caprock canyons state park

This park was great. The herd of bison, the prairie dog town... At night we could hear ducks and coyotes loud enough they woke me up on the third night. We hiked to Fern Cave. It was March, so the ferns were brown, but we felt a great sense of accomplishment after such a really tough hike. Our kids are 11 and 14, and in good shape, so they went too. This was a 6.5 mile hike along Upper Canyon north loop and John Haynes ridge. It took 4 hours. Take water and a snack. We stayed 3 nights at the Lake Theo camping area. Water is at each site or between sites, but murky, so take your own for drinking. It's a 2 minute walk from the parking area to your tent. Bathrooms are a good walk (take a flashlight!). Sites include a covered picnic table, grill and fire ring. No firewood was available to buy, even in town, so bring your own.

This place is really pretty. The canyon was colorful, the wild Bison were awesome to camp with. The walking trails and hiking trails had the right amount of challenge for every one. Some in our group went on the 6 mile hike to the other side of the canyon and were so excited when they got back. Spring break in March had perfect weather. Staff was friendly.

My wife and I took off from Dallas needing to get away and back to the wild. We found that at Caprock. The trails were excellent and the views breathtaking. This little hidden gem is situated just south of the even more impressive Palo Duro Canyons SP but I believe this park offers better trails for backpacking and hiking. We did make the mistake of packing too heavy as we were expecting big bend type hikes. However Caprock is much easier and you don't need to many provisions. Make sure you hike up to the fern cave and take in the beauty there. Other smaller hikes offer just as many great views and scenery. The prairie dog town is also cool to visit. And then to finish the state buffalo heard resides at the park. We weren't able to get very close but they do wander up and around the visitor center from time to time. And make sure to check out the historical markers located through out the park.

We come here often and I have reviewed it before, but its just so cool and we have such a good time it needs an update.We arrived at the visitor center and we greeted by a very nice lady who always does a great job telling you about the parks attractions. We decided on a trail that we had no gone on before. It was easier than others in the park, but the weather was iffy and we didn't want to get stuck out.Had a wonderful time. The trail was immaculately maintained. The facilities were fantastic and the views are breathtaking.This visit we had some Bison close-encounters that made it so fun for the family.Prairie dogs, Bison, Mountian lion tracks, birds, deer, a big spider, and coyotes and squirrels were on hand to make the trip fun. Lots of wide open places, canyons, and gullies to explore make it one of our favorite places! Not to mention it was ONLY $8 for the whole family for the day.Bring food, there is nowhere worth eating nearby.

We stopped in our 37' fifth wheel on the way to NM for the night. After easily finding a secluded site with water and electric we set the kids free to explore. We discovered that while Verizon did not work we did get a decent wifi signal outside the rv. I wanted to get a run in before sundown and just a few minutes into it I ran into a herd of bison crossing the street! So I turned around and got the family to hop in our truck and go check it out. We could get so close that petting theM would have been possible. Not smart, but possible. Lol! What a beautiful peaceful sight and park. The next morning we went for a short drive and walk/hike and just marveled at the beautiful rock and nature this park offers. We did not use any facilities but based on the rest of the park and our pleasant experience with the staff I bet they are well taken care of. We can't wait to visit again for a longer stay.

Everything about this park is amazing. The canyons and rock formations are gorgeous. The prairie dog village was entertaining. I didn't hike, but spoke with hikers who love the park. The rangers are serious about the bison herd. I was walking back from the overlook when the bison herd came running out of the bush -- between me and my car! I took photos until the bull came through and took an interest in me. I froze and wondered if I could run to and climb up the statue in time to escape him (highly doutbtful). Two young men in the parking lot stood on their car and made noise to distract the bull. The bull then lost interest in all of us and continued on with the herd. Very exciting.

My two sons & I tent camped here for two nights. We planned the trip when the weather forecast was showing to be decent but as the the date drew near, it turned for the worse. We still went & spent two nights in 12 degree weather with snow. It was rough but very pretty overall. We hiked a couple of trails & definitely would recommend it in warmer weather. If you go like we did, make sure there is not a fire ban & bring plenty of firewood. Saw the bison as soon as we arrived. Very laid back.

We took our camper here for two nights. We were very surprised by the ruggedness and color changes of the terrain. Trail options are available for all skill levels. River beds are likely mostly dry so bring plenty of water. Campground was nice and most spots were private.

The Caprock is where Quanah Parker rode. I can feel the ancient land and the beauty of the landscape. A car day trip from Lubbock clears your mind and spirit of hustle and bustle of city life.

Great scenery! Nice trails to hike. Never saw any bison during our time at the park. The park itself is out in the middle of nowhere be sure to bring food and water if you are hiking any if the trails.

