Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Are you in need of a campground near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, TX? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, TX. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (6)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

19 Photos of 6 Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

13 Reviews of 6 Lake Meredith National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Country Living

    FCFS

    FREE

    This is a pretty good campground especially since it is Free.  You have a stay limt of 14 days and who doesn't need to kick back and just enjoy the simple pleasures of doing nothing.  There is no water but you will have picnic tables with shelters for the tables, fire ring, trash and a pit toilet.  You have a lot of shade around the perimenter of the campground which makes it nice.  There is no electric but who needs it.  You should have plenty of time to hike the grasslands, find a great fishing spot around the lake.  We are looking forward to a return trip to spend more time around the lake.  Hunting is another reason to check this place out.

    LNT

    tRAVEL SAFE.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2020

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Simple, no frills, secluded

    This is the perfect place for quiet, secluded tent camping. The sites were spread apart a nice distance, each with a picnic table. Pit toilets centrally located. Grills And fire rings at some (but perhaps not all) of the sites.  The best part of this campground is the quiet. We were the only ones at the campground the weekend of our visit - we literally had the campground to ourselves. Just a short drive/hike further up the canyon on the dirt road for some beautiful views.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Chimney Hollow — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Free As Ya Wanna Be

    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. It is a great spot if you want to get away from it all. The road in will turn from pavement to dirt. I would be careful during the rainy season. No shade trees which means it is great for solar. There was only one rock fire ring. You might want to have a bit of clearance on your vehicle. 

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it. 

    Travel safe

  • Daisee Mae S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2022

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Out of The Way Peaceful

    Upon arrival, it is very far out of the way of any towns or amenities. So make sure you bring everything you need for your stay. This is not a one night stop if you’re just driving through.

    The road is fairly nice and paved the whole way out until you reach the camp. No big ruts or pot holes. It turns into sand and loose gravel after entering the campground.

    There are quite a few rules and regulations to stay here, so it says on the board when entering the camp.

    We stayed during hunting season so the length of stay is up to 30 days. Any other time of the year it’s 14 days.

    I checked the local website and there is a fire ban in effect but it could change in the future. So be sure to check if you plan on having a fire.

    Reception sucks. We got one bar where we stayed but towards where people are living out here, it’s a little better.

    There are a couple of holes dug in the ground with a toilet sitting on top. I used it and noticed it was to the top by the rim of the seat full of human waste. Awesome!

    There are a lot of sand burrs that stuck to literally everything when you walk anywhere outside.

    The time of the year we stayed the whole country was experiencing an Arctic blast from the north, so it was quite chilly. That’s not norma here, but it is what it is.

    We didn’t make it down to the Lake so i have no pictures of that.

    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.

    Seen a park ranger a few times drive by, that’s the extent of that.

    All n all, very peaceful! We would stay again.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Trail Ride

    FCFS

    FREE 

    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. 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. It is also VERY dusty This area is located south of the lake off of State Highway 136. You will find large cottonwood trees that provide shade. The Mullinaw Creek area features the expanded Mullinaw Trails System. 

    This trail system is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. 

    NO OFF ROAD VEHICLES ALLOWED. 

    No drinking water 

    LNT 

    BTWYFI

    Travel safe

  • UnnamedAdventures  The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 20, 2021

    Rosita Flats OHV Area — Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

    Not safe to camp - ATV site

    This site is actually the River Site ATV trails which appears to be where local people with their dirk bikes and ATV ride the trails. It's right by the river off the hwy, trash is everywhere and it looks like a very unsafe area. Which was confirmed as we were turning around in the lot to get the heck out of there, a game warden pulled up to all the trucks parked under the overpass. Definitely looked like a super sketchy area. Also it's full dirt so don't go down there if it's wet.

    The recreation area is actually about 45-60 mins east of where this pin is on the map.

    We would have taken a picture of the shady location but we were too quick to get the heck out of there.


Guide to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

Dispersed camping near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in Texas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some insights to enhance your experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in Texas

  • Make sure to bring all necessary supplies, as areas like McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp are quite remote and lack amenities.
  • Be aware of local regulations; for instance, during hunting season, the length of stay can be extended to 30 days, as noted by visitors at Rosita Flats OHV Area.
  • Prepare for limited cell reception in many areas, including Chimney Hollow, where connectivity can be spotty.

Top activities while free camping near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the rugged terrain at Fritch Fortress Campground, which offers beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature.
  • Fishing is a popular activity in the area, especially near the water bodies accessible from locations like Bugbee Campground, where you can cast a line and relax.
  • Wildlife watching is abundant, particularly during early mornings and late evenings, making spots like Lower Plum Creek Campground ideal for observing local fauna.

Essential attractions for dispersed campers

  • The stunning sunsets over the water at Fritch Fortress Campground provide a breathtaking backdrop for evening relaxation.
  • The unique geological formations and rugged hills at McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp make for excellent photography opportunities and exploration.
  • For those seeking solitude, the open spaces at Chimney Hollow offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area offers several free dispersed camping locations with a 14-day stay limit. Lower Plum Creek Campground provides established campsites with cement pads at the end of the road. Chimney Hollow is another free option that offers a more open camping area, though the access road transitions from pavement to dirt which may become challenging during wet conditions. Both sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required, making them good options for spontaneous camping trips near Amarillo.

What amenities are available for dispersed campers at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping areas at Lake Meredith offer basic amenities despite their primitive nature. McBride Canyon & Mullinaw Creek Camp provides covered picnic tables, fire rings, trash receptacles, and pit toilets. For horse enthusiasts, there's even a corral with hitching posts. Fritch Fortress Campground features additional amenities including trash cans at each site, water spigots near the bathrooms, and shower facilities. Note that drinking water is not available at most dispersed sites, so campers should bring their own supply. Most areas include some form of shade structure, though tree cover varies considerably between locations.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is Fritch Fortress Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.