area, sponsored youth group area, and backcountry hiking and camping) will be closed on the following dates: • 10 p.m. on Dec. 1 to 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 The park will be closed beyond the Old West Stables on the following dates: • 10 p.m. on Dec. 1 to 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 Only permitted hunters will be allowed on these dates. Contact the park for more information. Check back for updates.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert Area ClosuresThe backcountry and nearby areas (including the equestrian area, sponsored youth group area, and backcountry hiking and camping) will be closed on… (more)
The backcountry and nearby areas (including the equestrian area, sponsored youth group area, and backcountry hiking and camping) will be closed on the following dates: • 10 p.m. on Dec. 1 to 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 The park will be closed beyond the Old West Stables on the following dates: • 10 p.m. on Dec. 1 to 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 14 Only permitted hunters will be allowed on these dates. CCC Trail will be the only open trail during this time. Contact the park for more information. Check back for updates.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Randall County, about 12 miles east of Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park covers about 27,267 acres.
Things to do include horseback riding, mountain biking, historic sites, biking, and hiking. Its trail network totals roughly 30 miles, according to the park. Camping is available: 115 campsites across 7 camping areas, including RV sites with electric and water hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, group camping, and showers. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open daily (hours not posted) | ||
| Office | Not stated | 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | — |
| Entrance gate | Daily | 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open daily.
Office hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Gate hours: 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit. Trails may close due to wet weather, poor conditions, or excessive heat. Contact the park or check our Facebook for trail status.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Some parks restrict pets on certain trails.
Statewide rule from Texas's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult | $8 |
| Child 12 Years and Under | Free |
Official wording
• Adult : $8 Daily • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Texas park passes
- Texas State Parks Pass — $70 per year. Free entry for the holder and guests at the state parks it covers, plus camping and store discounts; a second pass for someone at the same address is $25 Details
- Texas Parklands Passport. Discounted or free entry for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and Gold Star family members Details
From the Texas state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- Recommended
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Texas State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- (512) 389-8900
We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsites with Electricity (Juniper) No more than eight people are allowed per site, children included. Two vehicles per site are allowed. We charge an excess vehicle fee of $10 per vehicle per night for any vehicles beyond two. Three sites are certified ADA accessible (#111, 113, 115). The Tasajillo Pavilion is in this loop and available for rent. | 18 | Water hookup; 30 amp hookup; 50 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableFire ringTent padLantern postPaved sites | $26 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Electricity (Mesquite | Sagebrush) Sites are in the Mesquite and Sagebrush areas. The Sagebrush area is closest to the play "Texas." Some sites will hold up to 60-foot RVs. | 47 | Water hookup; 30 amp hookup; 50 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableFire ring and/or grill | $26 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Electricity (Hackberry) These sites are in the Hackberry area. Some sites will hold up to 60-foot RVs. | 32 | Water hookup; 20 amp hookup; 30 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableFire ring and/or a grill | $26 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Water These tent-only campsites are in the Fortress Cliff area. These are drive-up sites, you do not have to backpack to them. Tent camping only. No pop-up campers, travel trailers, or motor homes are allowed in this area. Water is in the campground, but not at each site. Restrooms with showers are 1/2 - 2 miles away. | 18 | Water nearbyPicnic tableFire ringShade shelter | $16 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Primitive Campsites (Hike-in) Permits are first-come, first-served on arrival at the park. Hike is at least 1/2 mile from parking to this area with no designated sites. You must pack out all trash. No open fires are allowed, but containerized fuel stoves are allowed for cooking. No drinking water is in the area; you must bring your own. Restrooms and showers are 1/4 mile from the trailhead. Backpack area has a capacity of 40. Sites may be closed due to weather conditions. Please call the park before you visit. | — | $12 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee Contact the Park | |
| Group Camp (Wolfberry) This group camp has nine campsites with 30/50-amp electric and water hookups. Restrooms with showers are in walking distance, in the Juniper camping loop. Up to 72 people are allowed in this area. A maximum of eight people is allowed per site, including children. Two vehicles per site are allowed. We charge an excess vehicle fee of $10 per vehicle per night for vehicles beyond two. Call the Customer Service Center (512) 389-8900 for reservations. You cannot reserve the group camp online. | — | ShowersPicnic tableFire ringTent padLantern postNine campsites (72-person max.)Wheelchair accessible restrooms | $250 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Group Camp (Youth) Reserved for sponsored youth groups:and other youth groups. Site is not rented to any group that does not primarily include youth under the age of 17. Maximum of 32 people allowed in this site. | — | WaterLarge fire ringPicnic tables50 feet from parking area | $50 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
Historic sites and toursHorseback ridingHikingBikingMountain bikingPicnickingCamping
Trails
We have more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.
We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; contact us reserve it for your visit.
Our trails can be challenging. Be safe on the trails, no matter how you access them. Always bring plenty of water and travel with a partner.
Trails and backpack campsites may close due to wet weather or poor conditions. Contact the park, or check our Facebook page, for trail status.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Group facilities
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Primitive or backcountry camping
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
Accessibility
- Accessible restrooms
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible restrooms
Despite a rugged terrain, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has many accessible features, including wheelchair accessible campsites, lodges, picnic areas and restrooms.
We have an all-terrain wheelchair for use in the park; contact us reserve it for your visit.
Camping
The Juniper and Wolfberry Group camp area restrooms, the Mesquite camp area restrooms, and the Sagebrush camp areas restrooms have accessible facilities including parking, ramps to the entrance, wide stalls with hand rails, and accessible showers. In the Juniper camp area, sites #111, 113 and 115 are wheelchair accessible. Sagebrush campsites #144 and #146 are also accessible.
Cow Camp Cabin #2 has accessible features such as a raised firepit and wheelchair-friendly picnic table. The cabin also has ADA parking, and paved sidewalks.
Read more from the park
The Mack Dick Pavilion is a wheelchair accessible group hall with a kitchen and bathroom.
Day-Use
The Soapberry Day-Use area has multiple accessible picnic tables. A paved sidewalk leads from the parking lot which has several ADA parking spots to paved picnic sites, with wheelchair friendly tables and raised grills. The other end of the sidewalk leads to the Soapberry restrooms which are accessible and have a larger stall with handrails.
The El Coronado Lodge is wheelchair accessible and has designated ADA parking.
Rather than hitting the trails, take a scenic driving tour. Be sure to pull over at some of the roadside overlooks to enjoy views of the canyon. Spot a few points of interest from your vehicle including the Longhorn Pasture, CCC Overlook, El Coronado Lodge, the CCC Fireplace, and the Big Cave. Contact the park for the best driving routes.
For more information about trails and the park’s points of interest, visit the trails information page.
Conditions can change quickly. Contact the park for more information and to ask about the status of particular accessible features.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX 79015 - Nearest town
- Canyon — about 12 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 34.9847, -101.7019
- Phone
- (806) 488-2227
- PaloDuroCanyonSP@tpwd.texas.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Entrance gate: Daily 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Texas State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- TPWD state parks map (embedded park data)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Public Lands Institute - Palo Duro Canyon State Park - 001.tif — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Public Lands Institute
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 30, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology