Lake Meredith National Recreation Area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation with significant terrain variation between shoreline and clifftop campgrounds. Campers can experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, particularly during spring and fall months. The area receives only about 20 inches of rainfall annually, contributing to the semi-arid landscape that surrounds the reservoir.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Cedar Canyon offers direct water entry for paddlers. "This is a primitive campground but there is a pit toilet and trash. The draw is the peace you will find," notes one reviewer at Bugbee Campground. "Great location to launch a kayak, canoe or SUP."
Horseback riding trails: McBride Canyon features equestrian facilities rarely mentioned in general guides. "Horse corral with hitching post, pit toilet, trash, some covered picnic tables, and fire ring. This is a very open site and would be great for a trail ride," explains a visitor to McBride Canyon. "The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System."
Sunset viewing spots: Harbor Bay provides optimal sunset vantage points from its western shoreline. "Beautiful sunsets," writes a camper at Harbor Bay, noting that the campground offers "picnic table w/ roof/shade, fire ring pits and grills."
What campers like
Free shower access: While many Lake Meredith campgrounds lack amenities, certain locations offer unexpected comforts. "I couldn't ask for a better spot. It's got signal, garbage, portable water, a dump station, everything you could ask for and it's a free place to park," writes a visitor to Fritch Fortress Campground. Another camper adds, "We utilized the campfire pit, showers, toilets, and picnic tables...all of which were great!"
Off-season solitude: Many campgrounds experience minimal usage during cooler months. "Quiet, uncrowded. Situated on the edge of a cliff above Lake Meredith," notes one camper about Blue West Campground. At Plum Creek, a visitor shared, "We are traveling through from CO to AR and needed a place to stay for one night. We found Plum Creek and decided to check it out. The middle campground was perfect - we were the only ones there."
Unusual terrain features: Despite being in generally flat terrain, some campgrounds offer unexpected geological features. "We had a wonderful stay! Beautiful area, warm showers, flush toilets, cell service, and stayed at a free site!" reports a camper at Sanford-Yake Campground.
What you should know
Persistent insect issues: Several campgrounds report significant bug problems during warmer months. At McBride Canyon, one camper warns, "Beware of the massive number of insects, especially the wasps. They actually bit my dog." Another advises, "Be careful of the fire ants, mosquitoes at night, and the flies in the morning."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds despite their proximity. At Sanford-Yake Campground, a camper notes, "Spotty Verizon and ATT service," while others report "It's got signal." This information helps remote workers plan accordingly.
Bathroom availability changes seasonally: Winter visitors should verify facility status before arrival. "The bathroom is 'closed for winter' now. 11/14," reports a November visitor to Fritch Fortress Campground. During summer, however, "There are four private bathrooms with a shower in each."
Tips for camping with families
Safest swimming locations: Harbor Bay offers protected swimming areas away from boating traffic. "Great swim area enclosed by brush making nice private area," writes a visitor. "The nearby boat launch is just down the hill, with a huge parking lot."
Educational opportunities: The area contains significant archaeological sites worth exploring with children. "Be sure to check the Alibates Flint National Monument, just 10 miles south of town. It is worth a stop!" recommends a visitor to Chimney Hollow.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to spot local fauna. "In the night, we got to hear coyotes and we heard the scurrying feet of a raccoon or possum," notes one camper, adding that the site has "designated fire pits and a picnic table for each site."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: Only certain campgrounds around Lake Meredith provide power connections. "A higher area camp ground, nearest the dam. It does have pads for RVs," writes a camper at Sanford-Yake Campground. Another adds, "I think we paid about $30 for water and electric."
Site leveling challenges: The terrain at most Lake Meredith campgrounds requires preparation. "This was a good spot to stop on our road trip - easy to navigate to, easy to reserve, very level spots, hookups," notes a visitor, though they caution about persistent wind.
Road condition warnings: Access roads deteriorate at several campgrounds. "The road in is very steep going down and it is gravel," warns a visitor about Plum Creek Campground. "Definitely wouldn't recommend driving big RV's past the campsite. Steep unpaved grades."