My husband and I have been camping all over southern Texas and we finally ventured into the panhandle for a late-summer trip. Caprock Canyons State Park has been our favorite park/camping spot IN TEXAS so far. We stayed in the Honea Flat Camping Area, site 5, and found it fairly secluded with easy access to the trails to the bathrooms. Say hi to the P-Dogs on your way! Facilities are in fine condition and park staff were great. The red rock is stunning (yes I've spent a fair amount of time in southern Utah) and the sunsets every night were worth the drive. The park is peaceful and perfect. We LOVED the hiking and there are plenty of trails to choose from. Watch out for rattlesnakes though! Saw them a couple times and altered the course accordingly. Also fun is the long trail following an old railroad. This isn't in the park directly but be sure to check it our for a peaceful sunset stroll in the prairie. Gas station/market in Quitaque, TX is sufficient for last-minute needs but don't plan any major grocery shopping trips in the area. Made a day trip to Palo Duro Canyon and that was cool but we liked the feel of Caprock Canyons more. I hate snakes but still loved this camping trip. Will be back.

We stayed at South Prong Tent camping area and our trip was in mid October. This is very scenic and beautiful. Above our heads was a beautiful caprock and my kids nicknamed it Gingerbread Caprock or something....see photos. We found a trail leading up to Gingerbread Caprock and its there where I think we had the most fun. We could hear the wind whip against it all night and we thought that was pretty cool. It is its own version of the sound of the waves hitting the beach. Accross the way from our campsite was more scenic views of the caprocks and we thought one resembled a Transformer :) My favorite view included a collection of sharp profiles of more caprocks lined along a valley, in which you can find the Upper Canyon Trail A. There is a pit for firewood. ***Bring your own firewood and thank you to all the reviewers who gave us that tip.This campsite has no running water or electricity. This was not an issue for us because we prefer the scenery over the facilities. We prepared accordingly and everything went smoothly. You park basically right there even though somewhere it states you have to walk a little. The distance to walk is like walking from your mailbox right up to the front door, if even that. There is a portal potty and it is supplied with toilet paper.Other positive experiences include hearing coyotes howl at night, seeing a woodmouse visit our campfire, a horny toad, a scorpion, a rattlesnake, another snake, a snake that we scared and it took off, the bison, hiking near our campsite, following a trail along the river and playing with rocks, beautiful sky at night, and prarie dogs. We love the critters!Our family includes a teen, an 8 yr old, and 6 yr old. We decided the fern cave was to far for our youngest two and made the personal decision not to go...darn it. The reason that I am writing this is despite the fact that we did not get to see the ferns, we still had a blast and the kids were asking "Mom, if we had one more day, would you let us stay?"Negative experience included not having a picnic table. We would go back in a heartbeat!

Well worth the extra hours driving south from Palo Duro because Caprock Canyons SP provides a LOT more easy/moderate trails. Our group of 50-somethings hiked Upper Canyon Trail and Canyon Rim Trail, but could easily have stayed another 1-2 days.If you're tent camping and can carry in water, both South Prong and Little Red River camp grounds are nestled among the red hills. Little RR has sheltered picnic tables, firerings and 2 vault toilets. with decent privacy from nearby campsites. South Prong provides only a camping site and firering. somewhere nearby was a vault toilet, as this is at the end of the SP road and the terminus for many hiking trails. Both Little RR and South Prong campers can join the main campsite (sheltered picnic tables, firerings, electricity) in a very clean toilet/shower facility. it's a 3 mi. drive from South Prong and 1 mile drive on that same road from Little RR, as the facility is right on the campgrounds.

I can't say enough about this great park, from the helpful, friendly rangers to the magnificent views and the wildlife. I love the ability to get away by oneself and just enjoy the quiet. The night sky is awe inspiring, with no interference from city lights, it's a sight I won't soon forget. Seeing the big dipper sink behind the canyon was inspiring. I saw two "falling stars." The hiking was awesome. I am a middle aged woman who hiked about 8 miles in two days and I barely feel the after effects. I saw lots of placid buffalo, they came close but I didn't feel threatened by them. They don't seem to mind people being around. The prairie dogs were cute and active. I do wish people would tell their kids not to walk on their dens and stick their hands in. They could be bitten by a rattlesnake, and these are animals' homes. I guess the prairie dogs have adapted, reluctantly. I went by myself and felt perfectly safe, but I will take my son next time. He needs to experience this fantastic destination. We are truly fortunate to have a place like this to visit, appreciate, support and preserve!

Went her to see the Bison, but they were too far away in the field. Got a telephoto shot, but still not close enough to really see them up close. Listened to the FREE CD audio tour of the canyon that can be picked up at the Ranger's gift store. Drove through the canyon and saw wonderful formations, lake and even some very healthy (fat) prairie dogs on the range. The colors of the canyons are spectacular! This is a must see stop when you are in the panhandle of Texas. Made this stop after going to and spending the night at Palo Duro Canyons that are near by. Both are so different and must see.