monahans sandhills state park

We drove from Midland for a quick day trip. The dunes are nice and not too big so that you can do them over and over. They have RV hook ups and shaded pinic tables. Bathrooms had showers and were clean. They also rent disc for the day. Go in the spring and early in the morning for the best experience.

We stopped on our way to Carlsbad Caverns. We had our two tween kids and two dogs, and were pulling our heavy (this is important in a minute) 5th wheel. We didn't pull in until about 6 pm on Sunday of Spring Break, and we had no reservations. We were met by Officer Michael Smith, who was incredibly helpful from the get-go. He told us he really didn't have any slots left for a rig our size, but offered to let us pick any of the 3 slots left, or use the equestrian parking area. He also solved our sled problem. I could stop the review right here and both the park and Officer Smith would get a huge 5 stars. But there's more....As we were parking our (did I mention "heavy"?!) trailer, we managed to literally pull the 5th wheel nearly off the trailer. (Yay Chevy trucks. Boo deep sand and weak welds!). We limped back to the equestrian site. My husband and daughter hiked to the dunes so she could try out the sledding. My son and I stayed behind so I could attempt to find a welder. Good plan, except cell service is spotty. While I was waiting for an unknown guy named Jorge (who also turned out to be a godsend!), and a little nervous bc I was in an isolated area and couldn't reach my husband on the phone, Officer Smith drive by to check on us. When he heard our predicament, he waited for Jorge to arrive, then drove to pick up my husband and daughter and bring them back. He stayed around until he knew we didn't need extra help. Jorge did a fabulous job repairing our trailer, and Officer Smith came back one final time to make sure we were ok. I just cannot say enough good things about the park, but especially about the way Officer Smith helped us. He conducted himself in a way that reflected the highest honor on the state's park system!!

We drove from San Antonio to slide down the dunes. Unfortunately we showed up too late to rent a sled and were absolutely heartbroken. The ranger on duty saved the day and trip by letting us borrow one. What a great guy for doing that and I can't thank him enough!!! It was on my bucketlist to climb the dunes and slide down once and we allowed me to have that experience. I can't rave about this park employee enough! What a great person who went out of his way to make sure that we didn't miss out on the experience. Thank you Mr Ranger!

an unexpected pleasure. While traveling to Big Bend NP I started looking for a place to overnight. My allstays ap showed a SP at Monahans, Tx . No expecting much but needing to stop for the night I pulled in after hours. Not having the exact dollar amount I believe I dropped a $20 into the after hour payment slot, but the fee was $17 I believeI found a very nice pull thru site that laid parallel to the access road. Being surrounded by sand dunes was a very unique experience. Would definitely stay here again if traveling thru during the winter months.

Worth a stop, even if stopping for a picnic among the dunes. Beautiful dunes, and the sand is chock full of animal tracks.

Fun place to camp and then do some sand surfing or sledding. Great in the winter months when it is not so hot.

Camped at this park for one night during travel for a winter trip. The dunes are beautiful and kept thinking there should be an ocean or lake on the other side of the dunes. Many campsites are pull through and spacious, but somewhat close together. Not the type of state park that has a lot of trees and shrubs to add privacy. Little protection from winds during blustery weather. Picnic tables do have roof coverings to protect from the sun during the summer heat. Rest rooms were adequate but not as clean as other Texas parks we have visited. Easy access to the dump station and very easy access on/off to I-20.

The weather was cold, and blustery when we arrived, but the staff was so friendly, especially park ranger Michael smith that our visit here has been the high point of our winter trip so far! Thank you Michael for your advice on the next leg of our journey....we will come back to visit! Mark and joyce

Camping out under the stars is wonderful. Being awakened by coyotes howling at the moon while standing atop a fine in incredible. A must visit when in West Texas.

