Palo Duro Campsites/Can't figure this out

**JHancock** · January 17th, 2008 09:56 PM

A couple buddies of mine and myself are going to Palo Duro in April for a week. The plan was to snag a drive-up campsite for the week, then find a primitive campsite to hike out to and camp one night in the middle of the week.

Here's the problem though: The TPWD map of the park is God-awful at denoting what campsites are what.

The website says there are hike-in campsites that are primitive (1/2 mile 3/4 mile) and then they have backpack campsites (1/2 mile to 2 mile hike).

So, here's my questions for anyone who's been there.

Do they have drive up sites, and if so, which are they?
I've found that Fortress Cliff is one of these backpack campsites, but it appears to be right on a road. Are they parkable?
Lastly, I can't find any notation on the map of the primitive sites?

Any help would be appreciated.

**Troop198** · January 18th, 2008 08:25 PM

We went throught there a few years back and I have an older map from the park, and as I look at the map and recall most of the sites are near some road one good website to visit is Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Has lots of photos, Click on the header tab "Contact/Maps" and you will have a map with directions to the park. At the bottom of that page are the words "Park Map" you can click on for a detailed map of the camp and hiking sites. It may be slightly better than the TP map :confused: Also the FAQ's are good

Following the map, the Sagebrush Camp area and the Hackberry Camp area are the most populated because of their close proximity to the Pioneer Amphitheater ( when the play is held)

Cactus Camp is set in tall cottonwood trees and is near the creek. Fortress Cliff refers to a large opening in the canyon wall, that campsite is only 100 feet or so from a popular hike.Mesquite camp area is opposite the Cow Camp Cabins and is on higher ground and is not shaded unless you count mesquite trees :laugh: Park was not full when we went through

As I recall it had a nice store. Did not do the lighthouse trail but I bet someone on the forum has, try hiking heading to see.

**JHancock** · January 19th, 2008 07:24 PM

Thanks for the link Troop.

Going off that website, seems like primitive has a different meaning than what I'm used to.

Do you know if Cactus Camp and Fortress Cliff sites had parking at the campsites, and, also, the site makes reference to hike in back-packing sites, with no fire rings. I can't seem to find any notation of those on the map at all? Any ideas?

**Troop198** · January 19th, 2008 10:09 PM

Map I have shows parking.
Sorry we didn't go looking. However, according to a backpacking book I have, there are (or were; the book is 2 years old) sites not on the map (duh), that are primative hike in sites, It notes the trails are 1/2 to 2 miles in, with potable water at the trailhead and restrooms 1/4 mile from the parking area. The book notes to contact the park for info on primative sites. If you find them post a note

SP web site should have a phone number.( can ask about parking too)

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