Howdy everyone - I'm in the process of planning a big trip to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This will be sometime next spring, but I figure it's never too early to start planning. Can you guys give me some general feedback? What you liked, didn't like, what camping loops are good, etc? If you have any pictures, that would be awesome! I originally wanted to go in May in order to take advantage of the weather, but the show that everyone raves about doesn't begin showing until June, so we'll probably go early June. Anyone have any input on what kind of weather to expect at this time of year? Anyone have any idea how far in advance spots need to be reserved at this park? We will be traveling from Ft. Worth with two adults and three kids (5, 2, and infant) with the TT in tow. I've been wanting to go to the canyon ever since getting the TT a couple of years back, and now that we live in Ft. Worth, it's at least a little bit closer. Thanks for any feedback you can give!

Can't help with your questions, but having been there I CAN say it was one of the most beautiful areas of the country I have ever seen. You will have a great time.

It is a beautiful park. We were there last year the end of April; it was already pretty warm then. We had some over the air TV, but no cell service. I've heard that cell and TV are available in the farthest south loop (Mesquite). Lots of trails for hiking and biking. Canyon, TX is just to the west and we went in for golf and eats. Feel free to PM me with any other questions.

I made a trip out west in fall of '09, to Meteor Crater & the Grand Canyon. I did a few short side trips, including Palo Duro. I was just there for a few hours, but can agree that it's beautiful. Also warm: my mirror thermometer was indication 98 outside. This was mid-October, IIRC, in the afternoon.Jim, "Danger! Your computer is not properly grounded. Bury it at least 3 feet deep, immediately!"

4huskers wrote:It is a beautiful park. We were there last year the end of April; it was already pretty warm then. We had some over the air TV, but no cell service. I've heard that cell and TV are available in the farthest south loop (Mesquite). Lots of trails for hiking and biking. Canyon, TX is just to the west and we went in for golf and eats. Feel free to PM me with any other questions.Which loop were you in? How were the tables and sites? Based on pictures I've seen and google maps, there isn't much for shade (trees) in the park.

Was there last year and LOVED it. Stayed in the Mesquite Camp Area not close to the show but it is was quite. Do not know about shade but awning and AC will travel. Site was good bathroom and showers clean.

Looking for Palo Duro State Park (Texas) experiences

TXcampingfamily
Explorer
Aug 28, 2013
So Hackberry floods too. I knew that Mesquite can and even with a little rain the restrooms are a red muddy mess. Normally I wouldn't worry, but since it is not full hookups I know we will be using their showers. Can't decide which campground to make the reservations for. Not really sure what type of weather to expect for Thanksgiving.
kscaddo
Explorer
Aug 27, 2013
We stayed at Hackberry a couple years ago. This was our first site after we evacuated.

We only had to move about 50 yards to the next site but everything was pretty intense for a while. It all happened very fast. Otherwise it was great.
AlabamaTraveler
Explorer
Aug 25, 2013
We have been to PD and love it. Since being there, I always refer to this canyon as the states best kept secret.
TXcampingfamily
Explorer
Aug 24, 2013
We are also thinking about a trip to Palo Duro Canyon at Thanksgiving. It sounds like the Mesquite area is considered the best views, but not a good place to be if it has been raining. What are everyone's thought about Sagebrush and Hackberry campgrounds? We do have kids, but they are teens and don't need a playground. However they do like to be around where more kids are and like to be able to bike to the campground store. We are 30 amp, so we do have more options. What would you recommend?
MewshawManor
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
TexasATM wrote:
I'm looking forward to the steep drive down! I want to see how the truck does in those kinds of elements!!

The truck in your photo should do fine. I only mentioned in the steep grade simply because some people are easily spooked by a 10% sign. The road into and out of Palo Duro is nice.
TexasATM
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
I'm looking forward to the steep drive down! I want to see how the truck does in those kinds of elements!!
Doin_it
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013
We love Palo Duro! Don't be scared off about the steep drive into the bottom of the canyon. It IS steep, but use caution and you'll be fine. We had no Verizon cell service, but would just drive the toad up to the top if it was really necessary to make a call.

Ann
Handbasket
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013
MewshawManor wrote:
..... We spent one day turing the Panhandle Plains Museum at West Texas A&M. Very good! ......

Heartily seconded! Lots of good stuff, and well displayed.

Jim, "When I was young, Mom said I could be anyone I wanted to be. But then I found out that's called 'identity theft'."
NCWriter
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013
Accsys - thanks for the posting the photos. I made a reservation the other day for a short stay at PD after we leave New Mexico in mid-October en route back east. Really looking forward to seeing the place and maybe returning for a longer visit.
Major_Dad
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013
We love Palo Duro, but avoid it in the summer. Sure, the show is going on, but you will have to endure the heat. We go for Spring Break sometimes, but the weather can turn on a dime. Once we almost got snowed in on our last day; another time it snowed during the middle of the trip and was incredibly beautiful. Anyhow, if I wasn't a teacher I'd visit in April or early May.

If you want to avoid the low water crossings (when the water is high, of course), stay in the Hackberry area. As I remember, it is close to a playground for the kids, too. The Mesquite area is very scenic, but across a series of low water crossings. I don't remember if there is a playground there.