To Whom it May Concern,My family and ( I ) had a very horrible experience camping at Monahans State Park because of Michael Smith whom works at that park. In all my years of camping at state parks as a child, then raising my own family and now as a grandmother of four granddaughters I have never experienced the hostitaly that Mr.michael showed me and my family. I will try to keep this short as possible. I was walking my shih tzu dogs and one did a dump as we were almost back to our site. When some lady flung open her door ran out and started yelling at me. I asked if she had a extra tissue but she would not listen to me and continued to yell at me about the the doo doo. Of course I would not stand there and let some lady yell at me. I walked to my trailer and got some tissue. My self and a friend Lanna were heading out to town together to do some shopping. I put the dogs inside. Stopped by the sight where the doo doo was I picked it up and threw it in the trash this was all in a time frame of about 5- minutes. ( Luckily ) I had a witness because I had no idea what a huge commotions it would turn out to be. On top of all the time and money it would cost my family. The following day there were LOUD POUNDS on the outside of the trailer. Yelling POLICE EVERYONE OUT HERE NOW !!!!!!Demanding we move quickly. Lining us up. Asking all kinds of questions nothing pertaining to my dog problem from yesterday. He was all up in our faces especially mine and my boyfriends face Eddie. He kept yelling commands about the truck, RV and our ID. At one point Eddie raised his voice to Mr. Smiths voice level telling him stop yelling at us we are right in front of you. Mr. Smith did not like that so he took Eddie over to his truck had him spread eagle patted him down put him in hand cuffs. And Told him to sit on the ground And stay there. Eddie kept asking if he being detained or under arrest. Smith said no but still did not allow him to move. Eddie also requested a attorney Smith said I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP. At some point he told me to go inside the trailer and get some legal papers at that point I grabbed our video cameras on our cell phones and took them outside with me. And gave one to my son Eric. Immediately at that point when Mr. Smith seen we had the video cameras on he had a HUGE change of demeanor. All of the sudden he stepped back and moved out of our faces and lowered his vouce and at one point cracked a smile. I was reading the papers I brought out of the trailer to make sure they were the right ones when Mr. Smith tried whipping them out of MY HANDS saying if you touch me again I will cuff YOU TOO. He was threatening and trying to belittle us as much as possible. He was Making a suspectical of the whole thing. He would pace back and fourth around us. He was walking and sitting and acting like he was writing everything down. But when Eddie asked if could have a copy of the report Smith cockily said he was not required to turn one in. I also asked him for his ID. He said his uniform is all the ID he needs. And smirked at me. He just seemed to prolong the whole situation as long as possible.Finally after all the abuse, harassment and public humility he finally handed me a ticket. I tried to explain my side of the story but he would not let me or anybody speak about the dog situation. He simply took some lady's statement and ran with it. There was no other people at that ladies trailer except her little daughter. I am guessing she was four or five years old at best. I on the other hand had a grown adult witnessing me pick up the dog doo, doo. Also another thing if the poo was in fact left there where was the evidence ??? There was NONE because I picked it up with in five minutes or so. So we got kicked around three times at Monahans State Park. Once by the camper lady, second by Mr. Smith, then Thirdly by the park itself. Because the same day I went up to pay for one more night. They said they were instructed that we were not welcomed in the park and had to leave immediately. I said really ? Who said that ? They said there boss. I asked for that in writing. They said NO they are not required to do that so they will not do that for me. Luckily, I again had my video camera with me. It seems in this state of Texas I have to walk around with my video camera. That is very disappointing. So now I have to go to court to explain my innocence and present my witness. The court House told me well you could just pay the 150.00 then you don't have to come back. That is so wrong and unfair just because a cop has a puffed up chest. I have to go threw all this. But if it helps the next innocent camper it leadt it won't be in vain. As long as men like him are employed there I would would not recommend this place to ANYBODY. Marianne.

One of the coolest state parks in Texas by far. $3 per person to get in the park bring a lunch enjoy it in the park at the picnic area. Camping is available but all RV no tent areas. Great day trips though, we ran the dunes which is exhausting but a blast. Couple of them are very steep.

I wouldn't want to camp here; I think it's sandier than a beach. It is, however, great for a day trip. Rent a sand disc from headquarters and slide down the dunes, take a picnic and enjoy the shade of one of many picnic tables in the park. The headquarters building also includes a well stocked gift shop and a museum with several interactive exhibits.There is a minimal ($3) entrance fee per person and the park is yours to explore. With the nature of the dunes, hiking trails are non-existent but you can wander out into the dunes if you want. Just be careful about getting lost, once you go over a doom it's easy to loose your bearings.

SAND! It is a huge sand box without the cat droppings! Lol. It was a lot of fun to wander around in the dunes... Very tiresome but a fun and unique experience. If you are driving by and you have the time stop by... Awesome flowers too.

If you're traveling on I20 from Pecos to anywhere north, stop and enjoy this wonderful sandy park! After playing hard at Fort Davis, we were driving home late Sunday afternoon & had to stop. It is so worth it! My family took off walking to a mount of sand & it didn't take long to get really tired! The sand was cool but the day was fairly cool It also appeared to have rained which cooled the sand temp. We were all barefoot which I think is not normal! I wouldn't rv here but it is a great wonder of this area! No one to take our money so you pay by the honor system.

Driving through Texas you don't expect to run into sand dunes but sure enough they exist and sure enough you can have a great time at this park. They have sleds to rent and the camp sites aren't too bad. But be prepared for some windy west Texas nights and coming home with half a dune in your bag. Not a spectacular park as there is only one real thing to do here but glad to have visited.