Pecos is a small city in West Texas, located near the border of New Mexico. While more camping activities lie further south in Big Bend National Park, there are some camping opportunities near Pecos if you are interested in a weekend trip. Pecos is located near the Chihuahuan Desert, a unique environment for camping. Whichever area you chose, you'll find opportunities to explosre the outdoors through a variety of healthy activities.
Time Frame
Camping around Pecos is best any season except summer. According to the Western Regional Climate Center, temperatures average in the 90s from May to September, making it dangerous to be outside for long periods of time. However, it does cool considerably at night during the summer. Average highs range from the 60s to 80s for the rest of the year. In the winter, temperatures drop below freezing at night, so make sure you come prepared for extreme weather if you are camping out.
Types of Camping
One place to camp near Pecos is Monahans Sandhills State Park, located east on I-20. The park offers 3840 of sand dunes, some standing as high as 70 feet, according to the park's site. Monahans Sandhills State Park offers primitive campsites with potable water for its guests. If you prefer being near water, consider camping at Balmorhea State Park, only 14 miles away from Pecos. The park's biggest attraction is its artesian spring pool that gets its water from nearby San Solomon Springs. Accommodations here include campsites with shower facilities and restrooms, as well as hook-ups for RVs and campers. If you are willing to drive a little further, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park, on the border of New Mexico. The park offers two campgrounds: Pine Springs Campground and Dog Canyon Campground. Both campgrounds fill on a first come, first serve basis only. Pine Springs is located in the desert while Dog Canyon is in a forested canyon.
Hiking
Numerous spots near Pecos offer prime hiking opportunities. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features both mountains and desert, you can hike in McKittrick Canyon, where 2,000-feet limestone walls encourage many people to call it "the most beautiful spot in Texas," according to the National Park Service. The Salt Basin Sand Dunes cover 2,000 acres of the park and offer hikers a place to walk in virtual silence. If you want to want to see more sand dunes, Monahans Sandhills State Park also offers interpretive trails.
Horseback Riding
If you are an equestrian enthusiast, the area surrounding Pecos is filled with trails designed especially for horseback riders. Dog Canyon campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park has four corrals available that can hold up to 10 horses each. While no off-trail riding is allowed in the park, there are three easy, six moderate and four difficult trails available for riders of all levels. Balmorhea State Park also has a stable and trails for horseback riders.
Birding
The area around Pecos is home to a diverse collection of birds. In Guadalupe Mountains National Park, there are more than 300 species of birds that either nest in or migrate to the park, according to the NPS. Examples of birds you may see in the parks around Pecos include scrub jays, orioles and pyrrhuloxias, among many others.
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