Map of Cross Bar Management Area, Texas
blmdeveloped sitetexas

Cross Bar Management Area

Bureau of Land Management · Texas

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Cross Bar Management Area is an 11,883-acre BLM site fifteen miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas. It is the only BLM-managed surface land in the state. You'll find a developed recreation area on high plains grassland north of the Texas Panhandle's main city.

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The BLM has invested in public recreation here since 1996. You can camp on the grounds and access the landscape for hunting, fishing, and hiking. The area sits in semi-arid terrain with native prairie. Elevation runs around 3,500 feet. Call ahead to confirm current site conditions and any seasonal closures before you drive out.

The BLM manages this land under the Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas Resource Management Plan. Nine thousand nine hundred acres are designated as a Special Recreation Management Area. Standard BLM rules apply: camp where posted and follow all fire restrictions. Texas fire seasons can close dispersed use quickly in dry months. Camp only in designated areas on this developed site.

This corner of the Texas Panhandle sees minimal crowds. The tradeoff is distance from services and exposure to wind. You bring water, fuel, and supplies from Amarillo. Road access is straightforward but confirm status in late winter or after heavy rain.

Call the BLM Oklahoma Field Office at 580-227-7700 before you go.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    14 days per 28
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    Vanlife, dispersed, off-grid

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Land Management camping rules
14-day rule, dispersed allowed, MVUM caveats, fire restrictions.

Conditions and access

coordinates
35.41392, -101.95236
AgencyBureau of Land Managementreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateTexasreported May 2026

Nearby sites

no nearby sites indexed yet.

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from TX cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Cross Bar Management Area

Is camping at Cross Bar Management Area free?
Fees may apply at this developed site with BLM-invested infrastructure. Call the BLM Oklahoma Field Office at 580-227-7700 to confirm current pricing and camping policies before you arrive.
How long can you camp at Cross Bar Management Area?
The BLM 14-day rule applies: you can camp up to 14 days per calendar month in any one camp area on BLM land. After 14 days, you must leave and not return to that same area for the remainder of the calendar month.
What camping facilities does Cross Bar Management Area have?
Cross Bar is a developed site with BLM-invested recreation infrastructure built since 1996. Specific amenities like water, toilets, fire rings, or hookups are not detailed in available sources. Call the BLM Oklahoma Field Office at 580-227-7700 to learn exactly what facilities are available for campers.
Do you need a permit to camp at Cross Bar Management Area?
No permit or reservation is required. Cross Bar is open to BLM public camping under standard land use rules.
Is Cross Bar Management Area open year-round for camping?
Weather in the Texas Panhandle can be extreme in winter and summer. Call the BLM Oklahoma Field Office at 580-227-7700 to ask about seasonal conditions and whether any closures affect your planned visit dates.
Can you have campfires at Cross Bar Management Area?
Fire restrictions on BLM land vary by season and conditions. Texas fire seasons can close dispersed use quickly in dry months. Call the BLM Oklahoma Field Office at 580-227-7700 to verify current fire rules, especially during dry season when restrictions often tighten.

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