Dispersed camping near Amarillo, Texas focuses on locations within Lake Meredith National Recreation Area and Palo Duro Canyon region. Both areas experience significant winds, with summer temperatures reaching the 90s°F and winter dropping to the 30s°F. Several campsites include concrete pads with covered structures, helping campers manage the harsh Texas sun and frequent high winds that can make tent camping challenging.
What to do
Trail exploration at Mullinaw Creek: The Mullinaw Trails System near McBride Canyon offers options for hiking, biking, and horseback riding adventures. "This is a very open site and would be great for a trail ride. There are a lot of trees for shade but It can get hot in the summer," notes one McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp visitor.
Watch sunrise over canyons: The elevated position of many dispersed sites provides exceptional sunrise viewing opportunities. A visitor to Palo Duro Canyon Lookout shared, "Lookout parking area with no restrictions on overnight parking. Great place to see the sunrise over the canyon."
Solar power generation: The lack of tree cover at many sites makes the area ideal for solar power systems. One camper at Lower Plum Creek Campground noted, "The Texas sun worked great on my solar and my sunburn."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some locations offer good spacing between camping spots. A visitor to Fritch Fortress Campground observed, "The spots are a good distance apart but there's no trees or anything offering privacy."
Quieter weekday visits: Most areas see reduced traffic during weekdays. "It is a good place to stay if you're staying in a vehicle. But it's Very windy. I would not want to try to wrestle a tent here," reported a Fritch Fortress camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The areas around Lake Meredith provide chances to observe local wildlife. "Wildlife and traffic are heavy due to it being hunting season. But the traffic wasn't a bother. Usually early in the morning and late at night," noted one McBride Canyon visitor.
Free camping options: Several sites offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. A visitor to Chimney Hollow commented, "FCFS, FREE, No drinking water. There is a pit toilet, trash, and plenty of cactus. This is a very open area that is more like a pasture than dispersed camping."
What you should know
Extreme wind conditions: Wind is a constant challenge at most sites. A camper at SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook reported, "This place has the most amazing views! I was the only one there for the one night. The weather was great, but then the wind picked up big time at night."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some sites have minimal or seasonal facilities. "The bathroom is 'closed for winter' now. 11/14," noted a Fritch Fortress camper, while another mentioned, "The bathrooms have jail like showers, but I didn't use them so I'm not sure what they're like."
Road conditions can be challenging: Access roads often deteriorate with weather and distance. "After a very long drive on a bumpy dirt road after midnight, i arrived at a closed gate that looked half broken down," shared one McBride Canyon camper.
Insect populations: The area's dry climate still supports significant insect activity. A McBride Canyon visitor noted, "Beware of the massive number of insects, especially the wasps. They actually bit my dog. Keep in mind that you are at the bottom of a dried up lake if you are there in the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Select shaded locations: Limited tree cover makes shade a premium feature. "There are a lot of trees for shade but It can get hot in the summer. The road into the campground does deteriorate the further in you go," advised a McBride Canyon visitor.
Consider alternatives to tent camping: The high winds make vehicle camping more practical for families. "I would not feel comfortable in a tent, but in an RV, I would be fine," shared a visitor to SH 207 Palo Duro Canyon Overlook.
Pack for temperature extremes: Prepare for significant day-night temperature swings. "I went in the summer, and it got pretty hot with temperatures in the 90s°F, so bring plenty of water. I can imagine winter would be chilly, down to the 30s°F, so dress accordingly," advised a Palo Duro Canyon Lookout camper.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle clearance matters: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. "You might want to have a bit of clearance on your vehicle," advised a Chimney Hollow visitor, while another camper warned, "Definitely wouldn't recommend driving big RV's past the campsite. Steep unpaved grades."
Limited water access: Plan to arrive with all water needs met. "Fresh water at dump site was not operational. Found fresh water to fill our tank at Sanford Yake campground," reported an RVer at Fritch Fortress Campground.
