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Cactus Campground

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Talk about an alluring name for a tent-only campsite!

Cactus Campground is a small set of seven sites on the southern end of the park, near the equestrian campground, and over 10+ miles of trail. While shade shelters are provided, you’ll have to work a little bit for other amenities: showers are 1/2 - 2 miles away, and water is available at the campground, but not at each site. What’s camping without roughing it though?
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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Palo Duro Canyon State Park

More to explore nearby

100%
9 ratings · 5 reviews
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Laura G.doesn't recommend
September 2, 2024
No longer exists. They have removed all of these sites from their current map, and 'Cactus' is no longer in the search options, sadly.
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Emily D.recommends
March 6, 2018
Wow! Did not expect to stumble across this canyon during our cross-country caravaning voyage. We walked around all day (bring sooooo much water) and saw one of the prettiest sunsets! Later this week we went to see the grand canyon, and though nothing compares to that, this canyon was in no way disappointing- it was very colorful and impressive!
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Jason C.
October 13, 2017
Best campground for tents in Palo Duro. Water available at the campsites and each are relatively secluded from each other. Great views from the campsites. Restrooms and showers available Mesquite Camp Area.
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Meghan B.
September 7, 2017
Beautiful and decently secluded campsites. Each site comes with a fire pit and a little picnic shelter. The mosquitoes and flies can be bad around dusk, but go away with the sun. The park is pretty breathtaking and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't been. If you're lucky, you might have a coyote howl wakeup call!
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Marshall K.
June 3, 2017
Good campsite for some quiet. The individual spots are pretty far apart so it was quiet and I didn't feel crowded at all. It was nice having the picnic table for cooking and eating. The camp isn't that close to the trails so I drove a short distance for daily hiking. There was a water source in the campsite only a short walk away. As noted in the description, the nearest restrooms and showers are about 3/4 of a mile away. I would stay here again.

Other campgrounds in Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Your guide to camping in Cactus Campground

Overview

Biking

Biking around the scenic hill country that is Pedernales Falls State Park, there are amazing trails for mountain biking of all levels. For the more adventurous cyclist, test your mountain biking skills on the new Juniper Ridge Trail. This 10-mile technical, single track trail provides plenty of obstacles for more advanced riders.

Fishing

Fishing on the river is common at Pedernales Falls State Park. There is no fishing pier, but set up anywhere on the shoreline! You will most commonly catch catfish, bass, sunfish and carp in the Pedernales River. Catfishing is abundant following a river rise.

Hiking

Hiking around Pedernales is absolutely beautiful. There are seven trails within the park that range from .4 miles to 9 miles long. Take the Twin Falls Nature Trail and stop at the scenic overlook over the falls. Or tackle the six-mile Wolf Mountain Trail. This challenging trail wraps around Tobacco and Wolf mountains and winds along the small canyons created by Mescal and Tobacco creeks. Along the way, cool your heels at Arrowhead Pool, where Bee Creek spills into stair-stepped pools.

Horseback riding

Bring your horse to explore 10 miles of rugged trail. The trail is very rocky with some steep slopes. Due to the conditions of the trail, riding experience is required, as well as shoes for the horses. There are water troughs at the trailer parking area and at the midway point of the trail.

Climbing

There is rock climbing available on the Wolf Mountain Trail. The best spot is about a 20-minute hike in. Make sure you do not climb on the Twin Falls, as it's illegal and you will be fined.

Swimming

You can tube, canoe or kayak the river. Set up in at the swimming area or Trammell's Crossing Trail. For safety purposes, you are not allowed put-ins or take-outs in the Pedernales Falls area.

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