This park is home to the country's second largest canyon (the Grand Canyon of Texas). Explore the beautiful, colorful cliffs and history while driving, camping, hiking, biking and horseback riding. There are also more opportunities to discover in the heart of the Texas panhandle in nearby Amarillo.

See the beautiful colors of the four geologic layers of the canyon walls which are uniquely expressive during sunrise and sunset. It began forming a million years ago, but the walls of the canyon are about 250 million years old! The canyon is about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide, and is up to 800 feet deep and extends from Canyon to Silverton.

Great times to visit are Spring, Fall and even Winter. These seasons offer less crowds and some perfect temperatures for hiking and biking. Summers can be very hot.

There is lots of geology history to learn and see right from the visitor center so if you aren't camping and don't have time for a hike, make sure you stop at the visitor center.

If you are short on time we'd recommend spending some time at the visitor center and then driving down through the canyon.

This park books up quickly during peak season. We were able to find last minute camping sites off season during the week. Plan to spend at least a day or two if you want to explore the visitor center and hike the trails. You'll learn about the geology of the canyon and its uses over the centuries. Just inside the entrance gate there's a pasture where you might see Texas Longhorn cattle grazing.

The road down into the canyon is steep and has some sharp corners. We did see some fairly large class A and 5th wheel trailers at the sites, but you may have to use both sides of the road. The website says some sites will hold 60' RVs.

This park is open year round and has 5 different camping areas inside the canyon. It also has group areas, glamping sites, and cabins. Camping sites book up quickly, even in the off season.

Note: This park does have a gate that closes at 10pm. Make sure you have a gate code if coming in late.

Campsites were well spaced with scrub brush and some trees for some privacy but mostly unshaded. However, picnic tables often have appealing rustic beam shade protection. Most sites were pretty level and the pads were a mixture of paved and gravel. Some sites are pull throughs and some are back ins but there are accommodations for all types of rigs and camping styles.

Areas that allow RVs: Juniper, Mesquite, Sagebrush, and Hackberry.

RV campsites have electric (30 amp, some with 20 amp and 50 amp, so check the site) and water.

The water, flush toilets and hot showers are open all year and do not require an extra charge. The bathrooms were clean and usable. 

The free showers just had a shower curtain without lockable doors.

The dump station was large and allowed dumping from both sides. It's located down inside the canyon (you don't need to go back up the hill).

This park has a lot to offer: canyon views, hoodoos, trails, horseback riding, jeeping, ranger tours, wildlife, birding and camping. The visitor center has a lot of information on geology and history.

There are 30 trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The canyon is desert like and can be very hot in the summer. We didn't find the trails too strenous and the elevation isn't too great. There are trails for every type of hiker and most offer great views of the canyon.

Check the website for a schedule of their summer musicals held in the Pioneer Amphitheater.

Stop by the visitor center on the canyon rim to learn more about the park. The visitor center has a lot of information and interactive displays and the displays are geared for all ages. The park store at the visitor center sells books, pottery, jewelry and supplies information about the park and its history.

The Trading Post on the canyon floor has the typical souvenirs and some unique items as well as many choices of snacks. They also prepare hot meals including burgers, fries and sandwiches with small indoor and outdoor eating areas. They also have a small selection of groceries and camp items. If you need a few grocery items you can buy them here instead of making the trek back to Amarillo.

Amarillo is about 30 minutes from the park to the northwest.

Things to do nearby: Historic Route 66 District Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Texas Air and Space Museum, many museums, breweries, memorials, theaters, parks, Buffalo Lake Wildlife Refuge, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

You can book same day and you can book up to 5 months in advance.

If you are staying for multiple days, look into the Texas State Park Pass program. Site booking is through Reserve America.

There is a camping fee and a separate per person daily entrance fee. Both can be paid when you reserve online. Check online for current rates.

Information for Texas

Booking

Fees

Reviews for Texas

Palo Duro State Park