Choosing a base, what to expect to pay, and places to look at in each destination.
Accommodation in the Panhandle means mostly chain hotels and roadside motels, with a few restored gems in Amarillo and Lubbock. The right base saves hours of driving.
As a rough guide, chain hotels often cost around US$90–160 a night, simple motels less, and upscale downtown hotels more, particularly on event weekends. Book early for Texas Tech home games, the TEXAS show season at weekends and the XIT Reunion in Dalhart. Elsewhere, a week or two in advance is usually fine.
| Base | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Amarillo | First-timers, all-round access | The widest choice, 30 minutes from Palo Duro |
| Canyon | Hikers | Closest to the park, with a small town square |
| Shamrock | Route 66 road-trippers | Handy for the eastern section and the U-Drop Inn |
| Borger | Lake Meredith and Alibates | Practical, not scenic |
| Pampa | Slow travellers | Quiet, small choice |
| Dalhart | Through-travellers, ranch history | Book early for the August reunion |
| Lubbock | Music, wine, Caprock access | Rates climb on game weekends |
Real properties we saw listed. Links open Booking.com; most open a search for the hotel by name, so check the details there.
Amarillo has by far the most rooms in the Panhandle. Four to start with; each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A restored historic downtown tower, now a stylish hotel within walking distance of restaurants.
A large all-suite hotel downtown, next to the ballpark and handy for families.
A reliable chain hotel set in a historic downtown building.
A themed motel beside the Big Texan on I-40, with a seasonal pool and free parking.
Canyon has a small group of hotels, all a short drive from the park gate. Each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A familiar mid-range choice by the highway in Canyon, one of the closest options to the park.
A modern chain hotel in Canyon, popular with families.
A straightforward base with easy highway access.
A budget vintage-style motel close to the university.
We could not confirm any bookable property here, so we do not recommend a specific one. Use the search link below to see what is available, or reserve a state-park campsite.
Shamrock has a few roadside hotels close to I-40. Each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A modern roadside hotel close to I-40, handy for an overnight in Shamrock.
A simple, good-value stop for a single road-trip night.
Borger has a small choice of hotels near the lake. Each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A dependable chain hotel in Borger, handy for an early start at Alibates.
A simple motel option on the highway through Borger.
Pampa has a couple of chain options. Each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A dependable modern choice with a pool.
A straightforward roadside stop.
Dalhart has a handful of highway hotels, used by road-trippers and truckers. One link is a confirmed Booking.com page; the others open a search for that property.
A comfortable chain hotel with an indoor pool, hot tub and fitness centre.
A modern option with a garden, terrace and free parking.
A long-running choice in town. Reviewers mention train and traffic noise, so ask for a quieter room.
A basic, budget-friendly roadside stop.
Lubbock has plenty of rooms. Four to start with; each link opens a Booking.com search for that property.
A full-service hotel next to Texas Tech, with an outdoor pool and hot tub.
A stylish boutique-style hotel near downtown and the Depot District.
A reliable, pet-friendly mid-range hotel.
A well-reviewed value choice in south-west Lubbock.
Hotel links open Booking.com. We may earn a commission on bookings made through partner links, at no extra cost to you. We show a star rating only where we read one on Booking.com, and we do not list prices per hotel because they change daily.
Planning the rest of the trip? See getting there and around and sample itineraries.
The Panhandle is road-trip country with few bookable tours. Check what GetYourGuide currently offers around Amarillo, then fill in the rest with our free guides.
Canyon, or the park itself if you can get a site. Amarillo is fine too.
Two or three: Amarillo or Canyon, then Lubbock, with perhaps a night camping at Caprock.
Very few. This is hotel and motel country, with historic properties in the cities.
Yes, in campsites and a few historic cabins, which book up quickly.
For summer weekends and big events, yes. Otherwise, a week or two is usually fine.
Many are, particularly chains along I-40. Check the policy when you book.
