If you love the idea of glamping, Rustic Luxury Camp cabins blend the perfect line between outdoor rugged adventure and indoor refined comfort — ideal for nature lovers, solo travelers, or families looking to dip their toes into the camping world, with just the right amount of luxury.

Located right on the edge of the second-largest canyon in the U.S, Rustic Luxury Camp brings their own unique blend of luxury and nature to the beauty of Palo Duro Canyon.

Rustic Luxury Camp opened in Texas in September 2024; it’s a newbie that not everyone knows about—for now—so you better hop on it! Expect the drive from north Austin to Canyon, Texas, to be around 8 hours or more depending on the stops.

This family-run business also has locations in Oklahoma and New Mexico. Since building their first cabin in 2015 in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, the business has been dedicated to creating unforgettable vacations in the beauty of nature. It’s safe to say they’re exceeding in that—memories were made, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Imagine waking up to the beauty of the canyon cliffs, sunrise skies, and not a worry in the world – the only hard decision you’ll have is what you’re making for lunch and what trails you’ll be doing first. This is exactly what you’ll experience when staying at one of the 6 tiny-but-spacious 740 square foot cabins.

We stayed at the Rustic Ridge cabin, and honestly, it was even better than I imagined. It doesn’t feel too big nor small—just the right size. Each cabin has the same layout but are different in unique details and stylings.

Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, spa-like bathroom, and bright airy living room that brings in lots of natural sunlight.

The bedroom includes a queen-size bed with ample storage, and upstairs you’ll find a small loft area with another queen-sized bed and more of the breathtaking canyon views. This is the perfect spot for some alone time or anyone seeking a little solitude.

Start your morning with a hot cup of coffee while you take in the stunning canyon views from your private patio—complete with a bistro table and grill, perfect for enjoying your favorite meals outdoors.

The views from all areas of the cabin were absolutely breathtaking, but they became even more immaculate from the bench set a little further out in front near the edge of the cliff (don’t worry, not too close, though!) Sitting there I felt a deep sense of peace taking in the scenery. I even caught a glimpse of some rams making their way across the mountainside! 

Other animals we saw during our stay:

• Rams on the mountain
• Horses, cows, and deer roaming freely
• A tarantula crossing the road
• A roadrunner pecking on the window at the Visitor Center
• Texas longhorns grazing in the distance

Tips for Trails to Explore

The cabin is just minutes away from the park entrance so you can eagerly jump into your next adventure. Aside from hiking, mountain biking is quite popular- offering 36 miles of trails suitable for all skill levels. Another popular activity? Horseback riding, where you’ll saddle up and pretend you’re an aspiring cowboy or cowgirl, riding through the rugged beauty of the iconic canyon. What a unique and unforgettable way to experience the “Grand Canyon of Texas!”

In the summer, we recommend hitting the trails early to beat the heat—but now that it’s fall, this might be the perfect time of year to explore. We lucked out with cool, cloudy, and rainy days when we went, which made the scenic hikes even more pleasant and memorable. The only downside was that due to the rain, only certain trails were open, but we still made the most of it and saw most of the ones we wanted.

The Comanche Trail was one of the ones closed during our visit, but we recommend keeping that one in mind for future visits. Longhorns can be seen along the Paseo del Rio Trail, which also features the Cowboy Dugout. This trail is connected to the Kiowa Trail, which gives some great views of geological layers.

The CCC Trail is a very well-marked and easy to follow trail surrounded by more amazing views, so beautiful you’ll want to stop constantly to just take it all in.

We also hiked the Rock Garden trail, which is relatively newer than the rest of the trails, as it was officially added in 2012.

The Lighthouse Trail is the most iconic and popular trail. This must-do trail is a 5.8-mile out-and-back hike to an iconic rock formation which you can guess looks similar to a lighthouse. The trail is mostly level but towards the end it sneaks up on you with a challenging climb to the Lighthouse’s base.

Cultural Roots and Fossil Finds

When you’re walking through the canyon, it really feels like you’re walking through history. The canyon was inhabited for about 12,000 years by indigenous peoples (Clovis, Folsom), and later by Apache, Kiowa, and Comanche tribes. Many of these trails follow or pass through the areas that were used for hunting, gathering, and travel. The history here feels alive, and you really feel the spirit of those who came before. You get a sense of how resourceful the early people were. It really makes you want to learn more about the region’s cultural roots.

The colors in the canyon walls were so beautiful and fascinating. Fossils of long-extinct animals and plants have been found embedded in the different rock layers—ranging from colors of orange and red to brown, yellow, and purple.

You won’t find a T. rex or Jurassic‑Park giants here, but you will find fossils from the Triassic period – over 200 million years ago – such as phytosaurs, amphibian remains, lungfish, coprolites, and petrified wood in the Tecovas and Trujillo Formations. Later, in younger formations, you find fossils of mastodons, saber‑tooth cats, camels, horses, giant tortoises, and other mammals in the Palo Duro region. You can learn more at the Canyon Gallery & Visitor Center built in 1933, where you’ll find historical videos, archeological and nature exhibits, artifacts from Native American tribes, and an array of Southwest art.  

Entertainment & Eats Near the Canyon

Since we went in September, we missed the Texas Outdoor Musical performed every year from June to August in the gorgeous Pioneer Amphitheater, but you should totally make time for this next year. This family-friendly outdoor theater is carved into a natural basin within the canyon, enhancing the experience with its views and acoustics. The show blends history and entertainment, bringing to life the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the 1800s Texas Panhandle settlers—featuring vibrant lighting, special effects, and fireworks.

The Trading Post is a great stop after a hike for burgers, chicken, or hot dogs—perfect for those who need a nice break from campfire meals. Speaking of which, the cabins are only 15 to 20 minutes from plenty of restaurants and stores to stock up on supplies before exploring the canyon.

Sad Monkey Mercantile is a must-stop for visitors, offering food and drinks, such as hot sandwiches and pizza, as well as coffee and craft beer. The pet-friendly patio is welcoming with cornhole and occasional live music, and keep your eyes peeled for Texas longhorns that just might make an appearance.

Rustic Luxury Camp at Palo Duro Canyon offers more than just sweeping views and a place to recharge—it’s an experience that stays with you, offering a sense of peace long after you leave. It’s a reminder to slow down, and to reconnect with nature, your loved ones, and yourself.

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Cover photo courtesy Rustic Luxury Camp

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.