National park · United States
Caprock Canyons State Park
Visit Caprock Canyons State Park: pay $5 vehicle entry, drive 30 min from Silverton, hike the 5‑mi Trailway early June–Sept for best conditions.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
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Area
86 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (86 km²)
approximate
Established
1982
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 86 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (86 km²)
- Park covers about 86 km² (official Texas Parks data); includes 64 km² of land and 22 km² of water (check).
- Established
- 1982
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Caprock Canyons State Park sits at the edge of the Texas Panhandle, offering badland scenery, a historic rail‑trail, and the state‑managed plains bison herd; its mix of easy trailway rides and rugged canyon hikes makes it a versatile outdoor destination.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1982.
Size and age
86 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (86 km²) · national park since 1982
Park covers about 86 km² (official Texas Parks data); includes 64 km² of land and 22 km² of water (check).
Why go
- Explore Texas badlands and canyon scenery on extensive trail network.
- See the state‑managed bison herd, one of the few free‑range herds in the U.S.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold nights, limited trail use
- FebCool, occasional rain
- MarMild, wildflowers start
- AprComfortable temps, dry
- MayWarm, low rain
- JunWarm, trail dry
- JulHot, possible thunderstorms
- AugHot, occasional storms
- SepCooler, dry
- OctMild, some rain
- NovCool, shorter days
- DecCold nights
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plains bison herdAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Golden EagleMar–Sep | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Mule deerAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Silverton, TX
Drive east on TX‑256 to park gate.
30 min
From Amarillo, TX
Take US‑287 S then TX‑256 E.
2 h 30 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| North Prong area | Campsites, restrooms, trailhead for Trailway north segment. | Open with vehicle entry. |
| South Prong area | Campsites, trailhead for Trailway south segment. | Open with vehicle entry. |
| Bison herd range | Viewing area for the state bison herd. | Open, stay on designated roads. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Texas Parks official site; approximate for campground points.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle entry | US$5 | vehicle | 2026 estimate (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Vehicle entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Pets not allowed in any park buildings or campsites.
- Firearms
- Firearms prohibited except for law‑enforcement.
- Camping
- Only in designated campsites; fees apply per site.
Where to stay
In the park
North Prong Campground
Primitive sites, $8 per 4 people.
In the park
South Prong Campground
Developed tent sites, $12 per site.
Near the park
Silverton town
Motels and B&Bs, ~30 min drive.
Safety
Heat medium
Lightning storms high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main campground areas have paved roads and short walks.
- Trailway is mostly flat but not wheelchair‑compatible.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all trash; use provided recycling bins.
- Stay on designated trails to protect fragile badland vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Caprock Canyons State Park?
Vehicle entry is $5; additional campsite fees range $8–$20 per night.
What are the best hikes in Caprock Canyons State Park?
The 5‑mi Trailway segment is easy for all, while the Canyon Loop to Clarity Tunnel offers a harder, scenic option.
When is the best time to visit Caprock Canyons State Park?
April through October gives warm, dry conditions; avoid July‑August heat if possible.
Can I camp with a tent in the park?
Yes, at designated campgrounds; fees apply and pets are not allowed.
Are there wildlife viewing opportunities?
The state bison herd is visible year‑round; birds of prey and deer are common.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Caprock Canyons State Park
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