We used to frequent Palo Duro for mountain bike riding. Many of our trips centered around riding and Palo Duro was at the top of the list.
The climate out there is odd, primarily because of the desert setting. If you go in the summer, the evenings will be plenty cool. It gets real hot during the day, but the nighttime is perfect camping weather.
Activities – Biking and hiking, as previously mentioned. The hike to the lighthouse is an easy, enjoyable hike (IIRC). There’s a little train in the SP that takes you around the canyon which is fun. I know climate is a concern, but if you can wait until June the drama “Texas” is worth a watch, especially if you enjoy Texas history. As others have mentioned, the museums around Canyon are good places to get out of the heat.
Finally – the best part of our trips to Palo Duro were our trips to Elkins Ranch for the Cowboy Breakfast.. good eatin there with activities for all ages, including cow chip throwing contests.
The Elkins Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon - Texas
Elkins has other offerings too, but we haven’t experienced them.
Palo Duro cannot be compared to any SP in the Hill Country or the Piney Woods. The parks in the panhandle are completely different. That’s what makes our state so great!