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Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Designation: National Recreation Area

Location: Texas

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Nestled within the Texas Plains, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area serves as a tranquil oasis amid the vast, arid grasslands. Over centuries, the Canadian River has sculpted breathtaking 200-foot canyons—known as breaks—that now encircle the lake. These secluded coves create diverse ecosystems, supporting seven distinct habitats that sustain a rich array of wildlife, including migratory birds

🌤 Weather Information

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.

🚗 Directions

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. 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.

Images

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

Boating at Lake Meredith

Credit: NPS Photo

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

Credit: NPS Photo.

A bench on the Harbor Bay Trail, overlooking Lake Meredith. The sky is blue with white clouds.

View of the lake from Harbor Bay Trail

Credit: NPS Photo

Picnic shelter at a campsite overlooking Lake Meredith.  The sky is blue with no clouds.

View from the Rim

Credit: NPS Photo

Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith.  The lake is deep blue with white clouds above in the sky.

A view of Sanford Dam and Lake Meredith

Credit: NPS Photo

Mullinaw trailhead with green cottonwoods and blue skies in the summer.

Mullinaw Trail

Credit: NPS Photo

A Red-winged Blackbird sitting on greyish-brown stump

Birding at Lake Meredith

Credit: Mark Elliott

Harbor Bay Trail with green mesas, blue sky, and white clouds.

Harbor Bay Trail

Credit: NPS Photo

Sanford Yake boat docks.  The water is blue and calm.  There are a few fisherman fishing.

Sanford Yake

Credit: NPS Photo

View from a mesa of Lake Meredith.  The sky is blue with a few white clouds.

View from a Mesa

Credit: NPS Photo

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Nov 4

Sunny

Sunny

High: 86°F | Low: 50.4°F

Humidity: 30%

Wind: 19.5 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 0.9

Sunrise: 07:12 AM

Sunset: 05:48 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (96%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 49.3°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Nov 5

Sunny

Sunny

High: 80.6°F | Low: 37.4°F

Humidity: 50%

Wind: 18.1 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1

Sunrise: 07:13 AM

Sunset: 05:47 PM

Moon: Full Moon (99%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 47.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Nov 6

Sunny

Sunny

High: 80.4°F | Low: 37.4°F

Humidity: 57%

Wind: 17 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1

Sunrise: 07:14 AM

Sunset: 05:46 PM

Moon: Waning Gibbous (100%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 48.4°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Park Alerts

Application for Special Use Permit Information
Each applicant will be required to complete a new "Application For Special Use Permit" prior to any new permit being issued
Fritch Fortress Campground Bathroom Closure
There will be no bathrooms available at Fritch Fortress Campground as we upgrade the restroom facilities.
Sanford-Yake Campground Bathroom Closure
There will be no bathrooms available at Sanford-Yake Campground as we upgrade the restroom facilities.
Condition of Turkey Creek Trail Information
Turkey Creek Trail, located near the Harbor Bay Campground Area, is available to hike for one-mile at this time. The trail past one-mile is underwater.
Application for Special Use Permit Information
Each applicant will be required to complete a new "Application For Special Use Permit" prior to any new permit being issued
Localized Flooding and Mud/Rock Slides
Due to extreme rainfall, some areas around Lake Meredith are experiencing localized flooding. Some roads have deep puddles and/or moving water on them. There are also small rock/mud slides in several places. Use caution when driving around the lake!
Condition of Turkey Creek Trail Information
Turkey Creek Trail, located near the Harbor Bay Campground Area, is available to hike for one-mile at this time. The trail past one-mile is underwater.
Ice Storm Closures
Due to the current ice storm and unsafe road conditions, Park Headquarters and the Alibates Visitor Center will remain closed on Friday and Saturday, November 27-28, 2015. Please use caution if you decide to visit. In case of emergency, please dial 911.
Prescribed Burn - Temporary Closures
Fire managers plan to conduct prescribed burns around Lake Meredith the week of March 8. Temporary closures and delays may be possible.

More Info

Harbor Bay Main Boat Ramp is Closed Due to Low Water Park Closure
Harbor Bay Main Boat Ramp is now closed due to low water levels.

Park Events

Fireworks and a Movie

Fireworks and a Movie

Celebrate summer under the stars with a dazzling fireworks display and an exciting movie night at the Fritch Amphitheater at Fritch Fortress on July 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM.

The evening kicks off with a spectacular fireworks show, lighting up the night sky in a vibrant celebration. Following the fireworks, attendees can settle in for a free outdoor movie screening—with the title to be announced soon.

Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite blankets and lawn chairs for a comfortable viewing experience. With breathtaking views and a welcoming atmosphere, this event promises fun for all ages.

Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an unforgettable summer night with family and friends!

 

Location: Fritch Fortress Amphitheater

Date: Jul 5, 2025 12:00am to Jul 5, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Monarch Morning

Celebrate Monarch Conservation at Monarch Morning at Alibates

Join us for a morning dedicated to the beauty and conservation of monarch butterflies at Monarch Morning on September 27, 2025  from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Alibates Flint Quarries Visitor Center.

This engaging program will provide hands-on learning about creating a Monarch Butterfly Waystation, ensuring these majestic pollinators have the resources they need to thrive. In addition, attendees will participate in a watercolor workshop, painting flowers that attract monarchs, fostering creativity alongside conservation.

All supplies will be provided, and the event will conclude with a garden tour of the Alibates Monarch Waystation, offering insight into real-world conservation efforts.

Space is limited to 25 participants, so reservations are required. Call 806-857-6680 to secure your spot.

Celebrate monarchs, nature, and creativity in this enriching experience!

Location: Meet at Alibates Visitor Center

Date: Sep 27, 2025 12:00am to Sep 27, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Alibates Star Party

Gaze at the Cosmos at the Alibates Star Party on October 18th

Fritch, TX – Experience the wonders of the universe at the Alibates Star Party, happening October 18th from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot.

Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for a cozy night under the stars. Professor Schneider from Amarillo College will be on-site with his magnificent telescopes, offering spectacular views of planets, stars, and distant galaxies.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the cosmos with expert guidance in one of the best stargazing spots in Texas!

Reservations are required, and space is limited. Call 806-857-6680 to secure your spot.

Location: Meet at Alibates Visitor Center Parking Lot

Date: Oct 18, 2025 12:00am to Oct 18, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
419 E. Broadway
Fritch, TX 79036

🏤 Mailing Address:
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 1460
Fritch, TX 79036

📞 Voice Phone: 806 857-3151

✉️ Email: lamr_interpretation@nps.gov

Park Location


👏 Fun Fact
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