Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is situated in the Texas Panhandle, approximately 35 miles north of Amarillo. Covering an area of 16,000 acres, it is managed by the National Park Service. The site was established in 1965, following the completion of the Sanford Dam, which created Lake Meredith.
Lake Meredith serves as a vital water source for the surrounding region, as well as a popular recreational destination. The reservoir spans approximately 16,500 acres and has a shoreline reaching over 150 miles, offering ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers can cast their lines in search of catfish, walleye, bass, and perch, among other species. Several marinas and boat ramps provide convenient access to the lake.
Aside from water-based activities, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area boasts numerous trails that cater to hikers and nature enthusiasts. These trails wind through picturesque canyons and rolling hills, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, located within the recreation area, is known for its rich historical significance. Inhabited for thousands of years, the quarries were a source of flint and played a vital role in Native American cultures.
Nearby attractions to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area include Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," which is located approximately 60 miles southeast. Palo Duro Canyon offers spectacular hiking and biking trails, opportunities for horseback riding, and camping facilities. The city of Amarillo, with its unique blend of Texan and Western cultures, offers visitors various attractions and entertainment options, including the famous Cadillac Ranch and the Amarillo Museum of Art.
Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers will find much to explore and enjoy at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and its surrounding attractions. From the alluring waters of Lake Meredith to the captivating trails and cultural sites nearby, this area truly offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages and interests.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is situated in the northeastern part of the state of Texas. Found within the Texas Panhandle, this renowned recreation area spans over 16,000 acres and is centered around Lake Meredith, a reservoir on the Canadian River. Surrounded by picturesque rolling plains and rugged canyons, the park captures the essence of the Great Plains region. With its strategic position near the junction of the Canadian River and several tributaries, this location offers a serene and diverse natural environment, attracting visitors seeking a getaway in the vast and beautiful Texan wilderness.
419 E. BroadwayFritch, TX 79036Driving DirectionsPhone: 806 857-3151Web: Link
The best time to visit Lake Meredith National Recreation Area would be in the months of April and May. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 73°F to 82°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is around 1.7 inches in April and 2.3 inches in May, ensuring a lower chance of rainfall. These months also offer a moderate number of visitors. By visiting during this ideal timeframe, visitors can enjoy the outdoors without enduring extreme temperatures or large crowds.
Some of the activities you can do in Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are: Food Guided Tours Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Hiking Boating Fishing Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Auto and ATV Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Mountain Biking ATV Off-Roading
Learn about these topics at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Grasslands Prairies
Visitors to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area can stop by and pick up maps and guides for the area. Headquarters is also where ORV permits are processed.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Park Headquarters.
This camping area is an off-road vehicle and horseback riding area on the northwest side of the lake off FM 1913. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilet only. Off-road use is in the creek bed ONLY. This area is surrounded with plush cottonwood and soapberry trees.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 50
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith. Access to shoreline is difficult. This campground is located north of the lake off FM Road 1913. These campgrounds have excellent views of the lake and offer picnic tables and shade shelters. This area is a great place to view the sunsets of the Texas Panhandle.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 30
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
This area is located near the Bugbee community off FM 3395. Shoreline fishing is popular and there are a number of shoreline birds to view. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets only.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 10
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
This small cove lies between Fritch Fortress and Sanford-Yake campgrounds. The area features beach camping with no individual campsites. This campground can become soft during rainy conditions. Please drive with caution when leaving paved roads. There are restrooms with potable water and flush toilets in the parking lot.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round
This remote and primitive area is located near Blue West. It is tucked in the Blue Creek embankment, which provides protection from prevailing winds. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator only. There are picnic tables available.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL
A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith located on Fritch Fortress Road. Open for boaters, campers, swimmers, and other approved water activities. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. There is a restroom with potable water, showers, and flush toilets. Pull-through parking is available.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 15
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round
This campground is located outside of Fritch at the end of Lakeview Drive off Hwy. 136. The area features both designated sites and open meadow camping. Harbor Bay also features two new trails, which are the Harbor Bay and South Turkey Creek Trails. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. No drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets. A beautiful area for water activities, hiking, biking, and birding.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 25
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
These areas are located south of the lake off of State Highway 136. There are large cottonwood trees that provide shade. The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System . This trail system is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. NO OFF ROAD VEHICLES ALLOWED. No drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets only. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills. Horse corrals are located at Mullinaw Campground. The dirt roads can become impassable after rain.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 40
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
There are four camping areas in this region of the recreation area. These campgrounds are located on the southwest side of the lake off FM 1913. This area is a favorite for hiking, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife watching. Devil's Canyon Trail is a good trail for beginner to experienced horseback riders. This area is covered with cottonwood trees. There is no drinking water or flush toilets; vault-evaporator toilets only. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 45
Toilets: Vault Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
This campground consists of ispersed camping along the Canadian River in one of the park's ORV-use areas. ORV operators must have state of Texas Off-Highway Vehicle decal and wear DOT-approved safety gear.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (Camping Fees)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: No Toilets
Showers: None
Potable Water: No water
A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith. 10 RV sites with electric and water hookups available. Reservations can be made by calling 806-865-3131. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills are available. Restrooms with potable water, showers, and flush toilets are available. Pull-through parking available.
Fees (US$): NULL
Total Campsites: 51
Toilets: NULL
Showers: NULL
Potable Water: NULL
A stay at Econo Lodge Dumas places you in the heart of Dumas, within a 5-minute drive of Phillips Park and McDade Park. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, coffee/tea in a common area, and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1719 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, Texas 79029
Web: Link
A stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Borger, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Borger, within a 10-minute walk of Frank Phillips College and Golden Plains Community Hospital. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1351 W Wilson Street, Borger, Texas 79008
Web: Link
A stay at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dumas, an IHG Hotel places you in the heart of Dumas, within a 5-minute drive of Phillips Park and McDade Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1932 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, Texas 79029
Web: Link
With a stay at Hampton Inn and Suites Dumas in Dumas, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Phillips Park and McDade Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2010 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, Texas 79029
Web: Link
Located in Dumas, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dumas is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Phillips Park and McDade Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1912 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, Texas 79029
Web: Link
With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Borger in Borger, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Golden Plains Community Hospital and Frank Phillips College. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1415 W Wilson St, Borger, Texas 79007
Web: Link
Located in Borger, Best Western Borger Inn is within a 5-minute drive of Hutchinson County Museum and Frank Phillips College. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 206 S Cedar St, Borger, Texas 79007
Web: Link
With a stay at Best Western Windsor Inn in Dumas, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Phillips Park and McDade Park. Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1701 S Dumas Ave, Dumas, Texas 79029
Web: Link
With a stay at Borger Ambassador Inn in Borger, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Hutchinson County Museum and Huber Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 900 East Third Street, Borger, Texas 79007
Web: Link
Located in Borger, Royal inn is within a 5-minute drive of Frank Phillips College and Golden Plains Community Hospital. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3403 W Wilson St, Borger, Texas 79007
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-02-23 | Condition of Turkey Creek Trail The South Turkey Creek Trail, located near the Harbor Bay Campground Area, is currently open for hiking for the first mile; however, the remainder of the trail is underwater and cannot be safely accessed. |
| 2026-02-09 | Application for Special Use Permit Each applicant is required to complete a new "Application For Special Use Permit" prior to any new permit being issued |
| 2023-08-08 | Drowning at Spring Canyon in Lake Meredith NRA 2023-08-08 Drowning Press Release More |