A boat travels across Lake Meredith on a sunny day.  The lake is light blue. Photo: NPS Photo

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Texas

Set within the wide‑open Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of rugged grasslands.

  • LocationFritch, TX
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now85°F Sunny
  • Alerts 4 active alerts

Overview

Over thousands of years, the Canadian River carved dramatic 200‑foot canyons—known as breaks—that now frame the lake in striking layers of color and texture. These quiet coves sustain an unexpectedly rich array of life, providing seven distinct habitats.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Grasslands
  • Prairies
A storm coming in at Lover's Canyon.  The sky is dark blue with dark clouds.  The lake is greenish.
Weather in the Texas Panhandle — NPS Photo.

Alerts (4)

InformationRoadwork to Begin at Sanford Yake Campground Monday, July 13th The National Park Service announces that Federal Highway Administration contractors will begin roadway and pavement main… Read more

The National Park Service announces that Federal Highway Administration contractors will begin roadway and pavement maintenance at Sanford Yake Campground starting Monday, July 13, 2026. This project will include chip seal, micro seal, micro surfacing, and pavement striping throughout key areas of Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Visitors to Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument and Lake Meredith National Recreation Area are encouraged to follow all posted message boards and traffic instructions.

InformationRoad Construction Work to begin May 4-October 24 Road construction work to occur Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, weather permitting. Expect… Read more

Road construction work to occur Monday thru Friday between the hours of 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, weather permitting. Expect delays of up to 30 minutes during active construction periods.

InformationCondition of Turkey Creek Trail The South Turkey Creek Trail, located near the Harbor Bay Campground Area, is currently open for hiking for the first mi… Read more

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.

InformationApplication for Special Use Permit

Each applicant is required to complete a new "Application For Special Use Permit" prior to any new permit being issued

Camping

8 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.

  • Blue West Campground

    Blue West Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    (806) 857-3151 Directions

    Details
    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.
  • Cedar Canyon Campground

    Cedar Canyon Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    419 E. Broadway, Fritch, TX (806) 857-3151 Directions

    Details
    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.
  • Chimney Hollow

    Chimney Hollow Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    Fritch, TX Directions

    Details
    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.
  • Harbor Bay Campground

    Harbor Bay Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    (806) 857-3151 Directions

    Details
    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.
Show 4 more campgrounds
  • Mullinaw Trail

    McBride Canyon and Mullinaw Creek Campgrounds

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    (806) 857-3151 Directions

    Details
    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.
  • Plum Creek Campground

    Plum Creek Campgrounds

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    Four camping grounds are available in this region of Lake Meredith Recreation Area. There are large cottonwoods for shade. These cottonwoods turn various colors of red…

    419 E. Broadway, Fritch, TX (806) 857-3151 Directions

    Details
    Four camping grounds are available in this region of Lake Meredith Recreation Area. There are large cottonwoods for shade. These cottonwoods turn various colors of red, yellow, orange, and gold during the fall season. This area is a favorite for hiking, horsebackriding, birding, and wildlife viewing. There is no drinking water or flush toilets available. There are only vault-evaporator toilets available. Picnic tables, shade shelters, and grills available.
  • Sanford Yake

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    This campground has scenic overlooks and access to the shoreline is steep and difficult. Restrooms have potable water, showers, and flush toilets. There are picnic…

    Directions

    Details
    This campground has scenic overlooks and access to the shoreline is steep and difficult. Restrooms have potable water, showers, and flush toilets. There are picnic tables, shade shelters, grills and pull through parking available. There are 10 RV spaces with water and 50,30, 20 amp electric hookups. Reservations can be made by calling 806-865-3131. All other campsites are free and on a first-come-first serve basis. Pets are allowed at campsites, but must be on a leash at all times.
  • Sanford-Yake Campground

    Sanford Yake Campground

    Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground

    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…

    Directions

    Details
    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.

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Blue Creek

    Blue Creek

    Facility

    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…

    Details
    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.
  • Bugbee Canyon

    Bugbee Canyon

    Facility

    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…

    Details
    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.
  • Fritch Fortress Campground

    Fritch Fortress

    Facility

    A caprock campground, overlooking Lake Meredith located on Fritch Fortress Road. Open for boaters, campers, swimmers, and other approved water activities. Picnic tables…

    Details
    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.
  • Lake Meredith Headquarters

    Park Headquarters

    Facility

    Visitors to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area can stop by and pick up maps and guides for the area. A small bookstore sells a variety of merchandise including…

    Details
    Visitors to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area can stop by and pick up maps and guides for the area. A small bookstore sells a variety of merchandise including books, field guides, hats, and souvenirs.
  • Rosita

    Rosita Flats

    Facility

    This campground consists of dispersed camping along the Canadian River in one of the park's ORV-use areas. ORV operators must have state of Texas Off-Highway Vehicle…

    Details
    This campground consists of dispersed 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.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Park Operating Hours

Hours by area (2)
  • Park Operating HoursOpen 24 hours, daily

    The National Recreation Area is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

  • Park Headquarters OfficesToday: 9:00AM - 4:00PM

    Office hours for park headquarters, including the Superintendent's office.

    Monday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Tuesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Wednesday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Thursday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    Friday9:00AM - 4:00PM
    SaturdayClosed
    SundayClosed

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Address

419 E. Broadway
Fritch, TX 79036

Weather & conditions

85°F
Sunny · feels like 84°
  • Today 89° 69°
    Sunny
    17% rain
  • Tomorrow 88° 69°
    Sunny
    3% rain
  • Wednesday 74° 63°
    Overcast
    79% rain

Updated 3 hr ago

What to expect by season

This area of the Texas Panhandle has a wide variety of weather conditions throughout the year. Winters are cold and windy, with summers being hot and dry. Weather can change rapidly on Lake Meredith. It is usually a good idea to check the weather report and dress accordingly.

Photos

Getting There

419 E. Broadway
Fritch, TX 79036

There are several ways to arrive at Lake Meredith. If you are coming from Amarillo, exit Loop 335 North, then exit Hwy 136 North to Fritch, Texas.

Full directions

Headquarters is located at 419 E. Broadway in Fritch. If coming from the North, take FM 1913 from the Dumas Highway or FM 1913 from US 287. The Amarillo Airport is approximately 35 miles south of Lake Meredith, if traveling by air. Rental cars are available in Amarillo.

Mailing address: Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Fritch, TX 79036

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