Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway falls between the Llano Estacado and North Central Plains regions of the Texas Panhandle.

9 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Plan your trip

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
AMA Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, Amarillo — 65 mi away. Directions
LBB Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, Lubbock — 70 mi away. Directions
OKC OKC Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City — 206 mi away (major hub). Directions

Access is by Texas Highway 256 east of Silverton and northwest of Turkey.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Food for you

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Photos

Understand

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

The area contains badlands with mesquite, cacti and junipers with tall grasses, plums, hackberries and cottonwoods in the canyons.

The park hosts the Texas state bison herd. At the urging of his wife, Charles Goodnight preserved several plains bison from those that were being slaughtered. This herd became one of the genetic sources from which current bison herds descend. The state herd only contains plains bison which have no cattle DNA.

African aoudad sheep (barbary sheep), mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, foxes, porcupines, numerous species of snakes and lizards, and over 175 species of birds including Golden Eagles are found within the park. Lake Theo contains bass and catfish.

Climate

Average minimum temperature in January is 19°F. The average maximum in July is 91°F. Average rainfall is 20.4 in.

Get in

Access is by Texas Highway 256 east of Silverton and northwest of Turkey.

Fees and permits

$3 per day, per person 13 and older, 12 and under free. Special entrance rates for holders of:

Texas State Parks Pass.
Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)

See

The official Texas State Buffalo Herd.

Do

Hike, bike, and ride horses on almost 90 mi of marked trails, including the Trailway, a 64.25 mi stretch that was once a railroad line. The path crosses 46 bridges and passes through Clarity Tunnel as it weaves its way from the top of the Caprocks down to the North Central Plains, terminating at the small town of Estelline. Excluding the Trailway, some of the trails here are not for the beginner, with steep climbs and precipitous drops. Check with a ranger before embarking. Ranger Station - +1 806-455-1492

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

Information line: +1-800-792-1112. Fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.

Stay North Prong area and South Prong area

Both areas have organic restrooms and 16.3 miles of associated trails. $8 per 4 people for back pack campsites.

Maps

Stay South Prong and Little Red Camping Areas

40 walk-in developed (tent) campsites. $12 per campsite

Maps

Stay Equestrian Developed Campsites

(non-equestrian camping is allowed). 12 sites have corrals, tables, grills, water for horses, and parking at individual sites. Total of persons or horses not to exceed 8 per campsite. $12 per campsite

Maps

Stay Lake Theo

9 campsites with water with a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Water is in the area. $14 per campsite

Maps

Stay Honey Flat Area

Campsites with water and electric (30 amp). 25 sites with a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, water, & 30 amp electrical outlet. $15 per campsite

Maps

Stay Honey Flat Area

Campsites with water and electric (50 amp). 10 sites have a shade shelter, picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, water, & 50 amp electrical outlet. $20 per campsite

Maps