scrubby landscape at 
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway

Those wanting to explore the beauty of Texas’s panhandle area, should head to Caprock Canyons State Park.

Nestled along the eastern fringes of the Llano Estacado, this stunning 15,314-acre park enjoys a rich history. Having been home to several Native American tribes, who resided within the area prior to the Spanish exploration of the mid-1500s.

Today this Texas state park is best known for its excellent hiking, biking and horse riding, which takes place along 90 miles of trails. It is also a renowned spot for a varied range of aquatic activities that you can engage in on Lake Theo too.

Open all year round, wildlife watching is also a popular activity here, as is camping. With the park offering, several sites for RVs and trailers, as well as a number of primitive hike-in tent sites across its various campgrounds.

Activities

The park provides visitors with numerous ways to partake in a range of outdoor recreational activities.

Here are some more details about some of the many things you can do during your time there.

Water Activities at Caprock Canyons State Park

If you brought them with you, beautiful Lake Theo is a lovely place to take to the water on a canoe, kayak or SUP.

As there are no boat rentals at the park, you will need to bring your own watercraft with you, but if you do, then you will be able to enjoy its serenity and the wonderful scenic views it offers of the shoreline.

During the warm months of winter, the lake also provides an excellent way to cool off from the intense heat of the Texan sun.

There are designated swimming areas for those who fancy a dip. However, as the area is not lifeguarded, you are advised to exercise caution when you are in the water.

Fishing at Caprock Canyons State Park

For those into fishing, the lake offers opportunities to cast a line from the shore, on a pier or in a small, engineless watercraft.

Regardless of where you choose to fish you will have the opportunity to catch black bass, carp, catfish, crappie, sunfish, trout, walleye and saugeye.

Thankfully, the park offers fishing rods and poles for hire, if you did not bring your own with you.

However, prior to angling, it is worth contacting the park’s main office to ascertain what rules and regulations apply in terms of permits, fish sizes and limits.

Trails at Caprock Canyons State Park

Like with most state parks, the best way to explore Caprock Canyon state park is through its trails.

Overall the park has 90 miles of trails – many of which are multi-use – that are great for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Showcasing a stunning landscape that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, there are 11 trails overall in the park, which differ in terms of length and degrees of difficulty – ranging from easy to very challenging.

If you intend to tackle any of these trails, you would be well advised to pick up a color-coded and well labeled map from the main office or park ranger station.

Regardless of which trail you attempt, be sure to take plenty of water with you and wear appropriate safety equipment and footwear.

Nature & Wildlife

The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, which makes for fascinating viewing while out hiking.

Some of the animals you may encounter during your time at the park include pronghorn antelope, mule deer, grey fox, bobcats, coyotes, jackrabbits or raccoon.

You may also see several of the 30 species of snakes and 14 species of lizards that call the park home, as well as over 175 different breeds of birds.

Many people who visit the park make a point of trying to spot the Texas State Bison Herd that roams within more than 10,000 acres of it. Also the Mexican free-tailed bat is another animal to look out for, especially if you visit the Clarity Tunnel on the Trailway.

Pets at Caprock Canyons State Park

Pets are welcome at Caprock Canyons, although some restrictions on their presence may apply.

To determine what they are, and how they may affect your time there, it is worth containing the park’s main office for further clarification.

Camping at Caprock Canyons State Park

For those who want to stay overnight at the park there are several camping options available for RVs, trailers and tent campers across a number of campgrounds.

Over at the Honey Flat Area you will find 10 sites with hookups for water and 50-amp electricity and a further 25 sites whose connections are powered by 30-amp electricity.

All of these sites come with their own picnic tables, shade shelter, lantern posts and fire rings. They are also located near restrooms.

In addition to these options there are also 9 campsites that come with water at the Lake Theo area. These also are situated close to restrooms and include individual picnic tables, fire rings, shade shelters and lantern posts as well.

For those into primitive or overflow tent camping there are also 84 hike-in sites available between the Little Red, North Prong and South Prong areas, as well as along the length of the trailway.

These sites have little in the way of amenities, although some do have fire rings or grills, as well as covered picnic tables and organic toilets. To access them, they involve anything from a 10 yard walk to a seven-mile hike.

If you do plan to stay at these sites please bring your own drinking water and take your trash out with you.

Park Location

Caprock Canyons State Park
850 Caprock Canyon Park Road
Quitaque, TX 79255
Phone: 5806.455.1492

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Caprock Canyons State Park: