Plum Creek at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation in the Texas Panhandle, about 40 miles northeast of Amarillo. The terrain consists of juniper and mesquite-covered hills surrounding the reservoir, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer. Fall and spring visitors encounter milder temperatures in the 60-80°F range, making these seasons ideal for overnight stays.
What to do
Trail riding exploration: Start directly from Plum Creek — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area for miles of scenic riding through native vegetation. "This place is FREE! It has plenty of trees and miles upon miles of trails," notes Phil & Jennifer K., who recommend seasonal treats: "While hiking or riding in the spring, be sure to look for, and eat, the Wild Plums."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities for spotting native species at the campgrounds. At Hackberry Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located about 65 miles south of Fritch, campers report diverse wildlife sightings. "We saw several deer in the park and a couple of turkeys running down the road," shares Helen P., adding to the natural experience of camping in the canyon.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent stargazing conditions away from city lights. "There were sooo many stars. People were turning their lights off and just looking at the starts," writes Ben J. about Hackberry Campground, adding that the experience was enhanced when "the coyotes starting talking back and forth."
What campers like
Solitude and tranquility: Many equestrian campgrounds near Fritch, Texas provide peaceful camping experiences, especially during weekdays. "Camped on a monday night in august and had the campground to ourself!" writes Julie S. about Plum Creek, noting they "arrived around 7:30pm and left at 9am, absolutely perfect weather."
Sunrise and sunset views: The unique topography creates dramatic lighting conditions during dawn and dusk. At Plum Creek — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Andrew K. highlights the "Beautiful sunrise, nice area, had service, easy to find," while similar experiences await at nearby sites.
Covered picnic areas: The shade structures at campsites provide essential relief from the intense Texas sun. "Big fire rings, barbecue, and covered picnic tables," notes Julie S. about the amenities that make summer camping more comfortable at Plum Creek.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps can present challenges for larger trailers. At Plum Creek, N I. warns: "The road in is very steep going down and it is gravel." This is especially important for equestrian campers pulling horse trailers.
Water access changes: Lake levels fluctuate significantly at Lake Meredith. "The lake has receded some distance from the shore so you do not have immediate access," notes N I., so horse owners should plan accordingly for watering their animals.
Weather extremes: The Texas Panhandle experiences significant temperature variations. At Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Alex M. reports: "Aside from the heat (about 104 °F when I arrived in June), the main downside here is the flies. They bite. Through clothing."
Supply planning: Remote horse camping requires bringing all necessities. N I. advises about Plum Creek: "Make sure you bring your supplies with you. No shopping on the corner."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak timing: Weekday visits offer more space and privacy for families with children and animals. Louie D. found Plum Creek ideal when "traveling through from CO to AR and needed a place to stay for one night," noting "we were the only ones there" with "very clean vault toilet right by the site, trash cans clean."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife interactions at the campsites. At Equestrian Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park, John R. notes the "abundance of wildlife" that can interest young campers.
Campsite selection: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities when camping with children. At Hackberry Campground, Amy & Stu B. appreciated that "we had some major trails running directly behind our specific site which made late nights and early morning walkabouts so easy!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. Amy & Stu B. report that Hackberry Campground provides "electric and water hookup" but cautions about water quality: "Literally only minus was that the water was really chlorine-y. But hey, I'll take any potable water over no hookup!"
Site backing challenges: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. Jackie R. warns about Hackberry Campground: "The sites are difficult for newer people to back into, with narrow roads and angled sites with trees and bollards aplenty. Major frustration here."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited in canyon areas. Ben J. reports: "No Verizon coverage, but Sprint could text only" at Hackberry Campground, while visitors to other area campgrounds report similar limitations.
