These Tiny Cabins Are in the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas’ — Each With a Spa-like Bathroom, Kitchen, and Gorgeous Views

The Texas panhandle is known for its flat, grassy plains. For most of us, driving across it is a necessary, yet monotonous part of the drive to Dallas, Oklahoma City, or Albuquerque. But what many bored drivers don’t realize is that the second-largest canyon in the U.S., nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” also cuts across the panhandle.

The Palo Duro Canyon is significantly lesser known than the nation’s largest canyon — the Grand Canyon, which welcomed over 4.7 million visitors in 2023 — but is impressive in its own right. At its largest, the Palo Duro Canyon is 800 feet deep and 20 miles wide and runs almost 120 miles in length. It is located within Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about Palo Duro Canyon — a blend of rugged Western charm and serene natural beauty marked by red rock cliffs, rugged mesas, and big skies.

Sitting at the edge of this grandeur is Rustic Luxury Camp, a new vacation retreat made up of six tiny, yet luxurious, cabins. From the camp, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park visitor center is an easy 10-minute drive.

“We designed Rustic Luxury Camp to offer guests the best views of Palo Duro Canyon, blending luxurious amenities with natural beauty. We’ve been humbled by our guests’ feedback on the unforgettable memories they’re making with us, and we’re honored to be part of their experiences in this remarkable place,” co-owners Kevin and Micah Rust told Travel + Leisure.

As its name implies, the Rustic Luxury Camp walks the line between simplicity and luxury. The cabins are small at 740 square feet, yet are outfitted with high-end linens and a spa-style bathroom. Each cabin can sleep up to four people and comes equipped with a full kitchen, a sunny living area, a separate loft area, and two queen-size beds. Added perks at Rustic Luxury Camp include speedy Wi-Fi and a welcoming pet policy.

The view from the cabins, which is easily the standout feature of the new Rustic Luxury Camp, is expansive. From their elevated perch above the valley floor, you can look out over the plateaus and buttes that wind toward Palo Duro Canyon. 

The view only gets better in the evening, when you can walk out on your west-facing patio to catch the sunset while making use of the outdoor grill. At night, the cabins are perfectly positioned for stargazing, with very little light pollution.

The Rustic Luxury Camp opened to travelers in September 2024 and is the newest project from the hospitality company that opened a series of cabins in Oklahoma near Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake and a Rustic Chalet in Angel Fire, New Mexico.

The Rustic Luxury Camp near Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located outside the small town of Canyon, Texas, which is 30 minutes southeast of Amarillo, Texas, and Route 66. Rates start at $200 a night, with bookings made on Airbnb.