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Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Bugbee Campground provides free primitive camping within Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, accessible via a mostly paved road that transitions to gravel near the sites. The National Park Service maintains this drive-in and walk-in facility year-round, with pit toilets, fire rings, and trash service available. Big rigs can navigate the access road and find space in the large open camping field.

Sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, though campers should check for fire ant mounds before setting up. The campground sits directly beside Lake Meredith, making it popular with paddlers launching kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. A small marina nearby offers ice, bait, and a fishing dock. Cell service from Verizon and AT&T can be spotty throughout the area.

Wildlife activity includes coyotes at night and raccoons or possums moving through campsites. Morning maintenance crews regularly service the area, keeping facilities clean. Lucas F. notes the campground "always has less campers than other places at Meredith lake," providing more space between groups. Sites lack water hookups and natural shade, so campers should bring shade structures for daytime comfort.

The campground works well for RV travelers seeking free lakeside camping and paddlers wanting direct water access, though the exposed location and active insect population require preparation.

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Location

Public Campground

Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is located in Texas

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located near the Bugbee community off Farm-to-Market 3395.

Coordinates

35.72888047 N
101.5946134 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the spacious, private sites and peaceful setting with fewer crowds than other Lake Meredith areas. Common feedback included primitive facilities with pit toilets and fire rings, though the lack of water is notable.

Nessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Great spot

This was a great spot right next to the lake.  with that being said, be careful of the fire ants, mosquitoes at night, and the flies in the morning.😝 they however only took of a 1/2 point from my original rating. It was really a great spot. Bring a shade tent. It is out in the open no shade at the location we were at.

SiteI have no idea what spot. we drove until we found a space with privacy / distance from others .
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by Nessie C., August 17, 2023
sThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2023

Gorgeous and free!!

Nothing wrong with this spot in any way shape or form. Lots and lots of bugs and critters. We were greeted in the morning by mowers and people picking up trash, but that’s a fantastic sign of a campsite well taken care of, so no complaints from me. In the night, we got to hear coyotes and we heard the scurrying feet of a raccoon or possum. Designated fire pits and a picnic table for each site. Check the site for ant mounds first!! The ants in Texas are bigger too I guess lol. There were also plenty of places for horses so that was awesome. Each site was large enough for an RV or camper.

Sitethe first one on the loop
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by sav , August 15, 2023
  • views of the park!!
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  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by sav , August 15, 2023
  • (5) View All
NThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Kayak Time

Great location to launch a kayak, canoe or SUP. 

Spotty Verizon and ATT service. 

This is a primitive campground but there is a pit toilet and trash. You can also find fire rings. This area has a large open field to camp in. The draw is the peace you will find. PLEASE NO GRAFFITY. Most of the road in is paved but it does turn to gravel. There is a small marina with ice and bait. It also has a small fishing dock 

LNT 

Clean, Drain, Dry

Travel Safe

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by N I., October 26, 2021
  • (10) View All
Lucas F.
Reviewed May. 25, 2020

Nice place to camp

If you are looking for a place to have more private space, bugbee is one of the best places to camp. Always has less campers than other places at Meredith lake. Will not get 5 stars because don’t have water availability.

  • Review photo of Bugbee — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area by Lucas F., May 25, 2020
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Bugbee Cove on Lake Meredith?

Bugbee Cove offers primitive camping with basic facilities. The site includes a pit toilet, trash collection, and existing fire rings. There's a large open field for camping with plenty of space to spread out. Note that there is no water available at the campground, so visitors need to bring their own supply. The campground is well-maintained with regular trash collection and groundskeeping. While primitive, the site's simplicity contributes to its peaceful atmosphere.

What activities can you do at Bugbee Cove on Lake Meredith?

Bugbee Cove is an excellent spot for water activities, with direct lake access ideal for launching kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Wildlife observation is abundant - visitors might hear coyotes at night and encounter various small wildlife. The open setting makes it perfect for stargazing. While enjoying the natural setting, be prepared for insects including mosquitoes, flies, and fire ants, particularly during warmer months. The peaceful environment is perfect for relaxation away from crowds. Cell service can be spotty with limited Verizon and AT&T coverage.

Where is Bugbee Cove located at Lake Meredith?

Bugbee Cove is situated along the shoreline of Lake Meredith within Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. It's positioned in a more secluded area of the lake compared to other camping areas, offering visitors a quieter experience with more privacy. The cove provides direct lake access, making it ideal for water activities. This less-frequented location attracts visitors looking for a more peaceful camping experience away from the busier areas of Lake Meredith.

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